Soft Systems Methodology (SSM) as an Interdisciplinary Approach

2017 ◽  
pp. 243-257
Author(s):  
Rahma Al-Kharousi ◽  
Nabhan Harith Al-Harrasi ◽  
Naeema H. Jabur ◽  
Abdelmajed Bouazza
Keyword(s):  
Interdisciplinary Approach ◽  
Soft Systems Methodology ◽  
Problem Situation ◽  
Complex Situation ◽  
Systems Methodology ◽  
Soft Systems ◽  
Homogeneous Groups ◽  
Real World Problem ◽  
Definition Of ◽  
Tools And Techniques

Soft Systems Methodology (SSM) provides an inquiry process for taking a systemic view of a problem situation, incorporating elements of intervention, social and political analysis, and then understanding of the real-world problem situation. The holistic view embodied by SSM facilitated capture of the relationships, procedures, attitudes, culture and structure of each participating organizations through thematic analysis and developing rich pictures. Furthermore, the use of SSM enabled creation of homogeneous groups of actors and system owners to go through different intervention processes. This chapter aims mainly to introduce SSM as interdisciplinary approach that can be applied in complex situation and deal effectively with different viewpoints about the definition of the problem. In the current research, reflection on the use of SSM in adoption of Web 2.0 applications in Omani academic libraries is reported. It focuses on contributions of SSM in enhancing knowledge and practice of participants and researchers through different stages of SSM. This study approves that SSM is a methodology rather than a method. A set of tools and techniques can be adapted to investigate the problematical situation and deal with complexity and different perspectives of organizational people. In this research, SSM is described by participants as a learning process that not only define the problem but also improve the situation.

scholarly journals Soft systems methodology for performance measurement in the Uganda water sector

Water Policy ◽  
2008 ◽  
Vol 10 (3) ◽  
pp. 273-284 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sam Kayaga
Keyword(s):  
Developing Countries ◽  
Performance Measurement ◽  
Institutional Environment ◽  
Soft Systems Methodology ◽  
Problem Situation ◽  
Systems Methodology ◽  
Soft Systems ◽  
Measurement Systems ◽  
Measurement Framework ◽  
Performance Measurement Systems

Water and sanitation services in developing countries are delivered in an extremely complex institutional environment, characterised by “soft” problems, that is problems with significant political and social components whose “what” and “how” cannot be defined early in the intervention process. A problem situation common in developing countries depicting “soft” characteristics is how to improve the effectiveness and efficacy of existing performance measurement systems to track the progress towards achievement of water/sanitation-related Millennium Development Goals (MDGs). Such problem situations are better handled using soft systems methodology (SSM), a methodology recommended by Professor Checkland and his research colleagues at Lancaster University, UK. In 2003, SSM was applied in an intervention that aimed to improve performance measurement systems in the Uganda water/sanitation sector. Through strong participation of the key stakeholders, a team of researchers with their local counterparts in Uganda developed and field tested a performance measurement framework. According to an evaluation by the international donor community, policy makers and managers in the sector, the past three annual water/sanitation sector performance reports compiled using the performance measurement framework have depicted a progressive qualitative improvement.

Soft Systems Methodology in Technology Management Practices

2021 ◽  
pp. 129-149
Keyword(s):  
Technology Management ◽  
Management Practices ◽  
New Technologies ◽  
Technological Development ◽  
Decisive Role ◽  
Soft Systems Methodology ◽  
Scenario Planning ◽  
Complex Situation ◽  
Systems Methodology ◽  
Soft Systems

Technology management (TM) is a series of management disciplines designed to manage the technological fundamentals of the organizations for creation of competitive benefits. A successful technological development and commercialization can be rarely accomplished through diffused and undirected efforts. In such a complex situation, modeling can play a decisive role in the analysis of complexities and management of the dynamics of technology-based companies. In this context, the chapter describes five processes of TM, namely identification, selection, acquisition, protection, and exploitation. Soft systems methodology (SSM) is one of the soft operations research (OR) tools and techniques that can be implemented in TM phases as a hard OR. Furthermore, two case studies that addressed the use of SSM in policymaking to commercialize the new technologies and technology scenario planning in a research and development (R&D) organization will be also reviewed.

scholarly journals Change and improvement 50 years in the making: a scoping review of the use of soft systems methodology in healthcare

2020 ◽  
Vol 20 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Hanna Augustsson ◽  
Kate Churruca ◽  
Jeffrey Braithwaite
Keyword(s):  
Scoping Review ◽  
Assessment Tool ◽  
Soft Systems Methodology ◽  
Local Context ◽  
Problem Situation ◽  
Systems Methodology ◽  
Soft Systems ◽  
Problem Situations ◽  
Healthcare Settings

