Mind Mapping

This is a way of sorting out information in a situation or from a brain storm with other people when you are looking for solutions.

It can also be a process of identifying all the different aspects of a topic or project.

It can also be a way of taking notes to summarise and learn about a subject.

For example if you want to make a decision about whether you should take the opportunity to transfer to another work site for promotion you can create a mind map that looks at all the options and at some of the issues you need to take into consideration such as travel to work:

This is how the mind map was created.

The problem was defined – how to get to work
The different ways to travel were identified
The options are evaluated using the distance as criteria
1. How far is it to get to the new site – 75 miles
2. How feasible are each of the options

Feasible	Not feasible
Motorbike	Bicycle all the way
Car	Walk all the way
Train	Taxi all the way
Plane	Bus all the way

Cost Benefit Analysis

Costs		Benefits
Tangible		Tangible
Motorbike	Maintenance Fuel Protective clothing		Lower cost per mile Manage congestion
Intangible		Intangible
Motorbike	Danger Accident Weather		Sense of freedom Hobby getting to work Image
Tangible		Tangible
Car	Maintenance Fuel Parking Congestion Additional mileage on car	Car	Comfortable On board entertainment Hands off mobile Protection from weather Choice of vehicle Choice of company Options for family responsibilities
Intangible		Intangible
	Reliability		Image

Tangible		Tangible
Train	Rail fares Travel to / from station Fixed time-tables	Train	Potential for relaxation Potential for leisure reading Potential catching up emails, phone calls, reports Potential shorter time for longer journeys
Intangible		Intangible
	Potential overcrowding Delays		Let train take strain

Tangible		Tangible
Plane	Cost Airport location Travel to / from airport Speed
Intangible		Intangible
	Delays		Potential shorter time for longer journeys Image

You will need to fill in the actual figures for tangible costs and tangible benefits, including time. A simple sum will help you see which is the best cost for you. The intangible benefits are the factors that will help you make your final decision. The cheapest option may not give you the intangible benefits that are important to you.