OCTOBER 19-20, 2012 - YMCA University of Science & Technology

Proceedings of the National Conference on
Trends and Advances in Mechanical Engineering,
YMCA University of Science & Technology, Faridabad, Haryana, Oct 19-20, 2012
• Scatter diagram: It is used to determine if there is a relationship or correlation between two variables. It is
used to display what happens to one variable when another variable changes in order to test a theory that the two
variables are related. The data displayed on the scatter diagram clearly show if there is a positive, negative or no
relationship between the two variables.
2.2 The seven management tools
• Affinity diagram: An Affinity Diagram is a tool that gathers large amounts of language data (ideas, opinions,
issues) and organizes them into groupings based on their natural relationships. The Affinity process is often used
to group ideas generated by Brainstorming. It may be used in situations that are unknown or unexplored by a
team, or in circumstances that seem confusing or disorganized, such as when people with diverse experiences
form a new team, or when members have incomplete knowledge of the area of analysis.
• Arrow diagram: The arrow diagram shows the required order of tasks in a project or process, the best schedule
for the entire project, and potential scheduling and resource problems and their solutions. The arrow diagram lets
you calculate the “critical path” of the project. This is the flow of critical steps where delays will affect the
timing of the entire project and where addition of resources can speed up the project.
• Matrix diagram: The matrix diagram shows the relationship between two, three or four groups of information.
It also can give information about the relationship, such as its strength, the roles played by various individuals or
measurements.
• Matrix data analysis: A complex mathematical technique for analyzing matrices, often replaced in this list by
the similar prioritization matrix. One of the most rigorous, careful and time-consuming of decision-making
tools, a prioritization matrix is an L-shaped matrix that uses pairwise comparisons of a list of options to a set of
criteria in order to choose the best option(s).
• Process decision: The process decision program chart (PDCP) systematically identifies what might go wrong in
a plan under development. Countermeasures are developed to prevent or offset those problems. By using PDPC,
you can either revise the plan to avoid the problems or be ready with the best response when a problem occurs.
• Relations Diagrams: These are drawn to show all the different relationships between factors, areas, or
processes. Just as importantly, the process of creating a relations diagram helps a group analyze the natural links
between different aspects of a complex situation.
• Systematic diagram: The tree diagram also known as systematic diagram starts with one item that branches
into two or more, each of which branch into two or more, and so on. It looks like a tree, with trunk and multiple
branches. It is used to break down broad categories into finer and finer levels of detail. Developing the tree
diagram helps you move your thinking step by step from generalities to specifics.
2.3 Other tools
• Brainstorming: Brainstorming is a simple way for a group to generate multiple ideas such as possible solutions
to a known problem. When you need as many ideas as possible. The classic method of round-the-table
suggestions helps solve process improvement problems.
• Control Plan: It is a management tool to identify and monitor the activity required to control the critical inputs
or key outputs for a process so the process will continually meet its product or service goals. Control plans are
usually monitored at least by Quality Assurance, departments using inspection procedures and sometimes using
quality function deployment methods. Control charts are typically used in a control plan to monitor items.
• Force Field Analysis: It is a useful decision-making technique. It helps us in making a decision by analyzing
the forces for and against a change, and it helps you communicate the reasoning behind your decision.
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