General Method

The CUBE® core theory can be applied in many different contexts by approaching any given situation in the same systematic way.

By doing this, one can make the complexity of any situation tangible and possible to act upon. This could be

• defining a development initiative
• creating a business plan
• creating a department presentation
• designing a new product or service
• etc.

This is done by systematically stepping through the 3 following steps.

To make sure you approach the challenge and complexity in the right way, you should always start with defining what you want to achieve. 

The CUBE® provides a more diverse and holistic way of defining outcome value than the traditional business case method.

Start by defining and writing down the wanted outcome values according to the five areas of value.

Note that not all value has to be positive. There might be a negative outcome in some areas, which might or might not be accepted.

Read more about outcome values:

1. Identify the relevant stakeholders:

• • Who influences our decisions?
  • Who is impacted by our decisions?

2. Identify the frames set by the owners that you need to adhere:

• • What is our direction?
  • What do we need to adhere to?

3. Define the leadership conditions necessary to be able to achieve the outcome values:

• • What changes are necessary?
  • What standards needs to be established?
  • What processes are needed?
  • Which roles & responsibilities are necessary?
  • What resources and capacity is necessary?

4. Define what needs to be executed in operations to turn the idea into reality:

• • What activities needs to be performed?
  • Who needs to perform these activities?
  • How do we act when things don’t go as planned?

5. Define what information needs to be processed and what metrics needs to be managed:

• • What information will we process?
  • What metrics can we use to measure progress, quality and efficiency?

6. Define the technologies necessary to accelerate the ability to execute according to the idea:

• • What IT applications do we need?
  • What functionality is necessary?
  • What integrations and technical dependencies do we have?
  • What non-functional requirements do we have?

By systematically following and documenting the findings for each layer, you can break down the complexity of any situation into a more tangible format and enable you to move forward.

Read more about the organisation and its layers:

Go through the cornerstones to ensure all perspectives are taken into concern.

Quality Management

• How will the idea meet the expectations of our stakeholders?
• How do we measure and confirm this?

Operational Excellence

• Are we utilising already existing resources to their full extent? 
• Is it clear how we shall operate?
• Are we operating in the most effective way?

Continual Improvement

• How will we ensure that the solution continues to stay relevant? 
• Who is responsible to ensure this?

Sustainability

• What environmental impact will it have?
• What social impact will it have?
• What economic impact will it have?

Finance as Fuel

• Do we have the financial resources to succeed?
• Are we operating in a cost effective manor?
• Will the idea pay of so we have more resources or new opportunities in the future?

Security by Design

• What mitigations do we need in place to ensure security?
• Are we processing personal data? 
• Do we have routines and plans for when an incident occurs?

Risk Management

• What risks does the idea introduce?
• What can we do to mitigate those risks?
• Who is responsible to execute the mitigations?

By covering the cornerstone perspectives, you will ensure that the outcome values are achieved, but also that they are achieved in a effective, secure and compliant way.

Read more about cornerstones: