Planning in project management can be a challenging task and this is the reason why project managers use different kinds of quality management and control tools. One of the examples of such tools is the matrix diagram. Matrix diagrams are a type of quality management tool that is utilized to analyze the data within a particular organizational structure. The data is created in a matrix to show the relationship between different groups of information. It shows the strength of the relationship between objectives, factors, and causes that exist between the rows and columns that make up the entire matrix.
There are different types of matrix diagrams that project managers can use in analyzing project management data. These include the following models:
- L-shaped matrix: creates a relationship between two items.
- T-shaped matrix: creates a relationship within three groups of items.
- Y-shaped matrix: creates a relationship within three groups of items but the relationship is displayed in a circular diagram for better understanding.
- C-shaped matrix: creates a relationship within three groups of items and displays it in 3D.
- X-shaped matrix: creates a relationship within four groups of items.
This term is defined in the 5th edition of the PMBOK.