Tool 204: Tree Diagram


Tool description

A tree diagram systematically maps out the detail of smaller activities required to complete a project or reach a primary goal. This tool helps to break down the complexity by logically identifying lower levels of tasks or elements. As a planning tool, it reflects all necessary activities and supporting means to successfully implement a program.

Typical application

  • To logically branch out or flow down levels of detail of projects, problems, or primary goals.

  • To break down large activities or goals into smaller and specific tasks.

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

2

Project management

Manufacturing

Marketing/sales

3

Administration/documentation

Servicing/support

4

Customer/quality metrics

1

Change management

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links to other tools

before

  • Affinity Diagram

  • Interrelationship Digraph (I.D.)

  • Systems Analysis Diagram

  • Symbolic Flowchart

  • Prioritization Matrix

after

  • Activity Network Diagram

  • Process Decision Program Chart

  • Matrix Diagram

  • Five Whys

  • What-If Analysis

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Notes and key points

  • Numerical indexing example: Levels of detail.

    click to expand

Step-by-step procedure

  • STEP 1 First, determine the project, problem, or primary goal for the tree diagram. This is the first level of detail. See example Preliminary Planning for Six Sigma Quality.

  • STEP 2 Identify the major areas or activities that need to be considered and indicate these as branch headings for the second level of detail.

  • STEP 3 Continue to break down major areas (branches) into smaller tasks or elements, labeling each branch as shown. This is the third level, etc.

  • STEP 4 Continue this detailing as required to create lower level branches. At this point, if using the tree diagram as a problem-solving tool, start to identify and circle most likely causes of the problems.

  • STEP 5 Verify the tree diagram by retracing the branches to the lowest level, checking the logic and flow of activities, and subtasks of supporting elements.

  • STEP 6 Encode or designate each branch in accordance with the numbering schema shown in notes and key points. Date the diagram.

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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