Identify
AsterWrite has many tools for each of the various steps in Action Research. Tools are customized for different functions and can be assembled together to complete an Action Research. The different tools, their description, indication of the purpose and sample outputs are shown below. Although some tools may appear too simple, the inclusion of these tools add high credibility to the Action Research.
Process Flow
A Process Flow Chart is used to describe the sequence and relationship of the tasks that make up an activity. A chart representing a process flow may be called a Process Flow Chart. A process flow chart records graphically or diagrammatically, in sequence, the operations connected with a process. The Process Flow Chart portrays the process with the help of a set of symbols and aids in better understanding and examining the process.
Check List
Check List is a simple yet powerful task management tool that helps to plan projects, prioritize "To Do" items, note responsibilities and record accomplishments.
Cause-Effect Diagram
Cause-Effect Diagram is visualization and knowledge organization tool. The Cause-Effect Diagram is a tool that provides a systematic way of looking at all the causes that influence an effect. The diagram is based on simply collecting and arranging the ideas of a group in a systematic way that facilitates the understanding and ultimate diagnosis of the problem.
Pareto Analysis
Pareto Analysis is a statistical technique in decision-making used for the selection of a few tasks that produce significant overall effect. It uses the Pareto Principle or the 80/20 rule - the idea that by doing 20% of the work you can generate 80% of the benefits.
Histogram
Histogram is a graphical display of tabulated frequencies which shows what proportion of cases fall into each of several specified non-overlapping, adjacent categories (intervals) of some variable.
Scatter Plot
Scatter Plot (or Scatter Graph) is a graph used to display and compare two or more sets of related quantitative data each having a coordinate (x, y). A Scatter Plot is used to investigate the possible relationship between two variables. A straight line of best fit (using the least squares method) is often included.
Project Plan
The Project Plan is a template for project definition justifying why a project is needed. It comprises of the Project Plan and Project Charter. The Project Plan records and formalizes the Objectives, Benefits, Project Team, Schedule and Scope. The Project Charter spells the Product or Service Impacted, Expected Project Savings and several other project specific details.
Vital X
The Vital X is a simple but important tool to formalize the selection of vital variables in an array of variables. A direct frequency count is used to establish the importance of factors. The factor with the highest rating is considered most important.
Weighted Score
The Weighted Score tool is used to weight impacts related to an array of variables. A list of variables are given a direct rating under a classified group. The classified group itself has a weighting. The product of the direct rating and the weighting is then used to arrive at a weighted rating.
