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A planning matrix for
career growth

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60–90 minutes, but may vary depending on the case

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  • A3-size sheet of paper, a whiteboard or a computer file

  • Pens and markers in different colours

What is this tool and what is its purpose and benefit?

 

Morphological analysis is a method of development planning that helps to observe and break down the different characteristics and dimensions of personal career growth, career direction, educational needs, and support needed. Mapping these elements into a morphological box, a structured matrix, makes it easy to explore variations within each dimension and combine them to generate clear pathways and actionable plans. This tool is particularly useful when career options are still open.

STEP 1

STEP 2

STEP 3

STEP 4

STEP 5

STEP 6

STEP 7

Write down your current career situation and your goal on a piece of paper or a whiteboard. For example: 'I am graduating from university and currently working part time, but I am unsure about my first steps in my career. I want a career where I can use my classical music education (singing and flute)”.

Draw a morphological matrix. Add on the top row categories/ dimensions in which you want to collect variations to the top row. Usually, two to three are selected, but more can be selected, for example, five to six. For the example person, these could be primary role type, musical focus, work environment, employment structure or audience type.

Add variants to the left-hand column: Variant 1, Variant 2, and so on.

Start filling in variants for each category in the respective column. Add more rows as more variants come to mind. In the example case, variants for the employment structure could be full-time, part-time, freelance or entrepreneurial, for instance. Similarly, variants for the primary role type could include performer, teacher/educator, creative artist, administrator/manager or researcher/scholar.

Create combinations. Combine one or more elements from each category to create unique career paths. For instance, a musician could be a part-time performer and a part-time teacher.

Evaluate and select combinations. Eliminate any illogical or unfeasible combinations, for example, if there is not enough time to implement the plan.

Select the most suitable option for implementation and develop an action plan for it. Present this in list format with a timeline, including areas for development and any support required.

Steps for using this tool

Tips and hints for using this tool

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  • The matrix can be created for a variety of purposes depending on your personal situation. For example, it can be used to identify the development areas required to achieve your career goals. Your personal situation is

  • You can share the completed matrix with your professional network and ask them to evaluate which combinations seem most promising in the current market.

  • No initial ratings: When filling out the matrix, do not evaluate the feasibility of the ideas; focus on quantity instead.

  • Morphological Analysis was created by Fritz Zwicky.

References:

Articles on educational platforms such as Toolshero or Firmbee.

Dennis, Michele. (2019, March 15). Morphological Analysis Explained. [Video]. YouTube. URL https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i3njT_ujDuE

 

Eggert, Randall. (2021, February 17). Morphological Analysis. [Video]. YouTube. URL https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TNsFDFPbUW8

Ritchey, T. (2011). General Morphological Analysis (GMA).

Sheridan, B. (2021, February 19). Initial ideas Morphological analysis. [Video]. YouTube. URL  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ijsQgOUt9s8

Zwicky, F. (1969). Discovery, Invention, Research—Through the Morphological Approach.

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@All rights reserved, Career Compass, 2024

Logo with text. Co-funded by the European Union.

Funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the European Education and Culture Executive Agency (EACEA). Neither the European Union nor EACEA can be held responsible for them.

This work is licenced under Copyright Creative Commons Attribution ShareAlike CC BY-SA 4.0 International license.

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