Six Sigma Tool Navigator: The Master Guide for Teams

2017-07-07 02:10:07

AKA

Interaction-Relations Diagram, Network Diagram

Classification

Analyzing/Trending (AT)

Tool description

An interrelationship digraph displays causal relationships in a complex network of contributing factors. This digraph maps out a problem issue by establishing links among related ideas or issues.

Typical application

To understand and clarify interrelationships between ideas or issues in a complex problem.

To identify root causes of a potential problem.

To discover key cause and effect relationships.

To find connections that influence other factors within a process.

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

links to other tools

before

Affinity Diagram

Brainstorming

Focus group

Cause and Effect Diagram (CED)

Problem specification

after

Tree diagram

Linking diagram

Potential problem analysis (PPA)

Opportunity analysis

Criteria rating form

Notes and key points

Step-by-step procedure

STEP 1 Acquire collected data from an affinity diagram or brainstorming session.

STEP 2 Reach consensus on some problem or key issue to be considered. See example What Causes Teams to Succeed?

STEP 3 Use an idea-generation tool such as brainstorming or affinity diagram to produce ideas.

STEP 4 Collect all ideas on cards or post-it notes as they are produced; place these around the card that has the problem or key issue statement.

STEP 5 After the flow of ideas has slowed, look for relationships between each and every idea. Draw arrows pointing to either the causes or effects. Continue until all placed ideas have been verified.

STEP 6 Finalize an I.D. using encoding information as shown in notes and key points. Count the number of arrows coming into each idea (in) and the number of lines leaving the same idea (out).

STEP 7 Identify ideas or issues that are major causes (MC) or effects (ME). Use double boxes or bold boxes respectively. Date the interrelationship digraph.