Affinity Diagrams a step in Six Sigma
Once the Brainstorming session is over in a six sigma project and all participants have put forth their ideas, facts and suggestion it is time to do an analysis of this data collected and the analyzed points thus gathered have to be prioritized in a certain order so as to run the project smoothly.
If the gravity of the problem is less in magnitude the ideas generated in the brainstorming session will also be less but if the magnitude of the problem is big in then the ideas are bound to increase during the brainstorming session. Thus there is a need to reorder and prioritize these ideas so that a concrete plan can be worked out. At this moment Affinity Diagrams come into play and help a team build an order and prioritize the ideas generated.
Affinity Diagrams are generally used when a large amount data is to be traversed such as the ideas generated from the brainstorming session which requires to be sieved for prioritization, the data is complex and diverse due to the nature of the problem and group involvement is involved. Generally a consensus has to be reached in a group activity which can be done without any major conflicts with the help of Affinity Diagrams. Thus complex situations where complex ideas have to sorted out to prioritize them Affinity Diagrams play a very important role.
But before going in for an Affinity diagram you must have al the ideas generated from the brainstorming session in the form of post it notes. A team of 4-6 members has to be constituted to make the affinity diagram a reality. This team has to have individuals who have the necessary knowledge and skills to meld opinions. The team members should be well versed with the problem and the processes involved n the organization. An ideal team will comprise of individuals from diverse fields who have a direct working with the process that is under the scanner of the six sigma project. A facilitator has to be there to coordinate the proceedings of the team and keep the team on the track to deliver the best results.
Once the ideas are grouped generated from the brainstorming session, select the heading that suit best to categorize each group. A meaningful and short heading will represent the primary thought of the group being assigned to. Now one just has to move groups under their respective headings to view the Affinity Diagram.
Once the affinity diagram is ready with the ideas prioritized it time to put the Affinity diagram before the management for approval and roll out.
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Article Source : http://blog.brainmeasures.com/2011/07/08/the-role-of-affinity-diagrams-in-six-sigma.aspx
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