Process Decision Programme Chart

The Process Decision Programme Chart (PDPC) is one of the Seven Management and Planning Tools.

The Process Decision Program Chart (PDPC) Is very similar in many ways to the Tree Diagram, but is specifically intended to look at all the decisions and uncertainties that exist in moving from the current situation to the intended future, and to look at all the possible outcomes and the contingencies for those that are unwanted.

The PDPC can be used to extend the tree diagram to look at what can go wrong in all the detailed activities and to plan how such problems may be avoided or overcome. This can be done for all areas or, more appropriately, can be focused on areas that are particularly important or risky.

PDPCs can be developed individually, but work far better with a group, where a wider range of experience and insight can be brought to bear on understanding what is needed. To develop a PDPC as a group, we recommend using a large whiteboard, or a large expanse of wall covered with paper or dry-wipe white-board sheets.

To create a PDPC:
  1. first develop a tree diagram of your objective and how your planned activities come together to deliver it.
  2. then, against the activities ant the end of each branch of the tree, consider all of the things that could cause the activity to fail, and write these as further branches.
  3. then highlight the priorities in that, and develop further branches on these by exploring preventative strategies or contingencies to mitigate the negative impact.
Further information on the PDPC (and indeed on all of the Seven Management and Planning Tools) can be found on the ASQ website..

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