Flowchart as an Integral Component of Seven Basic Quality Tools

A flowchart, one of the seven basic quality tools, is defined as a graphical presentation used to describe and visualize the sequence of events within a process. It is a valuable tool in the context of the Project Management Professional (PMP) exam, where it can help in understanding and analyzing project processes.  A process is a series of activities aimed at achieving specific objectives. It involves inputs, decision branches, and outputs. Flowcharts are valuable tools for visualizing the sequential or parallel sequence of events in a process. They provide a clear representation of the activities involved, enabling effective analysis and understanding of the process flow.

 The flow chart can be defined as per its application in the PMP exam –

The depiction in a picture format of the input, process actions, and outputs of one or more methods within a System.

In summary, the purpose of a flowchart is to help understand the inner workings of a process and identify potential errors or variations. Examining the detailed steps involved in a particular task makes it easier to pinpoint the causes of discrepancies or quality issues. Flowcharts serve as a tool for in-depth analysis of process sequences and how individuals perform specific tasks.

 Flowchart Example:

Let’s consider a scenario where a team needs to estimate the items that have been identified in the scope baseline. In order to achieve realistic estimates, the following steps need to be taken iteratively.

Development of Flowchart -The development of a flowchart involves establishing a clear understanding of the inputs, outputs, decision points, and the basis for making decisions. Many professionals utilize SIPOC (Suppliers, Inputs, Processes, Outputs, Customers) as an input to create a visual representation of a process.

In this case, SIPOC (Supplier, Input, Process, Output, and Customer) serves as a model for documenting a process from start to finish. SIPOC is a result of a brainstorming session between a selected group of team members and other SME(s). In order to develop the SIPOC model team starts with the ‘P’ of SIPOC for the steps of processes. After identification of the process steps, a list of output and customers are identified. The team continues from backward of SIPOC, i.e., beginning with the supplier (S), and then inputs of the processes are identified. The result of SIPOC is generally represented in the table as mentioned below; here, numbers are allotted to each head of the table according to their sequence of consideration:

Important Usage of Flowchart in the Context of PMP Exam:

1. Identifying the Cost of Quality (COQ): Flowcharts are valuable for analyzing the frequencies within decision loops, as well as the input and output branches, in order to identify the cost of quality. By closely examining the flowchart, potential improvement and cost-reduction areas can be identified.
2. Planning Quality: During the planning quality, flowcharts are utilized to enhance the selected project processes. Drawing from lessons learned from previous similar projects, flowcharts help identify steps that require improvement. They are particularly useful in identifying non-value-added activities that can be eliminated or streamlined.
3. Control Quality: Flowcharts are employed as a tool for control quality. They enable easy identification of non-standard events or deviations from the expected flow. Monitoring the flowchart helps in detecting and addressing any anomalies or issues that arise during the quality control process.
4. Application in Agile: In Agile project management, flowcharts can be used as a valuable tool for visualizing and streamlining workflow across various stages or iterations. They provide teams with a clear understanding of the sequence of activities, allowing them to identify dependencies and pinpoint bottlenecks within their Agile processes. By visualizing the flow of work, flowcharts enable Agile teams to identify and address process inefficiencies effectively. This visualization aids in better planning for subsequent iterations, allowing teams to optimize their workflow and enhance overall project performance in an Agile environment.

Overall, flowcharts serve as a visual aid in analyzing, improving, and monitoring processes, facilitating efficient project planning and quality control. Flowcharts are particularly beneficial for detailed analysis and effective communication of complex processes to stakeholders.

 I trust that this blog has effectively addressed all your inquiries regarding the flow chart in the context of PMP and its significance in quality planning, quality control, and visualization of workflows and processes. For a visual presentation and further understanding of flowcharts, you can watch this video:

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