Tree Diagram

Use When:
Ø Broad objectives must be broken down into specific implementation detail.
Ø All of the implementation options must be explored.
Ø Assignable tasks must be created.

LuAnn Brusseau
Frederico Cury
Nimmy Shekar
Boise State, MBA 533

Reference: The Memory Jogger, Chapt. 3 "Tree Diagram" - Brassard

 List Your GOAL STATEMENT

Note: Be sure to hit ENTER after you type the Goal Statement.

Click to define the MAJOR HEADINGS

Help
 Define up to 5 MAJOR HEADINGS that support or address the goal statement.

GOAL STATEMENT:
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5

Note: Be sure to hit ENTER after you have typed your last item.

to GO BACK Click Click to define the SUB-HEADINGS

(to Goal Statement)
Help
 Define the SUB-HEADINGS - Under Each Major Path
For each Major Heading, list up to 4 things that need to happen/be addressed
to resolve/achieve this problem/goal statement

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2
3
4

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4

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4

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4

Note: Be sure to hit ENTER after your last data entry

to GO BACK Click Click to define SUB-HEADING DETAIL

(to Major Headings)
Help
Define the SUB-HEADING DETAIL
Finally, for each Sub-Heading, list up to 2 things that need to happen/be addressed to resolve/achieve
this problem/goal statement

1
2

1
2

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A Tree Diagram will help you systematically map out (in increasing detail) the full range of
paths and tasks that need to be accomplished to achieve a primary goal.

Start by concisely wording your primary goal and typing it in the white block of the Goal
Statement page. The statement should define what you are trying to achieve in broad terms.

For instance, your goal statement might look like;

Reduce data entry complexity or,

Reduce the cost of raw material procurement.

Be sure to hit the ENTER key after you have typed your Goal Statement. You may make changes to
your statement. When you are satisfied with the wording, hit the ENTER key and then click on the
"Click Here" button to go to the Major Headings section

Click to return to the Goal Statement Page

Major Headings are the broadest implementation paths to pursue. They can be generated
in a number of ways. A common method is to brainstorm the problem or objective and group
the items until several broad general categories emerge.

Another approach is to use an Affinity analysis and use the header cards as major headings.

Regardless of how you arrive at the major categories, list one on each white line on the
Major Headings page (up to 5). Be sure to hit the ENTER key after the last entry and click on
the "Click Here" button to proceed with the analysis.
Note: You are not required to fill in all 5 white blocks. However, more detail will provide higher
resolution in your analysis.

Click to return to the Major Headings page

For each Major Heading you listed on the Major Headings page, you will have the opportunity
to define up to four supporting Sub-Headings. Under each Major Heading, list up to 4 items
which need to be addressed to resolve or solve the issue identified in the Major Heading statement.

Only define Sub-Heading statements for Major Headings which have been transferred from the
previous page. Be sure to hit the ENTER key after each entry. Click the "Click Here" button to
proceed to the next step of the process.

Note: It is not necessary to fill in all 4 sub-headings for each major heading. However, more detail
will provide higher resolution in your analysis

Click to return to the Sub-Heading Page

For each Sub-Heading you entered on the Sub-Heading page, you will see a gray block with
that sub-heading filled in. Below the gray title block, there will be two white blocks in which
you can define further levels of detail.

Do not define sub-heading detail unless a sub-heading has been defined. You will see each
sub-heading listed in a gray block. Skip any white entry blocks where there is no sub-heading
listed. Be sure to hit the ENTER key after your last entry.

As with all other white entry blocks, you are not required to enter additional levels of detail.
However, more detail will provide higher resolution in your analysis.

Click to return to the Sub-Heading Detail page

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Tree Diagram to: