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15.6 CONSTRUCTING CHARTS TO SHOW THE DATA Managers use charts to explain their projects and to report their results. Thus constructing accurate and effective charts is a valuable skill.
Types of Charts
There are four basic chart styles as follows:
■ Column chart
■ Pie chart
■ Bar chart
■ Line chart
The column chart’s data is presented in vertical columns. The pie chart is typically circular (like a pie, thus its name). The bar chart presents data in horizontal bars. The line chart generally uses multiple lines that track along a grid. Figures 15-7 (http://content.thuzelearning.com/books/Baker.6866.18.1/sections/ch15_sect1_6#ch15_fig7) , 15-8, (http://content.thuzelearning.com/books/Baker.6866.18.1/sections/ch15_sect1_6#ch15_fig8) and 15-9 (http://content.thuzelearning.com/books/Baker.6866.18.1/sections/ch15_sect1_6#ch15_fig9) illustrate examples of the pie chart, bar chart, and line chart respectively.
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Figure 15–7 Distribution of DRG 0xx Cases by Physician. Modified from R. Hankins & J.J. Baker, Management Accounting for Health Care Organizations (Sudbury, MA: Jones & Bartlett 2004). p. 375.
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Figure 15–8 Cost per Case by Physician for DRG 0xx. Modified from R. Hankins & J.J. Baker, Management Accounting for Health Care Organizations (Sudbury, MA: Jones & Bartlett 2004). p. 376.
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Figure 15–9 Total Cost per Case by Physician for DRG 0xx. Modified from R. Hankins & J.J. Baker, Management Accounting for Health Care Organizations (Sudbury, MA: Jones & Bartlett 2004). p. 377
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Chart Content and Format
Constructing the chart means answering a series of questions about content and format, as follows:
■ What is the subject of the chart?
■ What are the specific elements to be included?
■ What type of chart will best serve my purpose?
■ Is the information accurate and consistent?
■ If applicable, is the information comparable?
■ What are the dimensions of the chart?
■ If applicable, what is the span between high and low?
Chart Templates
A variety of chart templates are now available online. They are generally found within office suite programs. Each template typically offers a drop-down menu for specifics of the format and a second drop-down menu for the chart’s data input. Electronic templates also provide quick and easy color choices for your chart presentation. You can experiment with various colors to reach the best combination for your project.
To summarize, the chart you construct can be simple or elaborate. It can be black and white or it can be multi-colored. But whatever its style, your chart must contain accurate and comparable data.