MATRIX DIAGRAM

AS A TOOL OF
TOTAL QUALITY MANAGEMENT
Table of Contents pg no.
Introduction…………………………………………………………3
History of Matrix Diagram…………………………………………3
Definition……………………………………………………………4
Uses of Matrix Diagram…………………………………………...4
Overview of Matrix Diagram as a Tool of TQM…………………5
Types of Matrix Diagram…………………………………………..7
Construction of Matrix Diagrams…………………………………9

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 MATRIX DIAGRAM
AS A TOOL OF
TOTAL QUALITY MANAGEMENT
Introduction
The matrix diagram is one of seven ‘new’ quality tools that have
importance to the manufacturing world. The other seven tools
include: the affinity diagram, the interrelationship diagraph, the tree
diagram, the prioritization matrix, the process decision program chart,
and the activity network diagram. The new quality tools were
extremely beneficial for the problem solving process. The matrix
diagram in particular is used to portray the actions required for a
process or product improvement.

HISTORY OF MATRIX DIAGRAMS

These new tools were developed to rid the problems that occurred
with the complexity of the seven traditional tools, such as:
Flowcharting, Cause and Effect Diagrams, Pareto Analysis, Control
Charts, Scatter Diagrams, Check sheets, and Histograms. With the
dedication of the Japanese, continuous improvement had helped
them come to some conclusions about the traditional seven quality
tools. The Japanese realized the new seven quality tools were the
most effective, which entered them into the second wave of quality. In
effect, the new quality management tools were used mainly for the
qualitative problems in nature and were also used by the middle and
upper management. The corrective action began on April 26, 1972.
This took place when the Japanese Society of Quality Control
Technique Development had their first meeting. They discussed
operations research, value engineering, diverse creativity techniques,
and other company issues dealing with quality control. The Japanese
society searched to prove these techniques which techniques were
the most effective. They concluded with the “Seven New QC Tools.”
In 1988, the seven tools of Shigem Mizuno were introduced to the
United States with a book entitled Management for Quality
Improvement: The New Seven QC Tools.

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DEFINITION
Of the new seven quality tools, the simplest diagram to create is the
matrix diagram or sometimes called Quality Function Deployment
(QFD). A Matrix diagram is a graphical tool that shows the connection
or correlation between ideas or issues in the form of a table (matrix).
A relationship is indicated at each intersection of rows and columns
as present or absent. It is used to arrange large quantities of data
relating to two or more product and process problems. It:
o Identifies the relationship between pairs of lists
o Shows the relationship between issues or ideas
o Helps in prioritizing resources and processes
o Useful way to organize the data collected

USES OF MATRIX DIAGRAM

o It is used to compare two lists to understand the many-to-many
relationship between them (it is not useful if there is a simple
one-to-one relationship).
o It is used it to determine the strength of the relationship
between either single pairs of items or a single item and
another complete list.
o It is used when the second list is generated as a result of the
first list, to determine the success of that generation process.
For example, customer requirements versus design
specifications.

Fig. 1. Using the Matrix Diagram in problem solving

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OVERVIEW OF MATRIX DIAGRAM AS A TOOL OF TQM
When comparing two lists, there is sometimes a simple one-to-one
relationship which can be easily documented in a side-by-side table.
However, when a single item from one list may be related to several
items in the other list, then the side-by-side format does not work,
as in Fig. 1.

Fig. 1. Relationships between lists

The Matrix Diagram allows two lists to be compared by turning the

second list on its side to form a matrix. Fig. 2 shows how the
relationship between two items can now be indicated in the square
or cell where the row and column of the two items cross.

Fig. 2. Many-to-many relationships in a matrix

The matrix can be thought of as a special form of table where the

cells contain a simple symbol or number, which is derived from a
defined set of rules.

A common extension to matrices is to use different symbols in the

matrix cells in order to show the strength of the relationship between

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pairs of items. The overall strength of the relationship between an
individual item and the whole of the other list can also be
determined either by visually checking the diagram or by allocating
a numerical value to each symbol and summing rows and columns,
as in Fig. 3.

The most common relationship symbols and their corresponding

values are shown below. The non-linear relationship between the
numeric symbol values indicates how a strong relationship is
typically much stronger than a medium or weak relationship.
Another factor that may be included in this calculation is the relative
priority of each list item.

Fig. 3. Showing and summing strength of relationship

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TYPES OF MATRIX DIAGRAM
There are a number of different shapes of matrix for comparing
more than the basic two lists. There are Six different shaped
matrices possible: L, T, Y, X, C and roof-shaped, depending on how
many groups must be compared.

o L-shaped matrix relates two groups of items to each other (or

one group to itself). The L-matrix is by far the most common
diagram. If there are more than two lists, then a set of L-
matrices may still be the best approach, unless the additional
relationship mapping given by other matrices is required.

o T-shaped matrix relates three groups of items: groups B and

C are each related to A. Groups B and C are not related to
each other. The T-matrix is useful when there are two distinct
sets of questions about a core list, for example comparing
school subjects against students and against teachers. An
indirect relationship can be inferred between the two side lists.

o Y-shaped matrix relates three groups of items. Each group is

related to the other two in a circular fashion. The Y-matrix
closes the loop on the T-matrix, and is useful for comparing
three tightly coupled lists. It can also be used as a practical
simplification of the C-matrix.

o C-shaped matrix relates three groups of items all together

simultaneously, in 3-D. The C-matrix compares three lists
simultaneously, such as the people, products and processes
in a factory. Being three-dimensional, it is difficult and complex
to produce and draw. It becomes easier if there are few
relationships to map.

o X-shaped matrix relates four groups of items. Each group is

related to two others in a circular fashion. The X-matrix is
useful for comparing two pairs of complementary lists, with
each pair occupying diagonally opposite lists (as they have
nothing in common and need not be compared). For example

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Fig. 4. Different types of Matrix Diagram

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 comparing men and women against activities in athletic and
intellectual pastimes, with men and women opposite.

o Roof-shaped matrix relates one group of items to itself. It is

usually used along with an L- or T-shaped matrix.

CONSTRUCTION OF MATRIX DIAGRAM

To construct a matrix diagram, it can be done in the following order:
1. Select the problem
2. Form a team with 4-5 people. The team should identify the
problems existing.
3. Choose a facilitator for the coordination of the team’s activities
4. Determine the product or process variables to be studied
5. Decide on the matrix shape based on the task
6. Place the information in the matrix
7. Draw the lines of the matrix
8. Determine the symbols to be utilized. Include a legend also for
the symbol definitions