Interrelationship diagram
An interrelationship diagram shows natural relationships and the connections between different constructs identified or ideas for quality improvement. Frequently used in combination with:
- an affinity diagram and
- brainstorming.
The interrelationship diagram is based on the expertise and knowledge of the quality improvement team in relating to critical linkages across different concepts[1].
The interrelationship Diagram explains the connection between different factors involved in a complex situation. A diagram is charted by putting factors or the issues in individual matrices or circles. Arrows are used to show cause-and-effect relationships. Furthermore, proper weight is allocated to each factor on the basis of specialist opinions. Factor or the issue with the arrow pointing away shows the root reason and is defined as a driver. Factor or the issue with an arrow pointing inward shows a real issue of concern. The outgoing or incoming sum of the arrows weights shows the gravity of reason and effect for the given factor. In consequence, the interrelationship diagram locates the reason and effect relationships of the factors so the identified key outcomes and drivers resolve the problem[2].
The interrelationship diagram tools
The interrelationship diagram is a tool used with the greatest impact to prioritize those issues. The interrelationship diagram aids in making distinctions between effects (or outcomes) and causes(or drivers). The affinity diagram was used to recognize the key essential issues of a problem. The main purpose of this tool is to better understand the relationships between complex issues. There are following main uses of this tool [3]:
- identify or select a Six Sigma project area,
- identify key drivers that impact customer needs,
- identify less meaningful drivers that do not significantly influence customer needs.
The interrelationship diagram is a graphic representation of the reason and effect relationships between the elements of an issue or problem. The purpose of doing an interrelationship diagram is to recognize the root reason and root effects of a problem. Root reasons are those aspects or factors of a problem which mainly influence other factors. Whereas root effects are those factors of a problem where the main are influenced by other factors[4].
Examples of Interrelationship diagram
- Systems Thinking: Systems Thinking is a diagrammatic way of thinking that illustrates the interrelationships between different components of a system. It allows for the identification of cause-effect relationships and feedback loops, which can be used to understand the impact of any changes made to the system. For example, in a healthcare setting, Systems Thinking can be used to identify the factors that influence patient outcomes, and how changes in any one element can affect the overall system.
- Process Mapping: Process Mapping is a diagrammatic technique used to illustrate the steps, inputs, outputs and decision points of a process or system. It provides an overview of how the process works, allowing for easier identification of gaps and potential improvements. For example, a hospital may use Process Mapping to identify where delays occur in the patient admission process, or to identify which steps are most prone to errors.
- Value Stream Mapping: Value Stream Mapping is a diagram used to show the flow of materials and information needed to deliver a product or service to the customer. It provides a detailed overview of the entire process, from the input of raw materials to the delivery of a finished product. For example, a value stream map can be used to identify where inefficiencies exist in the manufacturing process, or to identify which steps are causing delays in the shipment of goods.
Advantages of Interrelationship diagram
An interrelationship diagram is a visual tool used to identify and diagram the relationships among different constructs, ideas, or concepts that are related to quality improvement. It can help to organize, clarify, and prioritize ideas for improvement, as well as identify potential areas for further research and development. The advantages of using an interrelationship diagram include:
- Enhanced clarity: By visually representing the relationships between different concepts, an interrelationship diagram helps to organize, clarify, and prioritize ideas for improvement.
- Improved communication: The use of an interrelationship diagram can help to improve communication between stakeholders, allowing them to quickly identify the key relationships between different concepts and ideas.
- Improved decision-making: An interrelationship diagram can help stakeholders to identify potential areas for further development and research. It also allows for a more informed decision-making process by providing a visual representation of the relationships between different ideas.
- Increased efficiency: Using an interrelationship diagram saves time as it allows stakeholders to quickly identify the relationships between different ideas and concepts. This can help to speed up the decision-making process and increase the efficiency of the quality improvement process.
Limitations of Interrelationship diagram
An interrelationship diagram is a helpful tool for visualizing and understanding the relationships between different constructs identified or ideas for quality improvement. However, there are a few limitations to its use. These include:
- It is difficult to accurately represent complex interdependencies between elements.
- It is time consuming to create the diagram and requires a high level of expertise in diagramming.
- It may be difficult to identify an initial starting point for the diagram.
- It can be difficult to modify the diagram if the relationships between elements change.
- Its usefulness is limited to the scope of the elements it represents.
An interrelationship diagram is a visual representation of the relationships between different constructs identified or ideas for quality improvement. It is frequently used in combination with other approaches, such as:
- Process Mapping - a method to visually illustrate the steps and sequence of activities in a process.
- Root Cause Analysis - a systematic process to identify the underlying causes of a quality issue.
- Failure Modes and Effects Analysis (FMEA) - a tool used to identify potential risks and prioritize corrective actions.
- Ishikawa Diagram - a diagramming tool used to identify the causes of a problem.
In summary, an interrelationship diagram is a powerful tool to identify relationships between different constructs, and it can be used in combination with other approaches such as process mapping, root cause analysis, FMEA, and Ishikawa diagrams.
Footnotes
| Interrelationship diagram — recommended articles |
| 7 quality tools — Spaghetti diagram — Business process mapping — CAE — Activity chart — Learning map — Matrix diagram — Value stream mapping — Diagnostic approach |
References
- Boyer K., Verma R. (2009).,Operations and Supply Chain Management for the 21st Century, Cengage Learning
- Jones E. (2014).,Quality Management for Organizations Using Lean Six Sigma Techniques, Crc Press
- Stamatis D.H. (1997).,TQM Engineering Handbook, Crc Press
- Wankhade L., Dabade B. (2010)., Quality Uncertainty and Perception: Information Asymmetry and Management of Quality Uncertainty and Quality Perception, Springer Science and Business Media
Author: Agnieszka Piwowarczyk
