Description Long

The CATWOE method was developed by Peter Checkland to systematically analyse complex problems within organisations. It helps business consultants identify what the organisation aims to achieve, where problem areas lie, and how potential solutions might impact the organisation and its employees. The method examines six key components of a system to understand how different factors influence change. It is applied to the system that contains the problem – not to the solution itself.

• C (Customers): Who are the people or organizations affected? Who benefits from or suffers from the change?
• A (Actors): Who carries out the relevant activities? Who implements the solution?
• T (Transformation process): What is being transformed into what? Which core processes are changing?
• W (Worldview): What perspective gives meaning to the system? What beliefs underlie the change?
• O (Owners): Who has the power to stop or enforce the change?
• E (Environmental constraints): What external factors influence the situation?

Illustration

Preparation

• Define a problem or solution to be worked on.
• Online: Ensure there is a way for the group to interact and exchange ideas.
• Prepare flipcharts, writing materials, and paper – or digital tools such as Miro or MURAL for online use.

Execution

1. The method is briefly introduced, and the six CATWOE elements are presented.
2. The problem or solution is explained.
3. Participants are asked to reflect on it from the following six perspectives (in groups or individually):
   • C: Who receives the outcome? Is it to their advantage or disadvantage?
   • A: Consider the people who play an active role. Who is responsible? Who needs to be informed?
   • T: What activities need to take place to transform inputs into outputs?
   • W: What values and attitudes are involved?
   • O: Who has the power to interfere or bring the whole thing to an end?
   • E: Where are the boundaries, and what influences them? (e.g. laws, regulations, physical limits)

Hints from experience

• It may be that not all six aspects have an impact on the project. However, it is important to have considered each of them.

Tools list

• Paper and pencil

References

Checkland, P.B. (1981). Systems Thinking, Systems Practice. John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

Kowaltowski, D. C., Bianchi, G., & De Paiva, V. T. (2010). Methods that may stimulate creativity and their use in architectural design education. International Journal of Technology and Design Education, 20(4), 453-476. Retrieved from https://www.academia.edu/527010/Methods_that_may_stimulate_creativity_and_their_use_in_architectural_design_education

Mycoted.com. (2008). CATWOE - Mycoted. Retrieved 8 August 2015, from http://www.mycoted.com/CATWOE