Matrix Cell Types
Cell Types define how information is structured and collected within a matrix.
Matrices are a generic structure and can be used for a wide range of purposes, including data collection, document review, evaluation, and assessment. In many cases, cells use the None cell type for general structuring and information gathering.
Some cell types, such as Plan, Goal, Objective / Outcome, and Action, are used when a matrix is designed to support Program and Unit Planning & Assessment. These cell types provide additional structure for organizing planning and improvement information.
Each cell type serves a specific purpose in Program and Unit Planning & Assessment.
Contents
None
The None cell type is a generic matrix cell.
Cells with this type do not contain planning or assessment logic and are typically used for:
- Labels or headers
- Contextual or descriptive information
- Structural layout within the matrix
Plan
The Plan cell type is used to capture planning information for Programs and Units.
Plan cells act as containers for a hierarchy of sub-cells and define where planning and assessment data will be entered. Not every Plan cell is required to contain goals, objectives, outcomes, or actions.
Plan cells support sub-cells and are required for Program and Unit Planning & Assessment (See When to use planning cell types below).
Goal
The Goal cell type represents a broad statement of intent or purpose.
Goals are used to describe what a program or unit aims to achieve over a period of time and are typically high-level and strategic in nature.
Goal cells are used as sub-cells within a Plan cell.
Objective / Outcome
The Objective / Outcome cell type represents a specific, measurable statement tied to a goal.
- Outcomes are used for Program assessments
- Objectives are used for Unit assessments
These cells define what will be assessed and are used to measure effectiveness or achievement.
Objective and Outcome cells are used as sub-cells within a Goal.
Action
The Action cell type represents a planned activity or improvement effort.
Actions are used to document what will be done to maintain, improve, or address findings related to an objective or outcome.
Action cells are used as sub-cells under an Objective or Outcome and support closing the assessment loop.
When to use planning cell types
Most matrices use the General Purpose cell type for structuring information, collecting data, attaching documents, and supporting review or assessment workflows.
Planning cell types should be used only when a matrix is intended to support Program or Unit Review, Assessment & Planning. These cell types provide a structured way to document goals, outcomes or objectives, and actions for improvement.
Use planning cell types when:
- Programs or units are required to document formal planning and assessment information
- The matrix will be used across one or more planning or assessment cycles
- Reviewers need to evaluate goals, outcomes or objectives, and actions in a consistent format
Planning cell types (Plan, Goal, Outcome/Objective, and Action) require an active license for Program and/or Unit Review, Assessment & Planning. If this license is not enabled, these cell types will not be available when designing the matrix.
