The basic value network diagram is created from just three simple elements: Roles - and Transactions and Deliverables.
The map itself shows a specific activity with defined scope and boundaries. The example below is very simple, but the sameelements can be used to map any activity, no matter how complex.
Using just these three elements, the mapping method is easy to learn andeasy to apply to activities and processes, from simple to complex.
Three elements of the map
1. Nodes (often shown as ovals) represent real people and the contributing role they play in that activity.
2. A directional arrow shows a single transaction - something moving from one role to another.
3. A transaction with anintangible deliverable is shown here with a dashed line, and a transaction with a tangible deliverable is shown with a solid line.
4. Validate it is complete by sequencing the transactions.
Example of a value network map
At a healthcare organization, patients would sometimes wait up to 3.5 months to get a confirmed appointment for a particular medical procedure. Using a LEAN process engineering approach the group was able to reduce processing time from 8 hours to 5. But they were only able to reduce wait time by 2 weeks.
Value Network Analysis (VNA), in one workshop day, identified the problem by understanding the roles and interactions. A solution was implemented - reducing wait time from 3.5 months to 4 weeks.
The complete case study, Procedure Scheduling in Healthcare, is in the Case Studies chapter.
Note: Roles in a value network are defined by the value they contribute. In classic network analysis, role typically refers to the structural role in the network. For a more detailed explanation of the differences see SNA/VNA/ONA in the Deep Dive chapter.
