Functional decomposition is an analysis method where complex processes are examined by dividing them into their constituent parts. According to the Business Analysis Body of Knowledge (BABOK), functional decomposition “helps manage complexity and reduce uncertainty by breaking down processes, systems, functional areas, or deliverables into their simpler constituent parts and allowing each part to be analyzed independently.”
Understanding functional decomposition
In business, functional decomposition is commonly used to capture project requirements.
If the strategy is used properly, the organization can produce more accurate time estimates and determine whether a project is on schedule.
Importantly, it can also identify smaller functions contributing to project delays and help stakeholders develop a deeper understanding of key processes.
Some of the terms unique to functional decomposition are listed below:
Function
Simply a task that is performed by a process, system, or device.
Functions are expressed as a verb-noun phrase.
For example, the functions of an ATM may include “reads cards” or “dispenses cash”.
Decomposition
The process of breaking down.
General function
A function that requires other functions to work in order to take place.
Subfunction
A function that has to work for a general function to take place.
Functional decomposition diagram
A diagram used to illustrate the hierarchical relationships between tasks and sub-tasks.
Tree diagrams are commonly used because they clearly show how a large function can be split into many smaller functions.
However, nested diagrams, flow diagrams, cause-effect diagrams, mind maps, and state transition diagrams can also be used.
Performing functional decomposition
In this section, we’ll take a look at a general approach to performing functional decomposition:
Determine the most general function
In other words, what is the most general task a project needs to accomplish?
It is important to be concise and identify a single function that best encapsulates a goal or objective.
A short description of the general function should then be placed at the top of the diagram.
Determine the closest subfunctions
These are the functions that must occur immediately before the general function.
Each subfunction should be connected to the general function by drawing a line between them.
Move down to the next subfunction level
For the subfunctions identified in step two, find the “second-order” subfunctions that must occur immediately before each and connect them with lines.
This process should be repeated until the team arrives at the most basic functions which cannot be broken down any further.
Subjects of functional decomposition
During the introduction, we mentioned a few benefits of using functional decomposition during project management.
In truth, however, the applications of the approach are numerous. Here are just a few examples of subjects that can be separated into smaller parts:
Where functional decomposition can be used to clarify individual process steps to measure, manage, and optimize them.
Business units
In this case, decomposition is used to understand how the organization works by evaluating individual business units.
The diagram used in this context is the organogram, which illustrates organizational structure and shows hierarchical relationships between employees, managers, and departments.
Solution component
Where individual elements are built to facilitate solution design, implementation, or change.
This is commonly used in Agile methodologies to plan and create products.
Product and service development
In this case, functional decomposition is used to analyze and improve product and service design and implementation.
Lastly, the decomposition process improves decision-making by encouraging practitioners to identify key inputs, underlying models, outcomes, and dependencies.
Key takeaways
Functional decomposition is an analysis method where complex processes are examined by dividing them into their constituent parts.
Performing a functional decomposition means first defining a concise general function that aligns with project goals or objectives. Functions and subfunctions are then illustrated with connecting lines to represent their hierarchical relationship.
Functional decomposition is perhaps most associated with project management, but the approach is also used to decompose business processes, business units, solution components, product and service development, and decision-making.
The Cynefin Framework gives context to decision making and problem-solving by providing context and guiding an appropriate response. The five domains of the Cynefin Framework comprise obvious, complicated, complex, chaotic domains and disorder if a domain has not been determined at all.
A SWOT Analysis is a framework used for evaluating the business’s Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats. It can aid in identifying the problematic areas of your business so that you can maximize your opportunities. It will also alert you to the challenges your organization might face in the future.
The SWOT analysis is commonly used as a strategic planning tool in business. However, it is also well suited for personal use in addressing a specific goal or problem. A personal SWOT analysis helps individuals identify their strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats.
The Pareto Analysis is a statistical analysis used in business decision making that identifies a certain number of input factors that have the greatest impact on income. It is based on the similarly named Pareto Principle, which states that 80% of the effect of something can be attributed to just 20% of the drivers.
A failure mode and effects analysis (FMEA) is a structured approach to identifying design failures in a product or process. Developed in the 1950s, the failure mode and effects analysis is one the earliest methodologies of its kind. It enables organizations to anticipate a range of potential failures during the design stage.
A Blindspot Analysis is a means of unearthing incorrect or outdated assumptions that can harm decision making in an organization. The term “blindspot analysis” was first coined by American economist Michael Porter. Porter argued that in business, outdated ideas or strategies had the potential to stifle modern ideas and prevent them from succeeding. Furthermore, decisions a business thought were made with care caused projects to fail because major factors had not been duly considered.
A comparable company analysis is a process that enables the identification of similar organizations to be used as a comparison to understand the business and financial performance of the target company. To find comparables you can look at two key profiles: the business and financial profile. From the comparable company analysis it is possible to understand the competitive landscape of the target organization.
A cost-benefit analysis is a process a business can use to analyze decisions according to the costs associated with making that decision. For a cost analysis to be effective it’s important to articulate the project in the simplest terms possible, identify the costs, determine the benefits of project implementation, assess the alternatives.
Agile Business Analysis (AgileBA) is certification in the form of guidance and training for business analysts seeking to work in agile environments. To support this shift, AgileBA also helps the business analyst relate Agile projects to a wider organizational mission or strategy. To ensure that analysts have the necessary skills and expertise, AgileBA certification was developed.
A SOAR analysis is a technique that helps businesses at a strategic planning level to:
Focus on what they are doing right.
Determine which skills could be enhanced.
Understand the desires and motivations of their stakeholders.
The STEEPLE analysis is a variation of the STEEP analysis. Where the step analysis comprises socio-cultural, technological, economic, environmental/ecological, and political factors as the base of the analysis. The STEEPLE analysis adds other two factors such as Legal and Ethical.
The PESTEL analysis is a framework that can help marketers assess whether macro-economic factors are affecting an organization. This is a critical step that helps organizations identify potential threats and weaknesses that can be used in other frameworks such as SWOT or to gain a broader and better understanding of the overall marketing environment.
A DESTEP analysis is a framework used by businesses to understand their external environment and the issues which may impact them. The DESTEP analysis is an extension of the popular PEST analysis created by Harvard Business School professor Francis J. Aguilar. The DESTEP analysis groups external factors into six categories: demographic, economic, socio-cultural, technological, ecological, and political.
A paired comparison analysis is used to rate or rank options where evaluation criteria are subjective by nature. The analysis is particularly useful when there is a lack of clear priorities or objective data to base decisions on. A paired comparison analysis evaluates a range of options by comparing them against each other.
Gennaro is the creator of FourWeekMBA, which reached about four million business people, comprising C-level executives, investors, analysts, product managers, and aspiring digital entrepreneurs in 2022 alone | He is also Director of Sales for a high-tech scaleup in the AI Industry | In 2012, Gennaro earned an International MBA with emphasis on Corporate Finance and Business Strategy.
