Which tool should the project team use to find the cause of defects associated with project deliverables?

A fishbone diagram, also known as an Ishikawa or cause-and-effect diagram, is specifically designed to identify the root causes of defects or problems within a project. This tool allows teams to visually break down the various factors that contribute to a particular issue, ensuring that all potential causes are considered, categorized, and analyzed. By using a fishbone diagram, the project team can systematically explore different dimensions of a problem, such as people, processes, materials, and environment, leading to a comprehensive understanding of why defects may be occurring.

In the context of managing project deliverables and ensuring quality outcomes, the fishbone diagram facilitates team discussions focused on identifying not just the symptoms but the underlying causes of defects. This approach ultimately helps in developing targeted solutions that resolve the core issues and improve the overall quality of the project deliverables.