CPM has been shown to be effective, efficient and equitable in surfacing issues and developing an agreed solution for complex, ill-structured problems.  It is particularly useful for developing a solution when many people many have diverse views.  As a participative methodology, as wide an audience as possible is brought together as a group – this is possible because of the efficient use of participant’s time.  The purpose is to understand and then agree on the extent of a complex situation and to agree on a solution.  The methodology is represented here in a diagram.  The left hand side shows activities that move a workgroup from divergent positions to a situation of consensus.  The right hand side of the diagram lists expected outcomes – or deliverables – for each stage of the process.

Steps are contingent and may be minimised for specific situations - they are: 1.      Determine problematic issues for discussion.  As a result of this activity, a consensual understanding of issues is expected.  A variety of techniques may be selected depending on circumstances – the technique of Rich Pictures is particularly effective for this step.  2.      Understand who stakeholders are and how they relate to the problematic situation.  A matrix may be used to describe tasks for each stakeholder in a hierarchy, ranging from strategic to operational.  3.      The detailed discussion required to develop stakeholder issues and responsibilities leads to desirable resolutions and consensus on an understanding of broad requirements.  It may be that a model will be developed away from the workshop. 4.      Develop a desired direction from the existing situation.  Suitable tools include Brainstorming, Rich Pictures and Thinking Hats.  Then, a useful technique is to develop lists that link what it is that participants ‘need to know’ and what it is that they ‘need to do’. 5.      When the agreed solution is obtained from such a set of linked lists, then ‘need to do’ items are the basis of a solution.  These items are ‘workflow threads’ that are a starting point for implement management and team change and/or systems design.