Organizations are networks of people who generate and exchange information. Knowledge is created and progress is achieved when information is used in a way that creates understanding and makes the new information a part of daily experience.
Synplex is a software tool which supports the effective exchange, analysis, and use of information and the development of knowledge.
The principal use of Synplex is by a facilitator during group workshops. It provides the capability to capture, analyse, and structure the text-based information generated by the group.
The software presents the information as pairs of individual statements and asks a relationship question about possible influence between the two statements. An example would be:
Does…
“Our new product process doesn't produce winning products”affect…
“We constantly struggle to meet our financial targets”
The group discusses what they know about the two statements. When a significant majority of the group agree on either a YES or NO answer, the answer is entered into the computer. The computer analyses the new information in the context of all the information entered previously and presents another pairing for discussion.
The software uses the decisions made by the group to construct an influence map, which displays the information collected during the meeting in a graphic form of causal links between various aspects of the problem.
Influence Map
An influence map allows the group participants to see and understand how individual elements of the issue / problem set are influencing other elements.
The direction of influence between elements is indicated by the arrows in the maps shown below. The most fundamental issues / problems are those on the left. They influence those elements to which they are connected. Some of the nodes on the influence map contain multiple elements. These are grouping of elements where each element influences and is influenced by the others in the group i.e. there is a mutual cycle of influence.
The influence map is developed through the process of facilitated discourse and the emergence of a deep, shared understanding within the group. It allows the group to clearly identify the fundamental issues and focus attention on resolving them. It also helps the group to design effective, efficient action plans and optimize the allocation of resources.
(a small part of a complete model)
Why Use Synplex?
There are many important aspects to every complex problem. The number of possible causal links grows extremely quickly with the number of the problem aspects. It is nearly impossible to constantly update a map of these links, adequately analyse it on-the-fly, and steer the discussion along the optimal route without using appropriate software.
Key Benefits
- Only two pieces of information are presented at a time, keeping discussion focused;
- Efficient analysis and structuring of information;
- Communication and information sharing is easy; comfortable discussion framework plus detailed analysis of complex issues;
- Optimization of the discussion: best questions are asked at every step;
- Deep understanding of complex issues through discussion and graphic representation (influence map) allows for better resource allocation.