scholarly journals Severe asthma: emergency care patient driven solutions

2017 ◽  
Vol 30 (7) ◽  
pp. 628-637 ◽  
Author(s):  
Karen Newell ◽  
Chris Corrigan ◽  
Geoffrey Punshon ◽  
Alison Leary
Keyword(s):  
Severe Asthma ◽  
Systems Thinking ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Asthma Patient ◽  
Soft Systems Methodology ◽  
Care Patient ◽  
Systems Methodology ◽  
Soft Systems ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose Patients with severe asthma were choosing not to use the emergency department (ED) in extremis and were self-medicating when experiencing severe asthma, putting their lives at risk. This local issue reflected a nationwide situation. The purpose of this paper is to better understand the reasons behind patients’ reluctance to attend ED and to consider practical solutions in a structured way. Design/methodology/approach Systems thinking (soft systems methodology) was used to examine the issues resulting in this reluctance to attend the ED. Once this tame (well-defined) problem was revealed, a potential solution was developed in co-production with patients. Findings Patients feared attending the ED and felt vulnerable while in the ED for several reasons. This appeared to be a well-defined and solvable problem. The solution proposed was an asthma patient passport (APP), which increased patient’s confidence in their ability to communicate their needs while in severe distress. The APP decreases (from 12 to 5 steps) the work patients had to do to achieve care. The APP project is currently being evaluated. Practical implications The APP should be offered to all people with severe asthma. Originality/value By revisiting systems thinking and identifying problems, a solution was identified. Although methods such as soft systems methodology have limitations when used in wicked (difficult or impossible to resolve) problems, such methods still have merit in tame problems and were applicable in this case to fully understand the issues, and to design practical solutions.

An illustrative application of soft systems methodology (SSM) in a library and information service context

2008 ◽  
Vol 29 (6/7) ◽  
pp. 538-555 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rachel Delbridge
Keyword(s):  
Case Study Research ◽  
Information Service ◽  
Soft Systems Methodology ◽  
Law Firm ◽  
Systems Methodology ◽  
Soft Systems ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Practical Implications ◽  
Illustrative Application

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to provide an illustration of the methodological processes and resultant outcomes relating to one theme investigated during an application of soft systems methodology (SSM) in a library and information service (LIS) context, in order to contribute to the explication of the methodology to LIS professionals.Design/methodology/approachA selective but detailed description of the use of SSM is provided in relation to case study research undertaken at a UK law firm, which included, within the framework of SSM, the conduct of interviews with 42 legal and information practitioners.FindingsThe described application of SSM is a demonstration of its use for structuring learning in situations: in this instance, of a developed understanding of stakeholders' views of appropriate LIS activity in a law firm.Research limitations/implicationsThe paper is a selective representation of the first use of SSM by a researcher and demonstrates the methodology's applicability to any situation about which learning is considered to be desirable.Practical implicationsThe paper provides an illustrative application of SSM which may prompt the use of, or may contribute to understanding of, the methodology by LIS practitioners, researchers and educators.Originality/valueThe paper provides an in‐depth illustration of the SSM‐informed processes and outcomes in a novel application area.

Varieties of systems thinking: The case of soft systems methodology

1994 ◽  
Vol 10 (2-3) ◽  
pp. 189-197 ◽  
Author(s):  
Peter B. Checkland ◽  
Michael G. Haynes
Keyword(s):  
Systems Thinking ◽  
Soft Systems Methodology ◽  
Systems Methodology ◽  
Soft Systems

Crisis in systems thinking

Kybernetes ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 49 (7) ◽  
pp. 1915-1934
Author(s):  
Janos Korn
Keyword(s):  
Problem Solving ◽  
Systems Thinking ◽  
Soft Systems Methodology ◽  
Scientific Enterprise ◽  
Systems Methodology ◽  
Content Type ◽  
New Science ◽  
Future Developments ◽  
Informative Content ◽  
Current Systems

