Tool 36: Comparison Matrix


AKA

Comparative Assessment Matrix

Classification

Evaluating/Selecting (ES)

Tool description

A comparison matrix assists with the analysis process to identify existing gaps between an organization and its competitors, to determine the profitability potential of a product or service, or to discover other problems that may require immediate attention. When gaps, problems and profitability potential are known, a company can more effectively position its future products and services.

Typical application

  • To identify problem areas and areas where resources should best be allocated.

  • To compare organizational capability with that of competitors.

  • To perform market demand futuring for products and services.

Problem-solving phase

Select and define problem or opportunity

Identify and analyze causes or potential change

Develop and plan possible solutions or change

Implement and evaluate solution or change

Measure and report solution or change results

Recognize and reward team efforts

Typically used by

Research/statistics

Creativity/innovation

Engineering

Project management

Manufacturing

1

Marketing/sales

Administration/documentation

2

Servicing/support

3

Customer/quality metrics

4

Change management

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links to other tools

before

  • Data Collections Strategy

  • Benchmarking

  • Conjoint Analysis

  • Information Needs Analysis

  • Customer-First-Questions (CFQ)

after

  • Resource Requirements Matrix

  • Opportunity Analysis

  • Gap Analysis

  • Starbursting

  • Action Plan

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Notes and key points

  • A rating system of non-numeric symbols can be used in place of numeric values or non-numeric ratings. Optional: • = 5 (strong); = 3 (moderate); = 1 (weak).

Step-by-step procedure

  • STEP 1 A facilitated cross-functional team decides upon a data-collection strategy to gather historical and forecasted information about the products/services.

  • STEP 2 The team identifies core productions/services and lists them in order of importance or value to the organization. See example Softhelp Software Company.

  • STEP 3 Appropriate markets or market segments are agreed upon.

  • STEP 4 The team selects a rating system.

  • Note: Non-numeric figures can be used in place of numeric values or non-numeric ratings.

  • STEP 5 Data is collected and discussed, and findings are plotted on the comparison matrix as shown in the example.

  • STEP 6 The team reviews the completed matrix and writes a short rationale for each product/service rating.

  • STEP 7 A final report, which describes potential, leverage points, future requirements, etc., is written and attached to the comparison matrix and submitted to management.

Example of tool application

click to expand




Six Sigma Tool Navigator(c) The Master Guide for Teams
Six Sigma Tool Navigator: The Master Guide for Teams
ISBN: 1563272954
EAN: 2147483647
Year: 2005
Pages: 326

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