Patent ID: 8286092

Claim:
A computer implemented method for managing one or more goals utilizing a user interface, comprising: displaying, in the user interface, a plurality of selectable goal elements, each selectable goal element representing a user goal for managing a computer system; upon selection of a selectable goal element, displaying, in the user interface, a plurality of building block elements ordered in a predefined sequence of execution for achieving a goal represented by the selected selectable goal element, the plurality of building block elements representing a plurality of tasks for achieving the selected goal; displaying a status indicator with each selectable goal element, each status indicator indicating a collective performance status of the plurality of tasks for achieving a respective goal; and displaying a status text field along with each building block element, each status text field describing a function currently being performed by the building block element, wherein the status text field displays a textual indicator of whether the building block element is functioning correctly or requires attention.