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 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

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

Notes and key points

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.