Abstract Introduction Improving the quality of healthcare has proven to be a challenging task despite longstanding efforts. Approaches to improvements that consider the strong influence of local context as well as stakeholders’ differing views on the situation are warranted. Soft systems methodology (SSM) includes contextual and multi-perspectival features. However, the way SSM has been applied and the outcomes of using SSM to stimulate productive change in healthcare have not been sufficiently investigated. Aim This scoping review aimed to examine and map the use and outcomes of SSM in healthcare settings. Method The review was based on Arksey and O’Malley’s framework. We searched six academic databases to January 2019 for peer-reviewed journal articles in English. We also reviewed reference lists of included citations. Articles were included if they were empirical studies focused on the application of SSM in a healthcare setting. Two reviewers conducted the abstract review and one reviewer conducted the full-text review and extracted data on study characteristics, ways of applying SSM and the outcomes of SSM initiatives. Study quality was assessed using Hawker’s Quality Assessment Tool. Result A total of 49 studies were included in the final review. SSM had been used in a range of healthcare settings and for a variety of problem situations. The results revealed an inconsistent use of SSM including departing from Checkland’s original vision, applying different tools and involving stakeholders idiosyncratically. The quality of included studies varied and reporting of how SSM had been applied was sometimes inadequate. SSM had most often been used to understand a problem situation and to suggest potential improvements to the situation but to a lesser extent to implement and evaluate these improvements. Conclusion SSM is flexible and applicable to a range of problem situations in healthcare settings. However, better reporting of how SSM has been applied as well as evaluation of different types of outcomes, including implementation and intervention outcomes, is needed in order to appreciate more fully the utility and contribution of SSM in healthcare.

Using Soft Systems Methodology for the Analysis of Sustainable Energy Initiatives

2021 ◽  
pp. 211-232
Keyword(s):  
Energy Efficiency ◽  
Sustainable Use ◽  
Soft Systems Methodology ◽  
Problem Structuring ◽  
Systems Methodology ◽  
Soft Systems ◽  
Efficiency Measures ◽  
Definition Of ◽  
Energy Efficiency Analysis

The chapter is devoted to the energy efficiency analysis as a prerequisite for sustainable use of energy. In this regard, the current study is focused on the application of soft systems methodology (SSM) and its role as a problem structuring approach to analyze the energy efficiency initiatives. For this purpose, four research works were addressed. The mentioned researches employed a combination of multiple-criteria decision analysis (MCDA) and (SSM) to assess the energy efficiency initiatives. The obtained results included the role of key players in rich pictures with a potential interest in a system for energy efficiency initiatives evaluations, the definition of the root, CATWOE components, and a conceptual model. The results of such processes could be applied in the establishment of a sufficiently accurate decision model capable of offering structured support giving rise to a more informed decision in terms of the energy efficiency measures implementation.

scholarly journals PREFABRICATION AS A SUSTAINABLE MODEL IN RAIL CONSTRUCTION: A RESEARCH ENQUIRY

2015 ◽  
Vol 2 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Arash Ahmadi ◽  
Maged Georgy ◽  
Malik Khalfan ◽  
Tayyab Maqsood
Keyword(s):  
Construction Projects ◽  
Health And Safety ◽  
Soft Systems Methodology ◽  
Waste Reduction ◽  
Clear Understanding ◽  
Systems Methodology ◽  
Soft Systems ◽  
Study Approach ◽  
Definition Of

In many construction projects, prefabrication has proven to benefit sustainability. This innovative construction practice can virtually extend the life of assets while minimizing costs and time and enhancing quality and safety. In rail construction, prefabrication has long been utilized for certain elements of the rail assets but not all. The paper reports on the initiation of a research to investigate the contribution and potential of prefabrication to increasing sustainability and the whole lifecycle benefits in the rail construction industry in Australia. Paper embraces a broad definition of the term “sustainability” which includes energy and water efficiency, health and safety, durability and quality, pollution and waste reduction, overall cost and time efficiency, and sustainable society/community. The research adopts a qualitative case study approach that employs Soft Systems Methodology (SSM) for examining the research enquiry. A variety of stakeholders will be interviewed in each project case besides reviewing the archived content. Stakeholders including construction contractors, rail operators and maintainers, end-users, government bodies, and those involved with the project’s supply chain will benefit from having a more transparent and clear understanding of the effect of prefabrication on the sustainability of rail assets.

