Six Sigma Tool Navigator: The Master Guide for Teams

2017-07-07 02:10:07

Tool description

A tree diagram systematically maps out the detail of smaller activities required to complete a project or reach a primary goal. This tool helps to break down the complexity by logically identifying lower levels of tasks or elements. As a planning tool, it reflects all necessary activities and supporting means to successfully implement a program.

Typical application

To logically branch out or flow down levels of detail of projects, problems, or primary goals.

To break down large activities or goals into smaller and specific tasks.

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
	Marketing/sales
3	Administration/documentation
	Servicing/support
4	Customer/quality metrics
1	Change management

links to other tools

before

Affinity Diagram

Interrelationship Digraph (I.D.)

Systems Analysis Diagram

Symbolic Flowchart

Prioritization Matrix

after

Activity Network Diagram

Process Decision Program Chart

Matrix Diagram

Five Whys

What-If Analysis

Notes and key points

Numerical indexing example: Levels of detail.

Step-by-step procedure

STEP 1 First, determine the project, problem, or primary goal for the tree diagram. This is the first level of detail. See example Preliminary Planning for Six Sigma Quality.

STEP 2 Identify the major areas or activities that need to be considered and indicate these as branch headings for the second level of detail.

STEP 3 Continue to break down major areas (branches) into smaller tasks or elements, labeling each branch as shown. This is the third level, etc.

STEP 4 Continue this detailing as required to create lower level branches. At this point, if using the tree diagram as a problem-solving tool, start to identify and circle most likely causes of the problems.

STEP 5 Verify the tree diagram by retracing the branches to the lowest level, checking the logic and flow of activities, and subtasks of supporting elements.

STEP 6 Encode or designate each branch in accordance with the numbering schema shown in notes and key points. Date the diagram.