The affinity diagram is a configured yield
derived from a brainstorming session aimed at generating new ideas. The
Affinity Diagram is an administrative tool whose purpose is to plan and arrange
proceedings. The term Affinity Diagram was developed during the 1960s by
Kawakita Jiro and is otherwise called the KJ method.
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The affinity diagram is designed to aid a group
in building up its own arrangement when pondering over an issue and its complexities.
At any phase where it needs to produce and sort out a lot of data the group,
can utilize it to outline its strategy. The affinity diagram is adaptable in
its application. Whereas, a group of directors may utilize the it during a key
strategic planning session as a sorting tool for gathering their considerations
and thoughts. While on the other hand, a project management team can utilize it
to break down the variations and causes of the complexities in a project. An affinity
diagram is for adding structure to breaking down into broad categories and
gaining agreement on a large or complex issue and it is very easy to setup and
utilize.
In the following paragraph I will demonstrate
what an affinity diagram looks like. Our example will model a manufacturing
plant that has as of late extended its business and, opened a new and bigger
factory. With the new factory Various issues have also emerged with regards to implementing
quality management at the plant, the management team engaged with the factory,
has met to examine the issues. Due to the complex nature of the issues involved
in such an instance, management has an option to an Affinity diagram to map
their strategy around the issue.
When creating an affinity diagram, it is
advisable for the group to pick a facilitator who will be liable for driving
the group through the steps to making an affinity diagram. Having an
experienced facilitator who is familiar with the affinity diagram and can help the
group get the most out of its session is also beneficial.
Prior the commencement of the brainstorming session,
the group should express the complexity or issue that needs addressing. It’s a
good idea to always tackle the issue by phrasing it as a question. In our
example, the question is, "What are the obstacles in implementing total
quality management in an organization?" Ensuring that the group is able to
comprehend the reason for the session is absolutely essential and should never
be overlooked.
Once the abovementioned step has been completed
and all participants are on the same page, you can go ahead and start working
on your affinity Diagram and conceptualizing your thoughts concerning the
proclaimed issue. There are two main methods to approaching this process, the
first being the traditional brainstorming method and the second is called or
known as the Crawford slip method.
In conventional conceptualizing method, the
participants will come up with ideas individually, which they will in turn
voice and share with rest of the group. Every individual in the group gives
their thoughts until nobody has anything else to include.
While in the Crawford slip technique, each
individual records their ideas on paper slips, sticky notes, or index cards. In
this method however, the individuals do not voice their ideas, they write them
down and keep going until they have nothing else to add. There is no verbal
trade
Conceptualizing with regards to the affinity
diagram utilizes a blend of these two methodologies.
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The affinity diagram is a business apparatus
used to compose thoughts and information. Individuals have been gathering
information into bunches dependent on common connections for a huge number of
years.The apparatus is usually utilized inside undertaking the executives and permits huge quantities of thoughts coming from conceptualizing to be arranged into gatherings, in view of their common connections, for audit and examination. It is additionally much of the time utilized in relevant request as an approach to sort out notes and bits of knowledge from field interviews. It can likewise be utilized for sorting out other freestyle remarks, for example, open-finished overview reactions, bolster call logs, or other subjective information.
