Tool 209: Two-Directional Bar Chart

AKA

Positive/Negative Chart, Percnt Change Bar Graph

Classification

Analyzing/Trending (AT)

Tool description

A two-directional bar chart is useful to monitor and record percent change from one period of time to another. It can also show positive and negative numbers, above and below normal activity, or any other fluctuations from a zero reference line of the chart.

Typical application

• To demonstrate percent change of a characteristic over time.

• To measure and show directionality of above-normal and below-normal activity or trends.

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

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

links to other tools

before

• Data Collection Strategy

• Checksheet

• Line Chart

• Frequency Distribution (FD)

• Sampling Methods

after

• Presentation

• Information Needs Analysis

• Problem Specification

• Problem Analysis

• What-If-Analysis

Step-by-step procedure

• STEP 1 Construct a table representing the collected data from two or more sources. See example Percent Change in Teaming Hours.

• STEP 2 Construct a two-directional bar chart, scaling for a highest observed percent change in either direction.

• STEP 3 Plot the data as shown in the example.

• STEP 4 Check the completed chart for accuracy and provide date of issue.

Example of tool application

Percent Change in Teaming Hours

	1995	1996	% Change
Marketing/Sales	200	150	− 25
Engineering	640	800	+ 25
Human Manufacturing	1400	2100	+ 50
Resources Support/Services	1000	700	− 30
	270	300	+11