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
- How far is it to get to the new site – 75 miles
- 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 |
|
Lower cost per mile Manage congestion |
Intangible |
|
Intangible |
|
Motorbike |
Danger |
|
Sense of freedom |
Tangible |
|
Tangible |
|
Car |
Maintenance |
Car |
Comfortable
|
Intangible |
|
Intangible |
|
|
Reliability |
|
Image |
|
|
|
|
Tangible |
|
Tangible |
|
Train |
Rail fares |
Train |
Potential for relaxation |
Intangible |
|
Intangible |
|
|
Potential overcrowding |
|
Let train take strain |
|
|
|
|
Tangible |
|
Tangible |
|
Plane |
Cost |
|
|
Intangible |
|
Intangible |
|
|
Delays |
|
Potential shorter time for longer journeys |
|
|
|
|
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.