Purpose The current field of systems thinking consists of a variety of views, methods and a number of organisations involved with these views which suggests a state of confusion and fragmentation of the field which fundamentally is supposed to be a uniform view of structures or systems. This can be interpreted as a “crisis situation”. A resolution of the crisis in the form of a “new science of systems” is proposed. Assuming this new science becomes part of the field of systems thinking, a debate of the elements of the field is suggested with a view to consider its current state and future developments. “Crisis - resolution - debate” is the central theme of the paper. Design/methodology/approach The field of current systems thinking is described in terms of views, methods and organisations and is seen as the “problematic issue”. A “new science of systems” strongly rooted in natural language as its primary symbolism and consisting of three general principles of systems and linguistic modelling is outlined to be considered as the resolution of the crisis. A set of criteria is discussed for use of judging the quality of models and element of the field of systems thinking including the “new science of systems”. To demonstrate a preliminary use of these criteria, the same example is worked out using both, the “soft systems methodology” and “linguistic modelling” for comparison. Findings The universal view of parts of the world as structures or systems is inconsistent with the multiple methods basically pursuing the same purpose: modelling aspects of systems which prevail in current systems thinking. To try to resolve this anomaly an equally universally applicable approach, the “new science of systems” is proposed which can also serve as an aid to problem solving, in particular to an integrated systems and product design. This approach is to be part of the suggested debate of the field of systems thinking. In general, there is no alternative to the structural view. Research limitations/implications The “new science of systems”, if found acceptable, can offer research opportunities in new applications of accepted branches of knowledge like logic, linguistics, mathematics of ordered pairs, uncertainties and in the philosophy of science. New teaching schemes can be developed at classroom level combined with engineering as creator of novelties with linguistics as the symbolism to supplement mathematics. Further considerations can be given to current methodologies of systems thinking as part of a debate with a view of future developments in exploring pioneering ideas. New software is needed for working out the dynamics of scenarios. Practical implications The debate, if it takes place, should result in new developments in the field of systems thinking such as concepts accepted as fundamental in the discipline of systems. Applications of the “new science of systems” to larger scale scenarios and organisations guided by the universal scheme in Figure 1 and linguistic modelling with software are needed for development of schemes for problem solving schemes “utilising” or “producing” products. Social implications The “new science of systems” is rooted in accepted branches of knowledge; it is highly teachable at school and university levels and should lead to use by professionals and in everyday life activities once found acceptable. The use of the scheme in Figure 1 should help in clarifying confusing scenarios and to aid problem solving. Originality/value The suggestion of a debate is an original idea. The “new science of systems” consists of three general principles of systems implemented by linguistic modelling of static and dynamic states. Mathematics of uncertainty and topics from conventional science at the object level supplement the “new science” which together form the “scientific enterprise”. The notions of cognitive value and informative content of models are introduced for evaluating their cognitive worth.

scholarly journals A Bibliographic and Visual Exploration of the Historic Impact of Soft Systems Methodology on Academic Research and Theory

Systems ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 7 (1) ◽  
pp. 10 ◽  
Author(s):  
Scott Warren ◽  
Brian Sauser ◽  
David Nowicki
Keyword(s):  
Systems Thinking ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Methodological Approach ◽  
Academic Research ◽  
Soft Systems Methodology ◽  
Complex Problem ◽  
Visual Exploration ◽  
Systems Methodology ◽  
Soft Systems ◽  
Complex Engineered Systems

Soft systems methodology (SSM), an analytic method commonly employed in engineering and business research, produces models focused on human activities and relevant structures used to explain complex, engineered systems. The original version of SSM involves seven stages; five address real-world aspects and observable data, while two stages leverage a systems thinking viewpoint. This approach allows the development of a simplified depiction of complex systems representative of the multi-perspective lenses used to comprehend the systemic complexity of a problem and provide a clearer picture to analysts and decision makers. This bibliometric meta-analysis of 286 relevant publications in engineering, business, and other social sciences fields explores the historic impacts of SSM on academic research and systems thinking in relevant publications that described or employed SSM for research from 1980–2018. This study produced descriptive narrative outcomes and data visualizations including information about top SSM authors, author citation impacts, common dissemination outlets for SSM work, and other relevant metrics commonly used to measure academic impact. The goal of this piece is to depict who, what, why, when, and where SSM had the greatest impact on research, systems thinking, and methodology after nearly 40 years of use, as we look towards its future as a methodological approach used to comprehend complex problem situations.

