Methods to Create Task Descriptions

LOTS
Anders Nystrom
There is a method called LOTS in Sweden, it is used when defining a business plan, but can also be used as method to define a task:
- Purpose
- Critical Success factors
- Goal
- Actitivity - what to do
- Roles and responsible
- Follow up and reporting

Task Description
Izabela Waglay
In addition to the items listed by Aners referred to as LOTS, the task should also include the influencing factors such as policies or regulatory requirements, inputs (information or physical objects such as money or equipment, task triggers (e.g. customer walking in to the store), tools available (e.g. customer profile data display), measurements; required skills and behaviors.
In summary, the task is a discrete step in the process, so all the elements that are required to define the process step apply to the task description.

Accountability Process Design to Create Task Descriptions
Aye
We, at Aye & Partners Consulting, specialise in organisation effectiveness; we have developed a methodology - the Accountability Process Design (c) - that describes accountabilities of each function (whether hold by an individual or an entire entity) involved in a process (whether strategic or operational). It is made in a way that allows identifying processes and accountabilities but also attributes such as added value, required competencies, authority levels, policy framework, performance criteria, etc. It moreover provides analyses of the organisation in multiple angles to optimise the organisation. A great way to describe and analyse tasks.

Creating Task Descriptions
Zafar Dar
I would like to make some amendments to above LOTS
- Scope (beginning & end of the task, what's included or excluded)
- 'How to do the task?' i.e. the procedure (besides what to do).

Creating Task Descriptions
Kwaku Awuku, Manager, Ghana, Member
I suggest the following:
Context, purpose, quantity and quality parameters, resources required, time limits to complete the task and policies or risks to consider. You may also add task review dates if the task completion time is long.

Occupational Network (ONET)
David Wilson, Manager, Canada, Premium Member
Hi Mario: I do not like to reinvent the process, so I tend to use available tools. The Occupational Network is a useful system, as it defines the various components of a multitude of jobs. It may be useful, however, it will not necessarily provide you with a formal methodology unless you look at the underlying processes used to develop the data. Hope this helps.