An event tree analysis (ETA) examines the different paths that can be taken in a given scenario. Each step consists of a node and corresponding exit lines for each possible outcome at that step. The tool was originally developed for use in system reliability analysis, but event trees are also useful for analyzing possible actions in a scenario and their associated consequences.
A matrix diagram is a generic tool that shows relationships between two, three, or four groups of information. The number of shapes a matrix diagram can take is variable, based on the number of groups being compared.
Fault tree analyses (FTAs) study specific system, process, or product failures using a tree diagram. The process can be used to study a failure that actually occurred, or it could study a potential failure. The technique starts with the failure and works backward toward increasingly fundamental events or root causes.
A multi-vari chart shows both several sources of variation in addition to the most significant contributors to total variation.
Time value maps provide a visual representation of time in a process, demonstrating whether the time is value-added (VA) or non-value-added (NVA).
A force-field analysis identifies the forces that either aid in or are detrimental to arriving at a desired outcome. A scenario plays out as a balance between two forces: one attempting to alter the current state and the other attempting to keep it the same. When these opposing forces are equal to each other, no change occurs. Thus, to orchestrate changes, the force with a motive to change must be greater than the force maintaining the status quo. The force-field analysis attempts to uncover means of diminishing forces that impede change and foster those that encourage it.
Operation sequence diagrams (OSD) are graphical representations of team interaction in a network. They portray how tasks are performed and how individuals interact over time.
A tree diagram breaks down one broad topic into increasing levels of granularity. It is a step-by-step process from general to specific.
A Gantt chart is used to outline the plan for and show the progress of a project. It has the format of a bar chart and depicts the various subdivided phases or tasks that must be completed for a project to be finished, and when in the project timeline the phases or tasks need to occur. It is shaded to show progress on which tasks have been completed. It can also show the teams or individuals responsible for completing each task.
A pareto chart is a bar graph where the bars appear in decreasing length from left to right. The bar length corresponds to time, frequency, or amount.
