Why use Oval Mapping?
* useful method for being able to see the whole picture rather than one
section
* promotes organizational learning and team building
* manual - therefore easy to set up and run
* allows participants to speak ‘simultaneously’ - therefore increases
productivity
* able to involve a larger number of people in the process (for example 10-12
people) AND quicker
* transparent, with added value - e.g. clusters, priorities, linkages
* helps determine the interacting nature of issues e.g. identifying boundaries,
resources, begins to identify stakeholders
Strategic and Systems Thinking for the Public Sector - 29th-31st March 1999
Developing “Cause Maps”
re-organise the cluster
“the tear-drop”
Direction
of
Arrow
“GOALS” or
DISASTEROUS
outcomes
ISSUES or possible
STRATEGIES
END
Desired
OUTCOME
more detailed
OPTIONS
MEANS
If possible - convert the language to
proposition - put in a verb,
get rid of questions
© Making Strategy: The Journey of Strategic Management - Eden and Ackermann, 1998
OPTION
Strategic and Systems Thinking for the Public Sector - 29th-31st March 1999
Oval Mapping - Later on in the process
Strategic and Systems Thinking for the Public Sector - 29th-31st March 1999
Oval Mapping
Clustering - hints & tips
* don’t panic if you can’t see the group’s clusters
- try moving them around, see what emerges
- it usually takes a little time
* be prepared to change existing clusters if alternatives emerge
* separate sub-clusters from main clusters (lots of flipchart paper!)
- where a cluster is quite extensive it may mean there is more than one
issue - break it down
* suggest (doesn’t always work) that people put their ideas into clusters
* don’t worry about having a ‘dump’ cluster, it can be worked on in due course
Strategic and Systems Thinking for the Public Sector - 29th-31st March 1999
Oval Mapping
Structuring of a cluster
* begin to implicitly form them hierarchically - don’t draw in links until
your are relatively clear about the link (as much as is practicable)
* identify the label (in your head at least) so as to provide a quick overview of
emergent issues - write these up once the cluster has been agreed upon
* encourage alternative views (links and statements), get them written down,
get them up on the wall, there is always a danger of them being missed
* reword where possible into more action oriented statements (particularly a
verb)
* get them to flesh out short statements - increase clarity & meaning
Strategic and Systems Thinking for the Public Sector - 29th-31st March 1999