* Flowcharts.

 Flowcharts are also referred to as process maps because they display the

sequence of steps and the branching possibilities that exist for a process that transforms

one or more inputs into one or more outputs. Flowcharts show the activities, decision

points, branching loops, parallel paths, and the overall order of processing by mapping

the operational details of procedures that exist within a horizontal value chain. One

version of a value chain, known as a SIPOC (suppliers, inputs, process, outputs, and customers) model, is shown in Figure 8.4.  

* Logical data model.

 Logical data models are a visual representation of an organization's

data, described in business language and independent of any specific technology. The

logical data model can be used to identify where data integrity or other quality issues can arise.  

* Matrix diagrams.

Matrix diagrams help find the strength of relationships among

different factors, causes, and objectives that exist between the rows and columns that

form the matrix. In this process they facilitate identifying the key quality metrics that are

important for the success of the project.  

* Mind mapping.

 Mind mapping is a diagrammatic method used to visually organizing

information. A mind map in quality is often created around a single quality concept,

drawn as an image in the center of a blank landscape page, to which associated

representations of ideas such as images, words, and parts of words are added.