Tool 148: Process Decision Program Chart (PDPC)


AKA

N/A

Classification

Planning/Presenting (PP)

Tool description

The process decision program chart (PDPC) is a contingency planning tool used to assist in establishing an implementation action plan for a complex project that has a high degree of uncertainty for successful and timely completion. This tool, which uses a very structured approach, identifies plan activities, asks what-if questions to uncover potential problem areas, and develops countermeasures for any problems that might occur.

Typical application

  • To perform contingency planning prior to implementing a complex activity problem or solution with high uncertainty.

  • To determine possible countermeasures in order to minimize any problems that may surface when an unfamiliar activity is performed.

  • To anticipate problems and consider consequences due to errors or gaps in planning.

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

3

Creativity/innovation

Engineering

2

Project management

Manufacturing

Marketing/sales

Administration/documentation

4

Servicing/support

Customer/quality metrics

1

Change management

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links to other tools

before

  • Tree Diagram

  • Problem Specification

  • Matrix Diagram

  • Weighted Voting

  • Process Analysis

after

  • Countermeasures Matrix

  • Starbursting

  • Solution Matrix

  • Action Plan

  • Variance Analysis

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Notes and key points

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Step-by-step procedure

  • STEP 1 The team refers to a previously completed data collection and analysis. This data source can be a tree diagram, matrix diagram, a problem specification, or some other tool reference.

  • STEP 2 The next step is to construct a PDPC chart as outlined in the example Conversion of an Assembly Line to Work Cells.

  • STEP 3 First, list the project goal, followed by a lower level of primary activities detailed further into required tasks. Ensure that all activities have been considered from the data source.

  • STEP 4 For each task or requirement, ask what-ifs. See example What if there is an interruption in production output? What if there is equipment downtime?

  • STEP 5 For every what-if, consider what countermeasures can be taken. Connect what-ifs and countermeasures to the tasks to complete the chart. Designate countermeasures as practical and feasible = 0, or impractical and difficult = X.

  • STEP 6 Review the chart, make revisions if needed, and provide date of issue.

Example of tool application

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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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