scholarly journals MODEL PENGELOLAAN KESELAMATAN KERJA NELAYAN DI PALABUHANRATU, KABUPATEN SUKABUMI

2019 ◽  
Vol 5 (9) ◽  
Author(s):  
Fis Purwangka ◽  
Sugeng Hari Wisudo ◽  
Budhi H. Iskandar ◽  
Jonh Haluan
Keyword(s):  
Systems Thinking ◽  
Soft Systems Methodology ◽  
Systems Methodology ◽  
Soft Systems

Proses keselamatan dan kesehatan kerja seperti proses manajemen pada umumnya adalah penerapan berbagai fungsi manajemen, yaitu perencanaan, pelaksanaan dan pengawasan.Tujuan dari penelitian ini adalah menginventarisasi dan mengidentifikasi aspek-aspek yang terkait dengan manajemen keselamatan kerja nelayan serta membangun model manajemen keselamatan kerja nelayan dari kondisi yang terjadi.  Pada penelitian ini digunakan metode berfikir secara sistem (systems thinking) dengan pendekatan metodologi sistem lunak (soft systems methodology). Hasil inventarisasi menunjukkan bahwa permasalahan dalam manajemen keselamatan kerja nelayan di Palabuhanratu umumnya terkait pengorganisasian dan pengelolaan secara terpadu. Pengelolaan manajemen keselamatan kerja nelayan menunjukkan ciri-ciri tidak sistemik dan ciri-ciri organisasi yang mengalami ketidakmampuan belajar.Model Konseptual Pengorganisasian Pengelolaan Sistem Manajemen Keselamatan dan Kesehatan Kerja (SMK3) dapat diimplementasikan dengan kondisi adanya perencanaan dan kebijakan yang mengatur tugas dan wewenang lembaga yang terlibat, adanya mekanisme komunikasi yang mudah dipahami, dibentuknya sistem pengawasan yang terukur, serta komitmen dari semua bagian yang terlibat. Model konseptual pengelolaan secara terpadu SMK3 dapat diimplementasikan dengan kondisi adanya komitmen dari semua lembaga yang terlibat, mekanisme komunikasi, koordinasi, dan keterbukaan informasi, dilakukannya pengawasan bersama dan kesetaraan kelembagaan dan kewenangan serta pelayanan yang terukur.

An innovative uncertainty management framework to support contracting for product-service availability

2014 ◽  
Vol 25 (5) ◽  
pp. 603-638 ◽  
Author(s):  
John Ahmet Erkoyuncu ◽  
Rajkumar Roy ◽  
Essam Shehab ◽  
Elmar Kutsch
Keyword(s):  
Case Studies ◽  
Cost Estimation ◽  
Soft Systems Methodology ◽  
Uncertainty Management ◽  
Project Planning ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Systems Methodology ◽  
Soft Systems ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Defence Industry

Purpose – In the light of challenges experienced in cost estimation at the bidding stage of complex engineering services in the defence industry (e.g. contracting for availability), the purpose of this paper is to present a framework to manage the influence of uncertainty on cost estimates. Design/methodology/approach – The research applied the Soft Systems Methodology and benefitted from interaction with four major organisations in the defence industry through document sharing, semi-structured interviews, workshops, and case studies. Findings – The framework is composed of seven stages to plan, identify, prioritise, classify, and manage cost uncertainties. Through the validation of three case studies some of the key benefits of the framework were realised in project planning, uncertainty visualisation, and capability management. Research limitations/implications – The research has been applied in the defence sector in the UK and focuses on the bidding stage. Further research needs to be applied to confirm that the findings are applicable across industries and across the life cycle. Originality/value – The paper builds on the theory behind risk and uncertainty management and proposes an innovative framework that avoids the assumption of “perfect” knowledge by raising questions about the validity of the input data.

