Matrix Diagrams
A quality analysis tool that arranges information in a row-and-column grid to examine how items relate to each other. It makes the strength or weakness of connections among factors, causes, and objectives visible within the matrix structure.
Key Points
- Displays relationships among two or more sets of items using a matrix layout.
- Indicates relationship strength (for example: strong, moderate, weak) with symbols, numbers, or weights.
- Common forms include L, T, Y, X, C, and roof matrices, chosen based on how many groups are being compared.
- Helps prioritize work, reveal gaps, and assign ownership by clarifying where connections are strongest or missing.
Example
A project team maps customer requirements (rows) against proposed product features (columns). They mark strong links with a 9, moderate with a 3, and weak with a 1. The highest row totals show which features most strongly satisfy customer needs, guiding design priorities and trade-off discussions.
PMP Example Question
Which tool should a project manager use to assess how strongly product features address specific customer needs by showing relationship strength across rows and columns?
- Affinity diagram
- Matrix diagram
- Scatter diagram
- Control chart
Correct Answer: B — Matrix diagram
Explanation: A matrix diagram displays the strength of relationships between two or more groups of items in a structured grid, making it ideal for evaluating how well features satisfy requirements.