Transcript
Page 1
There are two approaches to creating an influence diagram. One way is to start from an existing systems map with established boundaries; the other is to start with a blank sheet and build up an influence diagram adding boundaries where appropriate. Both approaches are explored in this tutorial.
I’ll start with a systems map of the WWP and see where the lines of influence might be drawn to transform it into an influence diagram.
Page 2
Examining the four key sub-systems inside the boundary – these are components of the WWP – I began exploring where the key lines of influence might be.
Page 3
Next I looked at the paths of influence that environmental factors had on the programme. Any environmental factor in a systems map by definition has an influence on the system of interest and can be affected by the system of interest.
However, to avoid having too many arrows on the diagram, I chose not to include all the arrows in the final diagram except those I thought had a very significant influence.
Page 4
Some influences from the environment might be associated with particular components or sub-systems.
Page 5
After adding in these arrows, I assigned different levels of influence to each relationship, emphasising relatively strong influences with thick arrows.
Page 6
Looking at this diagram you might appreciate why influence diagrams are a useful tool for triggering debates between people with different perspectives on a situation. How do you respond to the diagram? What are the key areas of influence you disagree with?
Page 7
I could try drawing more specific lines of influence between the various individual components of the sub-systems. However, doing this directly from a systems map is likely to end up being very messy.
I can avoid any potential messiness using the second approach to influence diagramming. Starting with a blank sheet it allows you to explore the factors of influence in more detail, as well as letting you look at the situation from a different perspective.
Page 8
Being free of preconceived boundaries and elements can sometimes be useful in exploring other influences and relationships. Influence diagrams can be established directly from knowledge about a particular area of interest. On a separate sheet of scrap paper, as a brainstorming exercise, I listed all possible structural factors relevant to the development of the programme. This might create far more structural factors than I can usefully work with.
Page 9
In looking at the key influences around WWP, I spotted the 240+ projects. These represent the key structural components of the programme. Having decided to focus on the projects, I began to think of the key influences on generating support for them. Clearly the support of the national government was paramount. But what influenced the provision of such government support?
Page 1 0
The driving trigger of influence for WWP was ecosystem deterioration, in particular, the cultivation of invasive species. Given that much of the influence on the programme is mediated through the government, I began to think of the key factors of influence that would trigger government support.
Page 1 1
I then began to wonder what other factors would influence government support. Certainly, the relative costs and benefits of implementing WWP are critical (as shown by the ‘success’ of project implementation). But other factors were also thought to be important.
Page 1 2
It occurred to me that the prime success of WWP projects was influenced by the involvement of different agencies from different sectors.
Page 1 3
Looking first at ecosystem deterioration and cultivation of invasive species blobs, I wondered what influences there were on the continuation of these features.
Page 1 4
Looking at the series of blobs and arrows, I then explored which factors belonged in close association with the WWP’s remit of control, and which factors remained outside its control. Doing this helped me to establish the boundary of the WWP. Having done this I checked back with my original list of influence factors and discovered an omission.
Page 1 5
Finally, I wanted to illustrate what I thought were particularly strong factors of influence.
Page 1 6
Like the first influence diagram, you might not agree with some of my judgements on key factors and their relative strengths and positions. If you were considering the WWP as an actual case for future intervention, you’d probably find it very useful to note down any contentious points. You could then ask other interested stakeholders to make similar notes, as a means of beginning to surface different perspectives.
Summary
(if not starting from a systems map)
1 Identify an issue on which to explore relevant influences and construct a title for your diagram.
2 Define all the various influencing factors (including human agents or ‘actors’).
3 Position the various factors of direct influence within circles around the central issue.
4 Position the factors of less direct influence within circles around the factors of more direct influence.
5 Link the components of your diagram with relatively thick (strong influence) and thin (weak influence) arrows illustrating both the direction and strength of influence.
6 If it helps, draw a boundary between those factors which can be controlled (factors inside the boundary) and those factors which cannot be controlled (outside the boundary; in the ‘environment’).