The POPIT™ Model
When changing and designing processes it is good practice to consider the overall impact of what we are doing.
The POPIT™ model helps us to consider the holistic impact or “ripple effect” of making a change.
For example,
- a change in the IT system could lead to a change in the process supported by that system.
- This may in turn lead to a change in the role definition for the user of that system…
- … which could then impact the organisational structure.
It is important to also consider the cumulative effect of change.
The individual impact may be small, but combined this could mean significant change to other elements and the organisation as a whole.
The arrows illustrate the “ripple effect” described in the example on the left.
In reality the “ripple” could start and end in any of the POPIT model elements.
The elements represented may be both internal and external to our organisation.
Examples:
- “People” may also include our customers.
- If our IT system is linked externally then this may impact 3rd party systems.
- Changes to our process may impact how 3rd parties interact with us.