Tree

An element is part of another element of the same type.

A tree represents a hierarchical whole/part relationship between elements of the same type. Hierarchical relationships are based on degrees or levels of superordination and subordination, where the superordinate element represents a whole and subordinate elements represent its members or parts.

Notation

Examples

An organisation is structured as a tree of departments, teams and roles.
A capability decomposition is structured as a tree of sub-capabilities.
A product portfolio is structured as a tree of categories, products and components.
A brand portfolio is structured as a tree of corporate, product and special edition brands.
A purpose and goal portfolio is structured as a tree of strategic, tactical and operational outcomes.

Use

Decompose an element into its smaller sub-elements.
Express that a sub-element is a part of its superior element.