1.7 Organizational tools

Question 1

Fishbone diagram

Answer 1

An organizational planning tool based on identifying and dealing with the root causes of a problem or issue facing a business.

Question 2

Value of the fishbone diagram

Answer 2

Helps a business identify the root causes of problems and supports the development of policies to reduce these.

Question 3

Decision tree

Answer 3

A quantitative organizational planning tool that calculates the probable values of different options, helping managers to minimise the risks in decision-making.

Question 4

Value of the decision tree

Answer 4

Encourages a logical approach to decision making and supports the process of strategic planning.

Question 5

Force field analysis

Answer 5

Force field analysis uses the concepts of driving forces, and restraining forces, Driving forces promote change, while restraining forces hinder change. Restraining forces, act to oppose driving forces.

Question 6

Value of the force field analysis

Answer 6

Used as part of change management and supports the process of strategic planning.

Question 7

Gantt chart

Answer 7

A visual representation of all the tasks in a particular project plotted against the timescale. As a planning and scheduling tool, it allows project managers to monitor progress.

Question 8

Value of the Gantt chart

Answer 8

Helps plan complex projects by supporting scheduling and promoting effective resource allocation and management.