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Contents






Sigma Magic Help Version 15

Force Field Analysis

Overview

Force Field analysis is used to determine the driving forces that support the implementation of a solution and the restraining forces that oppose the implementation of the solution. If the number of driving forces is greater than the number of restraining forces, then the chance of acceptance of the solution by the organization is high. On the contrary, if the restraining forces are greater than the driving forces, then the chances of implementation/acceptance of the solution are slim.

Inputs

This tool can be added to your active workbook by clicking on Change and then selecting Force Field Analysis. Click on Analysis Setup to open the menu options for this tool.

Setup

A sample screenshot of the setup menu is shown below.
inputs
1
Num Rows: Specify the number of rows you want to display on the worksheet. Note that you can have a maximum of 20 rows in this tool. All rows that are not required are hidden and not displayed. You can change the number of rows to be displayed at any time. Do not delete the unneeded rows - just hide them if you do not need these rows.
2
Points Column: Specify if we should include the points column for the force field analysis.
OptionDescription
ShowInclude the points column. Here, we can rate each force on a scale of 1-10 and then determine if the total driving forces are greater than the restraining forces. Use this option if each force has a different level of impact/importance.
HideDo not consider the points rating to determine the overall force field. Use this option if each force is comparable to the other forces and all are equally important.
3
View Example: Click on this button to add an example worksheet. You can use the example to understand how others have filled out the tool or use the example as a starting point and modify it to better meet your needs.
4
Help Button: Click on this button to open the help file for this topic.
5
Cancel Button: Click on this button to cancel all changes to the settings and exit this dialog box.
6
OK Button: Click on this button to save all changes and compute the outputs for this analysis.
Enter the following information on the worksheet:
  1. Enter the description of the Original Solution.
  2. For the original solution, list all the driving forces that support the solution. Assign a rating for each force.
  3. For the original solution, list all the restraining forces that oppose the solution. Assign a rating for each force.
  4. If the net score for the original solution is less than 0, then there are more opposing forces. Think of how you can modify the solution so that more forces support it or fewer forces oppose it.
  5. Type the modified solution and list all the new driving forces and restraining forces on the spreadsheet.

Checklist

If you click on the Checklist button, you will see the following dialog box. Checklist The checklist contains a few pointers on things you need to pay particular attention to while performing this analysis. The checklist has been derived from experience working on past projects. Not all the checklist items need to apply to you. However, you should carefully review the checklist and apply any recommendations that make sense for your project. Make sure to read each checklist item and mark it as completed after you have read and taken actions as appropriate for your project.

Verify

If you click on the Verify button, the software will perform some checks on the data you have entered. A sample screenshot of the dialog box is shown in the figure below. Verify The objective of this analysis as well as any checks that are performed is listed in this dialog box. For example, the software may check if you have correctly specified the input options and entered the required data on the worksheet. The results of the analysis checks are listed on the right. If the checks are passed, then they are shown as a green-colored checkmark. If the verification checks fail, then they are shown as a red-colored cross. If the verification checks result in a warning, they are shown in the orange color exclamation mark and finally, any checks that are required to be performed by the user are shown as blue info icons.

Outputs

Click on Compute Outputs to update the output calculations. A sample screenshot of the worksheet is shown below.
Force Field If the Force Field analysis has been completed correctly, it is so noted in the comments box. If the restraining forces are more than the driving forces, then your modified solution is not sufficient. Think of other ways to modify the solution so that you have more driving forces compared to the restraining forces.

Notes

Here are a few pointers regarding this analysis:
  • You can determine the points based on the importance of the issue and the amount of resistance or support you expect for this issue. At the end of the day, this number is based on the perception that is obtained from the team's collective judgment

References

For more information on this topic, please refer to the following articles. Do note that if any external links are mentioned below, they are for reference purposes only.