For what purpose might a business analyst utilize a fishbone diagram?

A fishbone diagram, also known as an Ishikawa or cause-and-effect diagram, is specifically designed to identify and categorize potential causes of a problem or issue. This tool allows business analysts to visually map out the various factors that may contribute to a particular outcome, helping teams to pinpoint root causes of problems efficiently.

By organizing the information in a structured format, the fishbone diagram facilitates brainstorming sessions, encourages collaboration among team members, and promotes a deeper understanding of the complexities surrounding a problem. This clarity helps in developing effective solutions and addressing the core issues rather than just treating symptoms.

The other options do not reflect the primary use of a fishbone diagram. Demonstrating project timelines relates to Gantt charts or similar tools, stakeholder mapping typically requires stakeholder analysis charts, and analyzing system performance metrics would involve metrics dashboards or reports rather than a fishbone diagram.