Which tool is part of quality-management planning?

The fishbone diagram, also known as an Ishikawa or cause-and-effect diagram, is a critical tool in quality management planning. It is designed to identify, explore, and visually display the various potential causes of a specific problem or quality issue. This method helps teams systematically analyze the causes of defects in processes, enabling them to pinpoint areas that require improvement.

In quality management planning, understanding the root causes of quality issues is essential for developing effective solutions and preventing problems from recurring. The fishbone diagram facilitates brainstorming sessions, allowing team members to contribute their insights into what might be causing quality concerns. This collaborative approach enhances the team's ability to develop comprehensive quality improvement plans.

Other tools mentioned, like feasibility studies, SWOT analysis, and resource allocation charts, have different primary purposes. Feasibility studies assess the viability of a project, SWOT analysis evaluates strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats, while resource allocation charts manage the distribution of resources across projects. Consequently, while they are valuable in their own contexts, they do not directly pertain to the specific task of quality-management planning as effectively as a fishbone diagram does.