Tool 6: Activity Cost Matrix


AKA

N/A

Classification

Data Collecting (DC)

Tool description

The activity cost matrix is a useful cost data collection tool for the purpose of planning and budget preparation. In order to identify which personnel are involved in a major project, direct and supporting activities are listed and percent contribution estimated for each contributor.

Typical application

  • To determine departmental activities and associated cost data.

  • To schedule personnel for completing specific project activities.

  • To compare the ratio of contribution (effort) against the total project budget.

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

3

Engineering

1

Project management

4

Manufacturing

Marketing/sales

2

Administration/documentation

Servicing/support

Customer/quality metrics

Change management

start sidebar
links to other tools

before

  • Information needs analysis

  • Data collection strategy

  • Interview technique

  • Audience analysis

  • Time study sheet

after

  • Deployment chart (down-across)

  • Action plan

  • Monthly assessment schedule

  • Gantt chart

  • Major program status

end sidebar

Notes and key points

  • Use actual timekeeping data from previous project closing documentation to estimate percent cost of the various activities.

  • To increase the validity of data to be stated in the activity cost matrix, department sources or subject matter experts (SME) should be contacted for specific information.

Step-by-step procedure

  • STEP 1 The first step requires a search for a previously completed project's historical data. Timekeeping (activity time) and cost data will greatly assist in the completing of an activity cost matrix. See example Training Activities—Percent Cost.

  • STEP 2 Interviews are conducted with department personnel or subject matter experts. Information on percent contribution to total project effort is collected.

  • STEP 3 Lastly, an activity cost matrix is completed and dated as shown in this example.

  • STEP 4 A copy is given to all involved parties for their review and feedback.

Example of tool application

Training Activities — Percent Cost

Date: xx/xx/xx

Responsibility — % Contribution

Analyst: A. Fisher
Activity Costs for
Training Workshop
Development Activities

User

User — SME

Training analyst

Training developer

Training instructor

Training administrator

Graphic arts

Reproduction

Budgeting and finance

Facilities

1

Training course request

2

5

10

3

User needs analysis

5

5

20

4

Training proposal

20

5

2

90

5

5

User task analysis

15

5

20

10

4

5

7

Workshop development

20

60

7.3

Graphics and aids

2

3

2

96

5

5

7.9

Formative evaluation

50

13

10

8

Pilot workshop

5

5

5

5

4

10

Workshop revision

2

3

11

Train-the-trainer

5

5

20

5

12

Workshop participation

70

5

70

13

Summitive evaluation

5

2

5

15

Scheduling and administration

3

3

80

3

5

90

15.2

Material reproduction

2

5

80

17

Master copy control

5

3

6

Total contribution

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

Note:SME = Subject Matter Experts




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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