scholarly journals Understanding the Contribution and Challenges of Using Soft Systems Methodology to Facilitate Cultural Change: A Case Study in the Public Sector

2018 ◽  
pp. 215-234 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sharon A. Cox ◽  
Sandi Kirkham
Keyword(s):  
Public Sector ◽  
Cultural Change ◽  
Soft Systems Methodology ◽  
Systems Methodology ◽  
Soft Systems ◽  
The Public

Internal Digital Divide in Organizations

2012 ◽  
pp. 235-249
Author(s):  
Kerstin Grundén
Keyword(s):  
Digital Divide ◽  
Management Strategies ◽  
Implementation Process ◽  
Soft Systems Methodology ◽  
Longitudinal Case Study ◽  
Systems Methodology ◽  
Soft Systems ◽  
Starting Point ◽  
Information And Communication

In this chapter, internal digital divide problems in organizations are identified and discussed. A longitudinal case study focusing on the implementation of e-Government at a public organization in Sweden is used as a starting-point for the discussion. Although the general use of information and communication technology is very high in Sweden there are still problems with digital divide. Such problems could hamper the implementation process of e-Government. In the case study the older employees were especially stressed and had problems to renewing their competencies and adapting to new working situations due to the implementation of e-Government. Internal digital divide is, however, a complex phenomenon, and involves aspects of learning, motivation, professionalization, management strategies, and organizational culture. Some ways of bridging internal digital divide problems are discussed. Soft systems methodology could be used for analysis and change of internal digital divide aspects involving a discussion with the concerned communities.

Using SSM to Approach Complex Problematical Situations in Learning, Teaching and Assessment Management

2019 ◽  
Vol 6 (1) ◽  
pp. 1-16
Author(s):  
Junkang Feng
Keyword(s):  
Higher Education ◽  
Soft Systems Methodology ◽  
Chinese Higher Education ◽  
Traditional Learning ◽  
Systems Methodology ◽  
Soft Systems ◽  
Problem Situations ◽  
Business College

Chinese higher education has moved into a popularized and internationalization stage, which makes the traditional learning, teaching and assessment (LTA) management challenging and sometimes problematical. This paper introduces how to approach complex problematical situations in LTA management by using Checkland's Soft Systems Methodology (SSM) at the Business College of the Beijing Union University (BCBUU) in China. Through this case study of seven years, the author made sense of and improved the problematical situations. It is found that SSM provides LTA managers with an innovative and fundamental methodology to appreciate otherwise seemingly unapproachable and unmanageable complex and ill-structured problem situations that they face. It is also proven that the case study of SSM in the context of LTA management in a Chinese college is practically effective.

scholarly journals Linking Research and Teaching

2016 ◽  
Vol 9 (2) ◽  
pp. 23-38 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lynda Holland ◽  
Joy Garfield
Keyword(s):  
Academic Research ◽  
Soft Systems Methodology ◽  
Formative Feedback ◽  
Pass Rate ◽  
Systems Methodology ◽  
Soft Systems ◽  
Postgraduate Students ◽  
Research And Teaching ◽  
Successful Solution

This paper links research and teaching through an applied Soft Systems Methodology case study. The case study focuses on the redevelopment of a Research and Professional Skills module to provide support for international postgraduate students through the use of formative feedback with the aim of increasing academic research skills and confidence. The stages of the Soft Systems Methodology were used as a structure for the redevelopment of module content and assessment. It proved to be a valuable tool for identifying complex issues, a basis for discussion and debate from which an enhanced understanding was gained and a successful solution implemented together with a case study that could be utilised for teaching Soft Systems Methodology concepts. Changes to the module were very successful and resulted in significantly higher grades and a higher pass rate.

Using Soft Systems Methodology to Reveal Socio-Technical Barriers to Knowledge Sharing and Management

2010 ◽  
pp. 215-235 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alan C. Gillies ◽  
Jeanette Galloway
Keyword(s):  
Tacit Knowledge ◽  
Health Informatics ◽  
Rapid Change ◽  
Soft Systems Methodology ◽  
Systems Methodology ◽  
Soft Systems ◽  
Local Factors ◽  
The Uk ◽  
Use Of Knowledge

Nonaka (1998) argued that for companies to prosper they must move away from a view of organizations as information processing entities with a focus on formal and systematic knowledge to exploit tacit knowledge. Much of the subsequent literature relates to commercial companies, often in North America. Public services in the UK are undergoing rapid change to improve cost effectiveness, customer focus and improve outcomes. Reports such as Wanless (2002, 2004, 2007), Protti (2002) and Gray (2007) argue that this requires a more intelligent use of knowledge and information. However, authors such as Avison and Wood Harper, (1990) have long argued that systems to support such information-based innovations are context dependent and should be viewed as socio-technical systems rather than simply technological systems. This study uses Checkland’s Soft systems Methodology (SSM) to consider the local factors operating within a case study from a local NHS health informatics service organization to assess the need to take account of local factors when applying knowledge management techniques in such cases, with a particular focus on managing the tacit knowledge components, highlighted by Nonaka.

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