Task B1.1: Review Findings

What is Task B1.1?

Task B1.1 is part of the "Orient" phase in the Viability Canvas methodology, specifically within the "Review the results of the Analysis" step (Step B1). This task instructs you to "Review the system: You should have identified the significant parts of your System-in-Focus that render it viable."

Purpose of Reviewing Findings

The purpose of this task is to consolidate and comprehend the insights gathered during the "Observe" phase, creating a holistic understanding of your organization from a VSM perspective. This serves several important functions:

1. Synthesizing information: Bringing together all the observations about the different subsystems
2. Creating a systems view: Moving from individual components to understanding the whole
3. Reinforcing VSM understanding: Connecting observed organizational elements to VSM concepts
4. Establishing a baseline: Creating a clear picture of the current state before moving to diagnosis
5. Identifying patterns: Recognizing how different parts of the organization interact

By reviewing your findings, you create a foundation for deeper analysis and diagnosis that will lead to effective interventions.

How to Complete Task B1.1

To effectively review your findings:

1. Gather all documentation from the Observe phase:
   • Your completed VSM canvas with observations
   • Notes from each analysis step (A1-A6)
   • Any additional diagrams or documentation created
2. Review each VSM subsystem systematically:
   • System 1: Are all operational units clearly identified?
   • System 2: Have coordination mechanisms been mapped?
   • System 3: Is operational management adequately represented?
   • System 3*: Are audit and feedback mechanisms identified?
   • System 4: Are future-focused functions mapped?
   • System 5: Is the identity function clear?
3. Consider the communication channels:
   • Are all key channels between subsystems identified?
   • Is there clarity about how information flows?
   • Have you noted the nature and quality of these channels?
4. Verify completeness:
   • Have all significant organizational units been mapped to the VSM?
   • Are there any parts of the VSM that remain empty or unclear?
   • Does the mapping provide a coherent picture of the organization?
5. Document your review:
   • Create a summary of key findings for each VSM subsystem
   • Note particularly strong or well-designed elements
   • Document your overall impression of the system-in-focus

Example Application

In an application of the Viability Canvas to a manufacturing company:

"The team reviewed their analysis findings, confirming they had identified all production units as System 1 elements, mapped the production scheduling and quality management as System 2 coordination mechanisms, recognized operations management as System 3, confirmed that quality audits served as System 3*, identified product development and market research as System 4, and recognized the executive team as System 5. They verified that all major organizational units had been mapped to the VSM, creating a complete picture of the company's structure from a viability perspective."

This review created a solid foundation for further diagnosis and improvement planning by ensuring the team had a comprehensive understanding of the organization through the VSM lens.

Best Practices for Reviewing Findings

When reviewing your findings:

1. Involve multiple perspectives: Include people with different roles and viewpoints to ensure a comprehensive review
2. Use visual aids: Review the completed VSM canvas together to facilitate discussion
3. Look for coherence: Ensure the mapping tells a consistent story about how the organization functions
4. Be descriptive, not prescriptive: Focus on understanding what exists, not what should exist
5. Document thoroughly: Create clear records of your review for reference during later steps

A thorough review of findings creates the necessary foundation for effective diagnosis and design in subsequent steps of the Viability Canvas process.