Who – What – Where

Introduction: Who – What – Where

The Who – What – Where method is a simple yet effective approach to organising tasks and responsibilities in projects or organisations. It ensures clarity, accountability, and efficient task distribution, making it a practical tool for project managers and teams.

Background

Unclear responsibilities often lead to duplication, delays, or gaps in execution. The Who – What – Where method addresses this by defining three essential elements: who is responsible, what needs to be done, and where it should take place. Widely used in project management and Lean practices, it fosters alignment and accountability.

Key Elements/Features

• Who: Identifies the person or group responsible for carrying out the task. Establishes ownership and accountability.
• What: Defines the specific task or action to be completed, with clear descriptions to avoid confusion.
• Where: Indicates the physical or virtual location where the task should be performed, ensuring efficiency in planning and execution.
• Additional Elements: Deadlines, status updates, and notes can be added to improve tracking and communication.

Applications/Examples

• Project management: Assigning tasks with clear accountability in cross-functional teams.
• Operations: Mapping responsibilities for activities on the factory floor or in service delivery.
• Remote work: Clarifying tasks, responsibilities, and digital platforms for distributed teams.

Relevance/Impact

The Who – What – Where method improves communication, eliminates misunderstandings, and prevents duplication of work. By providing transparency and accountability, it streamlines workflows, strengthens team collaboration, and increases productivity across organisations.

See also

• RASCI Model
• Raci
• Competence Matrix
• 5 Whys