Influence diagrams identify the factors (structural features such as people and events) that have direct and indirect influence on a system and its environment. (See the definition of a systems map for an explanation of 'system'.)
Unlike a multiple cause diagram which traces change over time, influence diagrams identify factors with the capacity to influence at any particular point of time. An influence diagram is more like a systems map in providing a snapshot of a situation.
Influence diagrams differentiate between two types of influences: strong influences and weak influences.
Influence diagrams are used to:
An influence diagram is particularly useful as a tool for communication − as a means of sharing or exchanging perspectives or views on a particular situation during initial stages of negotiation and collaborative planning.
An influence diagram is made up of blobs and arrows. The real message of this type of representation emerges from the arrows. The main steps are:
Watch the animated tutorial (click on ‘View’) below this paragraph to see how I built up my influence diagrams of the WWP. If you are still a bit unsure about what an influence diagram is you might like to view the optional animation, What is an influence diagram?, before viewing the WWP examples.
Click on WWP Influence diagram to see the description of the animated tutorial.
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