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Matrix Diagram
The
Matrix Diagram
is an analysis tool that facilitates the systematic analysis of the
strengths of relationships between two or more sets of elements.
It consists of a table whose main rows and columns contain the elements
being inter-related, with the rest of its cells containing symbols or
numbers that denote the strengths of relationship between the elements.
The elements
being inter-related in a matrix diagram may be in the form of
information, concepts, conditions, activities, or other intangible
items, as well as physical things such as people, equipment, tools, and
materials.
The matrix
diagram can be used in almost all types of
decision
making
that involves several options or alternatives, or is affected by several
factors. Examples of these include: 1) equal distribution of major
and minor assignments among members of a given project; 2) selection of
a process, equipment, or material for a given purpose; 3) identifying
the most critical factors affecting a given problem area; 4) matching of
tasks to objectives, etc.
The elements
belonging to the same row or column should have something in common, so
that they comprise a set that
represents
something. For instance, a matrix diagram that relates various
reliability tests to various failure mechanisms might show in its main
row industry-standard reliability tests and on its main column
commonly-encountered failure mechanisms.
The
strength of
relationship
between each reliability test and each failure mechanism may then be
denoted on the cell where they intersect with a symbol or a number (say,
1-3, with 3 denoting the strongest relationship). Table 1 shows a
simplified version of such a matrix diagram. This matrix diagram shows,
for instance, that if one wants to check the reliability of a set of
samples with respect to package cracking and ball lifting, then TCT
should be the reliability test used instead of PCT or HTOL.
Table 1.
A Matrix Diagram Relating Reliability Tests to Failure Mechanisms
| |
TCT |
PCT |
HTOL |
|
Package Cracking |
3 |
2 |
1 |
|
Corrosion |
1 |
3 |
1 |
|
Ball
Lifting |
3 |
2 |
1 |
|
Oxide
Breakdown |
1 |
1 |
3 |
There
are many types of matrices: 1) the L-shaped matrix; 2) the T-shaped
matrix; 3) the Y-shaped matrix; 4) the X-shaped matrix; and 5) the
C-shaped matrix. The two most commonly used matrices, however, are
the L- and T-shaped matrices. The
L-shaped matrix
has a main row and a main column that form an inverted 'L' to
inter-relate
two sets of items directly to each other, or a single set of items to
itself. The matrix shown in Figure 1 is an example of an L-shaped
matrix.
On the other hand, the
T-shaped matrix
has its main column
(or main row) separated in the middle by a single main row (or single
column) that appears in the middle of the matrix. The T-matrix is
used to inter-relate two sets of items (say, sets A and B) to a common third
set of items (say, set C). The items in set A will appear on the
half of the main column above the main row, while those of set B will be
in the half below the main row. The items of the common set C will
appear on the main row.
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See Also:
Scatter Diagram; Ishikawa Diagram
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