Abstract: A graphical user interface comprising real world metaphors is provided for navigating an information handling method and system. The interface comprises four screens with metaphors (Items, People, Actions, Results) that simplify user interaction and navigation. An improved information handling method and system is provided in which the graphical user interface is combined with a central transactional database and a user-definable workflow technology. The central transactional database table stores all transactions at the line item level, with each record containing information according to four main dimensions (Items, People, Actions and Time). The invention allows users to define action types, to link action types logically, and to trace actual transactions at the line item level according to these linkages as defined at the time the transaction takes place.