Tool 97: Influence Diagram


AKA

N/A

Classification

Planning/Presenting (pp)

Tool description

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.

Typical application

  • 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.

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

1

Marketing/sales

Administration/documentation

Servicing/support

Customer/quality metrics

3

Change management

start sidebar
links to other tools

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

end sidebar

Notes and key points

  • Draw an influence diagram from left (sources, ideas) to right (decision, outcome). The flow is similar to that of a reversed tree diagram.

Step-by-step procedure

  • 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.

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

flylib.com © 2008-2017.
If you may any questions please contact us: flylib@qtcs.net