Tool 15: Barriers-and-Aids Analysis

AKA

Benefits and Barriers Exercise

Classification

Changing/Implementing (CI)

Tool description

The barriers-and-aids analysis tool can be used to perform a preliminary check on what needs to be accomplished to sucessfully implement change. Elements pushing for change (aids) and against change (barriers) are identified and recorded. Barriers that must be overcome are noted and countermeasures to eliminate or greatly reduce them are developed.

Typical application

• To identify elements that resist the implementation of solutions or improvements.

• To anticipate and verify potential problems that must be resolved.

• To allow a clearer understanding of the process.

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
2	Creativity/innovation
	Engineering
	Project management
	Manufacturing
	Marketing/sales
	Administration/documentation
3	Servicing/support
	Customer/quality metrics
1	Change management

links to other tools

before

• Gap Analysis

• Interview technique

• Focus group

• Problem analysis

• Process analysis

after

• Consensus decision

• Action plan

• Resource requirements matrix

• Action and Effect Diagram (AED)

• Potential problem analysis (PPA)

Notes and key points

Definitions:

• Barriers are hindering, restraining elements.

• Aids are driving, helping elements.

• Countermeasures are potential solutions.

Step-by-step procedure

• STEP 1 The team facilitator reviews the barriers-and-aids tool with the team. Participants take some time to discuss the process involved.

• STEP 2 The performance objective is displayed on a whiteboard. See example Establishment of a Project Management System for Site Engineers.

• STEP 3 Next, a list of barriers is brainstormed and recorded as vertical columns on the whiteboard. Barriers are elements that will resist and hinder the change process.

• STEP 4 Participants now identify aids and record them next to the barriers. Aids are elements that will assist and support the change process.

• STEP 5 This process continues until all barriers and aids have been identified and recorded. The two columns are checked for redundancy and revised, if needed.

• STEP 6 Lastly, the heading Countermeasures is placed on the whiteboard and participants are asked to generate ideas that could eliminate or greatly reduce the barriers as shown in the example.

• STEP 7 As the last step, the completed matrix is checked, dated, and saved for the planning of countermeasures activities.

Example of tool application

Establishment of a Project Management System for Site Engineers	Date: xx/xx/xx
Aids	Barriers
Will allow performance contracts Establishes accountability Sets time frames and due dates Improves intergroup communications Receive fair performance appraisal Use standard forms and procedures	Threat to engineer's autonomy Produces competitive work ethic Resistance to change Under observation Invalid assumptions Requires re-setup of project files Will force more workload and stress Provide training on the new PMS to engineers Explain interactive features and reports generation Provide on-site assistance
Note: Each site enginner previously managed his/her own work projects and schedule.