Six Sigma Tool Navigator: The Master Guide for Teams

2017-07-07 02:10:07

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

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

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.