CLO410 – Decision Sciences - Computer operations technology



Flowcharts-Picturing the ProcessTabatha M. LakkalaCLO410 – Decision SciencesJuly 2, 2012Dr. Michael CorriereSouthwestern College Professional StudiesFlowcharts-Picturing the ProcessFlowcharts are easy to understand diagrams showing how steps of a process fit together. (MindTools, n.d.) Since I was younger I always had a fascination with flowcharts. I can recall looking through my parent’s medical dictionary there was a section filled with self-diagnosing flowcharts. I would always look at what was wrong in hopes that the chart would lead me to the course of action being either to go to the doctors or stay home, this was my feeble attempt to get out of school. I now realize that flowcharts are extremely power tools and can be applied to numerous situations. Background“A flow chart is a graphical or symbolic representation of a process. Each step in the process is represented by a different symbol and contains a short description of the process step. The flow chart symbols are linked together with arrows showing the process flow direction.” (Hebb, n.d.a) Flowcharts can be applied to anything from the completion of a school paper to making travel arrangements for a vacation. Flowcharts are called a multitude of names such as a process flow chart, process map, process chart, process model, and flow diagram; however they all follow the same standards when it comes to creation. Symbols, lines, arrows and letters are or should be standard when creating a flowchart; such as a triangle represents a question or decision. The level of detail in a flowchart is dependent on the type of chart being used. A macro-level flowchart shows actions but no decisions, an intermediate-level chart will show action and decision where as a micro-level flowchart will show minute detail. (Brassard & Ritter, 2010) Strengths The design elements of a flow chart are simple and with its use of color and symmetry noticeable patterns begin to emerge. Flowcharts can show unexpected complexity, redundancy and problem areas and help see possible standardization. (Brassard & Ritter, 2010) Flowcharts can help work you through the decision making process, showing actions, decision and possible outcomes in the order in which they occur. According to MindTool (n.d.), “A flowchart can therefore be used to build a step-by-step picture of the process for analysis, discussion, or communication and define, standardize or fine areas for improvement in a process.” (para 2) The visual aspect of a flowchart can also be considered a strength. According to The Flow of History (n.d.), “Flowcharts help students see patterns and understand the details of each pattern as it occurred at a specific time, as patterns become more recognizable, reader become more adept at understanding the material. (para 1)WeaknessesFlowchart weaknesses consist of both style and content mistakes. Visually flowcharts follow a distinct pattern, making it easier for the user to follow the decision making process. When flowcharts use uneven or unrecognizable symbols standard to usual practices, the chart can become confusing to the user. The spacing and colors used for symbols on a flowchart if not consistent can make a flowchart look cluttered and hard to read. Inconsistent flow and branch direction can also confuse users and take away from the content of the chart because visually it is unappealing. More important that being visually appealing is ensuring the content of your flowchart is relevant. According to Hebb (n.d.c), “One of the biggest disadvantages of flowcharts is that they require concise process step descriptions.”(para 3 ) Common UsesThe more prevalent uses for flowcharts are for processing documentation and training materials, workflow management and continuous improvement, programming, troubleshooting guides and regulatory and quality management requirements. (Hebb, n.d.b) The way the flowchart is used can determine which type of flowchart you will need to employ. According to Hebb (n.d.b), “Training materials are often created using flowcharts because they're visually stimulating and easy to understand. A nicely laid out flowchart will gain and hold the reader's attention when a block of text will often fail.” (para 4) Workflow management flowchart can help insure you are meeting the needs of your customers and not skipping vital issues with employees. Using flowcharts for programming is not as common due to increasing technological advances but can and still is used for complex programming. (Hebb, n.d.b) Hebb (n.d.b) noted that, “Your business processes may be subject to regulatory requirements such as Sarbanes-Oxley (SOX), which requires that your accounting procedures be clearly defined and documented.” (para 9) Flowcharts are one of the simplest ways to help show step by step procedures.Uses in Communication Career FieldOne of the most common uses for a flowchart in the communication career field where I work would be used for troubleshooting computer issues. It would eliminate redundant steps in checking the functionality of a computer process, ensuring feedback loops are closed before moving to the next possible cause of the error. Keeping steps in sequential order is key in troubleshooting; you always want to start with the most likely cause of a problem and work your issue from that starting point.ConclusionFlowcharts can be used for a multitude of reasons. They range from the simple to complex and can be applied to almost any situation, whether you are troubleshooting, training or seeking continual improvement. Flowcharts have both its strengths and weaknesses; but ensuring that proper symbols and relevant information is being used can be the deciding factor whether your flowchart is a powerful tool or just a jumbled mess. ReferencesBrassard, M., & Ritter, D. (2010). The Memory Jogger II (Second Edition). Salem, NH: GOAL/QPC. Hebb, N. (n.d.a). Flowchart Symbols. Retrieved July 1, 2012, from , N. (n.d.b). Top 5 Reasons to use a Flowchart . Retrieved July 3, 2012, from , N. (n.d.c). What is a Flowchart? Retrieved July 1, 2012, from Tools. (n.d.). Flow Charts: Understanding and communication how a process works.Retrieved July 2, 2012, from Flow of History. (n.d.). Principles of Flowchart Design. Retrieved July 2, 2012, from ................
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