1) Start with the outcome measure. In opposition to traditional thinking, when we build an influence chart we start with the end result and work backwards. This is due to the fact that we know what we will achieve. The easiest way to understand how we achieve this is to break down the components one step at a time, starting with the end result (outcome measure).
2) Decompose the outcome measure into a small set of variables that determine it directly. I've already addressed this above. The importance in these variables only being those which affect the outcome measure directly is that we are taking this one step at a time. Variables that indirectly affect the outcome, will most likely directly affect one of the variables as we continue to work backwards through the influence chart.
3) Take each variable in turn and repeat the process of decomposition. Here we basically go back to step 1, however we're doing the decomposition against the variables that directly affect the outcome. We've already decomposed the outcome to those variables; there's no reason to do so again.
4) Identify input data and decisions as they arise. As we decompose our influence charts we will find, along the way, data that is actually an input and can no longer be decomposed. We may also find certain times in which a decision will need to be made. These are graphically depicted with symbols that annotate what they are.
5) Make sure that each variable appears only once. If a variable actually affects more than one other variable, it shouldn't be listed more than once. Instead it should show an arrow pointing to each item that it affects.
6) Highlight special types of elements with consistent symbols. All elements within the influence chart are depicted with symbols. These symbols must be consistent across the influence chart in order for the chart to be understandable.
To support the above principles & steps within building an influence chart you must consistently label the types of data so that when a certain type of symbol is seen, you will know that it's either an input, variable, decision, or objective. The following symbols are used in the book, and seem a valid way forward.
The pinciples utilized in building influence charts include:
1) Start with the outcome measure. In opposition to traditional thinking, when we build an influence chart we start with the end result and work backwards. This is due to the fact that we know what we will achieve. The easiest way to understand how we achieve this is to break down the components one step at a time, starting with the end result (outcome measure).
2) Decompose the outcome measure into a small set of variables that determine it directly. I've already addressed this above. The importance in these variables only being those which affect the outcome measure directly is that we are taking this one step at a time. Variables that indirectly affect the outcome, will most likely directly affect one of the variables as we continue to work backwards through the influence chart.
3) Take each variable in turn and repeat the process of decomposition. Here we basically go back to step 1, however we're doing the decomposition against the variables that directly affect the outcome. We've already decomposed the outcome to those variables; there's no reason to do so again.
4) Identify input data and decisions as they arise. As we decompose our influence charts we will find, along the way, data that is actually an input and can no longer be decomposed. We may also find certain times in which a decision will need to be made. These are graphically depicted with symbols that annotate what they are.
5) Make sure that each variable appears only once. If a variable actually affects more than one other variable, it shouldn't be listed more than once. Instead it should show an arrow pointing to each item that it affects.
6) Highlight special types of elements with consistent symbols. All elements within the influence chart are depicted with symbols. These symbols must be consistent across the influence chart in order for the chart to be understandable.
To support the above principles & steps within building an influence chart you must consistently label the types of data so that when a certain type of symbol is seen, you will know that it's either an input, variable, decision, or objective. The following symbols are used in the book, and seem a valid way forward.
As you can see below, our outcome measure is the objective, and is represented by a hexagon. This is the point at which deconstruction begins.
The objective should be deconstructed into variables, represented by ovals.
These variables will either be further deconstructed into other variables, random/fixed inputs, or a combination of both.
Lastly, there may be a point in which a decision may dictate which inputs to used based off this decision. Decisions are represented by a rectangle.
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