Critical Systems Heuristics

Where to start

Begin with the mind map titled Evaluation Based on Critical Systems Heuristics that introduces the work of C. West Churchman. It offers a starting point for understanding the background to critical systems heuristics, often called CSH. Then look for the map titled Evaluation based on critical systems heuristics that asks when and why to use CSH and includes a natural resource management case study.

Explore the evaluation questions

Several maps organize questions around sources of influence. The map titled Evaluation based on Critical System Heuristic lists sources of motivation, expertise, control and legitimation. It also includes purpose, measure of success and beneficiary. Use these headings to follow how the questions relate to an evaluation.

The map titled Critical Systems Heuristics (CSH) groups questions by sources of influence and refers to two modes for asking them. Compare its headings with those in the other maps as you study.

Turn a map into practice

There are no listed quizzes on this topic page, but you can use a map to make your own questions. Choose a heading such as purpose or beneficiary, cover the map, and write down what you remember. Check your response against the map, then repeat with another heading. This gives you a way to use quiz-style practice alongside the visual layout of a mind map.

Use the wider unit

Critical Systems Heuristics is a section of the Evaluation and Needs Analysis unit in Research methods and academic skills. The maps give you a focused way to explore evaluation questions within that unit. Move between the background, technique and question-based maps to see the topic from different starting points. Choose a map and follow one set of questions through it.