Process Decision Programme Chart

Process decision programme chart icon - orb showing part of a process decision 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..

Access full library of tools and tips.
Get all the latest updates and ideas.

Your use of the Toolchest is subject to the following terms and conditions, and is subject to our privacy policy which can be reviewed here: https://meetings.toolchest.org/privacy-policy

■ We will not use your information for any other purpose than to keep you informed of developments in meeting effectiveness, and we will not share your information with others.
■ You are able to unsubscribe from this service at any time. Each email you receive from us will contain a link where you can reset your preferences for all future emails, or unsubscribe for the service entirely.
■ We will contact you on a minimum of a quarterly basis to ensure that our service is continuing to meet your needs, to give you a general update on key developments in our service, and to provide you with the option to change your contact preferences
■ We will hold your data on file to enable your access to the Information Service until such time as you unsubscribe from the service
■ If we hold your data outside of the information service as a result of you contacting us by email, we will hold your data in accordance with our Privacy Policy (https://meeting.toolchest.org/privacy-policy). We will delete such data, in situations where we are not legally required to retain it, on receipt of a verified request from you
■ All information provided by us is provided in good faith. All information submitted by you is to be provided in good faith.
■ In compliance with the GDPR 2018, you acknowledge that clicking the subscribe button grants us your consent to hold the data you have provided, and to contact you using that data, in the manner described above.
By clicking the button below, I agree with the Terms & Conditions.
Track your progress to ensure the efficacy of this strategy.