Matrix Diagram

Description and Purpose: The matrix diagram organizes data into sets of items to be compared. The diagram graphically shows relationships and/or evaluates the strengths of relationships between the items in each set. The matrix diagram allows a team or individual to systematically identify, analyze, and rate the presence and/or strength of relationships within a set of items or between two or more sets of information. Useful for the following: To determine which aspect of a problem to address first. To narrow a list of options to one choice. Makes patterns of responsibilities visible and clear so that there is an even and appropriate distribution of tasks. Aids in understanding how one group of items/information relates to another group. Sorting out which problems are affecting products or outcomes. When looking for conflicts or problems when comparing two plans that are to be executed together. Enables teams to get consensus on small decisions.

Procedure: 1. Decide what group(s) of items must be compared. 2. Choose the appropriate format for the matrix. 3. List the items in each group along the axes of the matrix. Problems/choices/conflicts/decisions/potential methods/ are listed on the vertical axis. Criteria/evaluative items/requirements/characteristics for consideration are listed at the top. The criteria represent what is important to the evaluation. Each criteria may be assigned a relative weight to rate importance. Symbols may be used to establish strength of relationships. Create a legend to guide understanding of the symbols. Criteria often designed to indicate the most impact, greatest importance, least difficulty, greatest likelihood of success. Scales typically set high end rating to be the choice selection. 4. Compare each choice against the criteria. Mark the appropriate box at the intersection of the two items. 5. Analyze the matrix for patterns/relationships.

Considerations: Symbols can give useful qualitative information for problem-solving and indicate strengths of relationships, or the roles of people and/or activities. o Strong relationship Moderate relationship Weak or potential relationship No relationship S C D O + 0 Supplier Customer Doer Owner Positive Neutral Negative

Rating Scale numerical degree, weighted measures 1 = slight extent 1 = little 1= high 2 = some extent to 2 = medium 3 = great extent 5 great 3 = low

Variation Samples: L-Matrix Compares two groups of items to each other.

a 1 2 3 4 5

Compares using identified criteria. Criteria may be numerical or qualitative.

T-Matrix Compares three groups of items: groups 1 and 2 are each compared to group 3. Groups 1 and 2 are not compared to each other. Location 1 Location 2 Location 3 Location 4 Large volume o Small volume
Customer #1

o o

Model A

Model B

Model C

Model D

Cust # 2 Cust # 3 Cust # 4

o o o o o

This sample relates four product models to their manufacturing locations and customers.

Y-Matrix Compares three groups of items. Each group is compared to the other two groups. (no graphic available)
o

X-Matrix- Compares four groups of items. Each group is related to two other groups. Group 2 is related to 1 and 3. Group 3 is related to 2 and 4. Group 4 is related to 3 and 1. Group 1 is related to 4 and 2. o o o o Red Lines o Zip Inc. Worldwide o Trans South o Okla Plant Miss Plant AL Plant Ark Plant o o Model A Cust #1 Cust #2 o o o Cust #3 Cust # 4 o o Model B o o o Model C Model C o o o

Large Volume o Small Volume This sample X-matrix extends the T-matrix to include relationships of freight lines with manufacturing sites they serve and the customers who use them. Each axis is related to the two adjacent ones, but not to the one across.

L-Matrix Template

Criteria Problems/Decision