1. Scottish Improvement Skills
Visual display of data:
Using Excel to create run charts
SIS: Group C Measurement: Module – Using Excel to create run charts: Facilitator

2. System of Profound Knowledge
Creating run charts we are mainly in Understanding Variation. We are using run charts to help us understand whether there is any non-random variation in our system.
Once we’ve created a run chart we also bring in the other components in so far as we are using that understanding of variation to appreciate the system, develop theory, and communicate about data to effectively involve relevant stakeholders.
Deming 2000

3. Visual display of data: using Excel to create run charts
By the end of this session you will be able to:
Create annotated run charts with baseline and extended medians using Excel
Create an annotated run chart showing phasing with Excel
Learning outcomes
If this module follows Analysing data: Interpretation of run charts on the same day, there is no need to go into further detail here.
However, if there has been a gap since the different medians were introduced, elicit here
Why we use baseline and extended medians rather than an improper median, and
When we might introduce phasing

4. A New Healthier Me Aim 1 Driver 2 Driver Change ideas
Lose 7 pounds in 3 months
Leisure activity
Calories in meals
Calories in drinks
Calories in alcohol
Work activity
Calories in snacks
No alcohol Monday to Thursday
Max 1 x juice or soft drink per day
Reduce portion size
Cook evening meals from scratch
Replace biscuits/cakes with fruit
Keep to shopping list
Get up from desk to talk, instead of phone or
Use stairs not lift
Walk to a daily step target
Swim at least twice a week
Calories in
Calories out
This personal improvement project provides the context for the charts that you’re going to create now.
We looked at this driver diagram and change ideas before.
Now we’ll be using data collected in relation to several of these change ideas (see items with red border): the outcome, and two change ideas.

5. Visual display of data Basic run chart
Run chart with baseline and extended median
Run chart with phasing
Run charts with your data
Annotations.
Aim
Participants are able to create run charts with an appropriate type of median, selecting between the following medians:
Improper
Baseline median + extended median
Phased median
Key messages
Selection of appropriate median
Annotation
Uncluttered chart
Timing
75 – 90 minutes
Materials
One laptop per participant, with power cable (connected to power source) and mouse.
Excel spreadsheets in a version that meets the needs of participants, pre-loaded on all laptops and the Lead facilitator’s PC/laptop:
Exercise 1
Exercise 2
Exercise 3
Powerpoint available on all laptops
Create a run chart on Excel
If participants do not all use the same version of Excel, it may be necessary to provide different versions of the exercises, and have a breakout room and facilitator to work with a second version of Excel.
Lead facilitator
Talk briefly through the activities using this slide and next:
We’ll start with what we’re calling a ‘basic’ run chart for the outcome measure ie a run chart using an improper median – Exercise 1
For this run chart, I’ll show you each step, and you follow with the same step on your laptop.
Once we’ve finished that, you can practise with the same type of median using a couple of different data sets, for the two process measures.
2. Then you will use the guidance document with Exercise 2, to create run charts with baseline and extended medians.
3. Then you will use the guidance document with Exercise 3, to create run charts with phased medians.
Use your own data to create one run chart, with the appropriate type of median.
Copy your own run chart into Powerpoint and annotate it. [You will use this later to talk about your project. – If following this module with Communicating Improvement Stories]
Participants work in pairs so one stronger can help one less experienced (based on info they have provided about their previous experience with Excel).
DISCOVERY
Weight. Lead facilitator build up basic run chart step by step, participants copying each step.
NB The examples here just number the weeks 1,2,3 etc. Creating a series of dates is something you can get support with elsewhere. The guidance document includes a note on how to create dates.
Apples. Participants use guidance doc to create basic run chart.
Walk to work – more practice depending on time available and amount of practice needed.
PRACTICE
Then participants continue using the guidance doc:
Exercise 2 – baseline/extended median
Exercise 3 – phased median
PROJECT
Then they create one using their own data, or based on relevant data from their department that they’ve brought with them – or if none, create some data for a measure that is meaningful in their own project.
Create chart and annotate. It is best to transfer to Powerpoint before annotating, as annotations will not be carried over (depending how they were created).
Facilitators
Several in each of the two rooms depending on number of participants.
Monitor and support as required.
Make sure that everyone has a first draft of a run chart of their own data before the end of this session.