AKA | N/A |
Classification | Planning/Presenting (pp) |
The influence diagram is used to plan or forecast the flow of processes and possible outcomes. Since it illustrates a pathway to achieving a desired goal and identifies potential blockages or pitfalls, it therefore has a direct influence on the decision-making process.
To identify factors that can affect the action step required to reach a goal.
To plan major events.
To envision possible consequences and cause and effect relationship; to plan to avoid potential problem areas.
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 |
Research/statistics | |
Creativity/innovation | |
Engineering | |
2 | Project management |
Manufacturing | |
1 | Marketing/sales |
Administration/documentation | |
Servicing/support | |
Customer/quality metrics | |
3 | Change management |
before
Interview technique
Relationship Map
Circles of influence
Dimensions Cube
Value analysis
after
Decision Process Flowchart
Futures Wheel
Opportunity analysis
Why/how charting
Action plan
Draw an influence diagram from left (sources, ideas) to right (decision, outcome). The flow is similar to that of a reversed tree diagram.
STEP 1 Participants of a futuring team select a goal to be diagrammed. See example Update Training Methods.
STEP 2 Participants next identify required action steps, potential problem areas, and interrelationships of actions.
STEP 3 The facilitator records all input on flip charts. The team attempts to sort all recorded items into some logical sequence of action.
STEP 4 Next, the facilitator draws an influence diagram on a whiteboard using the somewhat sequenced information from the flip charts.
STEP 5 Participants assist the facilitator in the diagramming process by discussing the flow, branches, and the soundness of recorded information.
STEP 6 Lastly, the diagram is checked a final time, dated, and saved for further action.