Stakeholder voices through rich pictures

2014 ◽  
Vol 7 (3) ◽  
pp. 342-361 ◽  
Author(s):  
Derek Walker ◽  
Paul Steinfort ◽  
Tayyab Maqsood
Keyword(s):  
Best Practice ◽  
Action Learning ◽  
Soft Systems Methodology ◽  
Research Approach ◽  
Systems Methodology ◽  
Soft Systems ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Flow Models ◽  
Programme Development ◽  
The Rich

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to illustrate, through an example taken from a recent research project, how rich pictures could be used to more effectively evaluate the delivery of projects. It has as its focus a detailed account of the process of identifying, interviewing and co-developing rich pictures with research respondents. Design/methodology/approach – The paper reports on research that undertook a soft systems methodology (SSM) combined with an action learning approach. Findings – The authors provided, one of eight rich pictures developed as part of a PhD study that used rich pictures as part of wider SSM study into understanding project management best practice. Key findings pertaining to this paper are summarised as follows: rich pictures provide a sound and holistic means to capture context, meaning and impact of situations that are often very difficult to document; use of the more use of artistic and cultural flow of colour, diagrams and symbols in the rich pictures presented a significantly improved resolution of such intangible aspects on a physical artefact such as a picture simply because colour, flow, models and symbols can act as suitable proxy to understanding and resolution; and researcher needs to have an open mind and be rigorous in questioning and interacting with interviewees. Research limitations/implications – This was based on one study only and serves to illustrate the value of an approach rather than a template to be generally used. Practical implications – This provides practical “how to” guidance on developing rich pictures within a SSM research approach. Social implications – The paper illustrates how to portray participants in a particularly sensitive case resulting from a natural disaster. This approach may help people to better express their experiences and to give them a clearer voice in telling their story. Originality/value – The major new contribution that the paper stress this paper makes is one of not only demonstrating that rich picture development is a powerful sensemaking tool but the paper also illustrates how it can be implemented and the authors demonstrated how it allows stakeholders to have a strong and influential voice in project conception and delivery. In reflecting on the use of this tool the paper suggests that it can be effectively applied or adapted for use in a range of disaster recovery situations and even wider in the resolution of purposeful programme development for all range of challenging projects.

Exploring the complexity of sugarcane supply chains via systemic approaches

Kybernetes ◽  
2017 ◽  
Vol 46 (2) ◽  
pp. 310-329 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sandra Hildbrand ◽  
Shamim Bodhanya
Keyword(s):  
Sugar Industry ◽  
Soft Systems Methodology ◽  
Systems Methodology ◽  
Soft Systems ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Sugarcane Production ◽  
Potential Improvement ◽  
Viable System ◽  
Supply Systems ◽  
Core Issues

Purpose This paper aims to explore the complexity that characterises sugarcane production and supply systems by applying soft systems methodology (SSM) and the viable system model (VSM) based on an interpretive systemic approach. It seeks to understand the extent to which these methodologies may assist in exploring such a complexity. Design/methodology/approach SSM and VSM were combined with qualitative research methods to explore two sugarcane production and supply systems’ potential improvement possibilities. Findings Trust, transparency and communication shortcomings, poor miller–grower relationships, deficient systemic commitment, insular view, milling inefficiencies, sugarcane quality, quantity and consistency shortcomings, the industry setup and the lack of a common driver are core issues. SSM and VSM facilitated a thorough understanding, yet could not address detected deficiencies. Research limitations/implications The research was restricted to two milling areas, and only SSM and VSM were applied. Practical implications Presented findings can be used as a basis to facilitate improvement in sugarcane production and supply systems and to advocate the continuity of holistic considerations. Originality/value Neither SSM nor VSM have been applied in the sugar industry context. The sugarcane production and supply systems have been holistically investigated, and soft issues have been considered.

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