Part 3: CTQ Tree

The DMAIC model, defined in part 2 of the series, is used in project management to improve existing models.  Creating new models is a different process, which we will explore soon.  Now that we have defined what DMAIC stands for, let’s take a look at one of the tools for the “define” stage of the process that you will undoubtably hear while working in project management, the CTQ Tree.

CTQ is defined as Critical-to-Quality, (the “Tree” is thrown in there as it is the visual of the tool). The CTQ Tree is a tool to help your organization flush out your customers’ needs in a more quantifiable way.  This is going to be important because it is all about defining what makes your customer happy and making sure a given project or product can do just that.  When this chart is created, it will break down the project on a detailed level to help insure you are not missing any important information.  Think of this model as a “Need to Outcome” process like the table below shows.

If you want to learn about the CTQ Tree more in-depth, take a look at this CTQ article from Mind Tools.