Goal Network Diagram

A goal network diagram is a way of analysing the various goals that are relevant to a project.

A goal network diagram should be completed as part of the Critical Goal Analysis if we feel there is a need to illustrate the interation between Strategic and Operational goals; where there is synergy or conflict between these goals; or where we want a visual tool to identify the relevant goals before we summarise our findings in tabular form.

Each 'goal' is drawn as a separate object and we then 'network' the goals using a series of lines and arrows which illustrate the interaction between the goals.

These interactions can be very different and our notation should reflect this :-

Dependent Relationship where goal A is dependent on goal B (e.g. provision of the services that a citizen requires is dependent on consulting the citizen about services )

Contributory Relationship where goal A contributes to achieving Goal B (e.g. consulting the citizen about services will contribute to providing the services that a citizen requires - these 2 goals are therefore contributory and dependent to each other)

Mutual Influence where goal A and goal B are mutually influential (e.g. b y consulting the citizen about services we are also involving the citizen in the decision-making process)

Negative Influence where goal A is compromised by goal B (e.g. by saving money on costs we may be having a negative effect on providing wider access to services)