Certified Supply Chain Professional (CSCP) Practice Exam

Which diagram is helpful for identifying the required order of tasks in a process?

1. Gantt chart

2. Arrow diagram

3. Pie chart

4. Affinity diagram

The correct answer is: Arrow diagram

The Arrow diagram is an effective tool for identifying the required order of tasks in a process because it visually represents the sequence and relationships among different activities. Often referred to as a network diagram, it uses arrows to indicate the flow from one task to another, showing dependencies and the critical paths that must be followed to complete a project or process. This diagram allows individuals and teams to visualize complex processes by clearly delineating which tasks must occur before others can start. This helps in identifying potential bottlenecks and ensuring that resources are allocated properly to maintain the flow of the project. In contrast, a Gantt chart focuses more on the scheduling of tasks over time rather than their sequence. A pie chart is primarily used to represent parts of a whole, providing percentages that do not illustrate task order. An affinity diagram is used for organizing ideas and information but does not specifically convey the order of tasks. Therefore, the Arrow diagram is uniquely suited for mapping out the order of tasks in a process.