Page 100 - Six Sigma Advanced Tools for Black Belts and Master Black Belts

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7

Fishbone Diagrams vs. Mind Maps

Timothy Yoap

Mind maps were developed by Tony Buzan in 1970. They originated from research
into how the brain works and how to maximize its use. They are very similar to
the cause-and-effect diagram used in measure phase of a Six Sigma project. The mind
mapping technique has been introduced in many schools and educational institutions.
In this chapter, similarities and differences, pros and cons as well as suggestions on
how to incorporate the mind map technique into the Six Sigma toolbox are discussed.

7.1 INTRODUCTION

Cause-and-effect diagrams were developed by Kauro Ishikawa of Tokyo University
in 1943, and thus are often called Ishikawa diagrams. They are also known as fishbone
diagrams because of their appearance (in the plotted form). Cause-and-effect diagrams
are used to systematically list the different causes that can be attributed to a problem
(or an effect). A cause-and-effect diagram can aid in identifying the reasons why a
process goes out of control.
Mind maps, also known as ‘the Swiss Army knife of the brain’, were developed by
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Tony Buzan in 1970. They originated from research into how the brain works and
how to maximize its use. Therefore, the original intent of the tool was to enhance
learning, memory and creative thinking through simulation of how the brain works.
Although the two were developed in different times and places, and with different
objectives in mind, they share some similarities and appear to be a good substitutes
in many circumstances. On the other hand, because of those different objectives, there
are differences between them that are too important to be ignored without degrading
the power of the tools.
In this chapter we will start by going through a step-by-step procedure for creating
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a mind map. This will be followed by a discussion of the similarities and differences

Six Sigma: Advanced Tools for Black Belts and Master Black Belts L. C. Tang, T. N. Goh, H. S. Yam and T. Yoap
C 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd
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