Semantic modeling for education of library and information sciences in Iran, based on Soft Systems Methodology

IFLA Journal ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 46 (3) ◽  
pp. 271-289
Author(s):  
Amir Hessam Radfar ◽  
Fatima Fahimnia ◽  
Mohammad Reza Esmaeili ◽  
Moluk al-Sadat Beheshti
Keyword(s):  
Science Education ◽  
Conceptual Model ◽  
Information Science ◽  
Soft Systems Methodology ◽  
Library And Information Science ◽  
Problem Situation ◽  
Semantic Model ◽  
Systems Methodology ◽  
Soft Systems ◽  
Rich Picture

Reviewing the recently published texts in the field of library and information science education indicates some fundamental problems in this pedagogic process. According to different factors dealing with the process, confronting the challenges is considered as complex issues. Therefore, in this research Soft Systems Methodology, an action research method, was chosen to propose a comprehensive model to solve the mentioned problems. Based on the Checkland seven proposed stages, the problem situation was identified, and then it was expressed in the form of a rich picture. Driving root definitions and the CATWOE model were cleared to accomplish the conceptual model. Comparison of the conceptual model to the real world, also proposing feasible and desired changes are the fifth and sixth stages of the research. Finally, taking action to improve the current situation in the field of LIS education finished the procedure. Utilizing the steps of Soft Systems Methodology, this research draws the rich picture illustrating the process of LIS education and its issues dealing with the related ecosystem. Accordingly, the final model consisting of three ontologies was attained. To validate the semantic model, Cohen’s kappa coefficient was calculated. The model, approved by high level of expert agreement, not only can be an appropriate solution for the problems involved in library and information science education in Iran, but also can be considered as a pattern for future researches in designation and implementation of a semantic model of education in other disciplines.

scholarly journals Matriz de cambio y BSC para la gestión de procesos en la fábrica de confecciones Rogger’s – Huancayo

2019 ◽  
pp. 52-61
Keyword(s):  
Process Management ◽  
Production Systems ◽  
Organisational Change ◽  
Soft Systems Methodology ◽  
Uncertain Information ◽  
Complex Situation ◽  
Systems Methodology ◽  
Soft Systems ◽  
The Matrix ◽  
Internal Barriers

Matriz de cambio y BSC para la gestión de procesos en la fábrica de confecciones Rogger’s – Huancayo Change’s matrix and BSC for process management on textil factory Rogger’s – Huancayo Miguel Fernando Inga Ávila, José Olivera Meza, Freddy Arcos Chuquillanqui DOI: https://doi.org/10.33017/RevECIPeru2009.0025/ RESUMEN Debido al desarrollo improvisado y desarticulado de procesos, que genera un flujo de información deficiente, la competitividad organizacional se enfrenta principalmente a barreras internas. Confecciones Rogger’s, empresa huancaína líder en la confección de prendas para caballeros, enfrentaba una situación problema caracterizado por la redundancia e incertidumbre de funciones productivas y logísticas, flujo de información inoportuno e incierto, alto grado de desperdicio de recursos, entre otros, que restringía su competitividad. Ante esta situación compleja, fue imperativo optimizar los recursos existentes de manera global y sostenida en los sistemas de producción y logística. El trabajo comprende el diagnóstico de la situación problema y el diseño por procesos del sistema integral de producción y logística mediante la Metodología de Sistemas Blandos, complementado con fundamentos teóricos sobre la Teoría de Restricciones y la Matriz de Cambio en pro de un mayor desarrollo empresarial. Palabras clave: Cambio Organizacional, MSB, BSC, TOC, Dinámica de Sistemas. ABSTRACT Due to the unexpected and disarticulated development of processes, that generates a flow of deficient information, the organizacional competitiveness faces mainly internal barriers. Textiles Rogger’s, wanka company, leader in the article preparation for horsemen, faced a situation problem characterized by the redundancy and uncertainty of productive and logistic functions, flow of inopportune and uncertain information, high degree of waste of resources, among others, that its competitiveness restricted. Before this complex situation, it was imperative to optimize the existing resources of global and maintained way in the logistic production systems. The work includes the diagnosis of the situation problem and the design by processes of the integral system of logistic production and by means of the Soft Systems Methodology complemented with theoretical foundations on the Theory of Constrains and the Matrix of Change for a greater enterprise development. Keywords: Organisational Change, SSM, BSC, TOC, Dynamic of systems.

scholarly journals USING SSM FOR STRUCTURING DECISION SUPPORT IN URBAN ENERGY PLANNING / OPERACINĖS SISTEMOS METODOLOGIJOS TAIKYMAS PLANUOJANT MIESTO ENERGETIKĄ

2010 ◽  
Vol 16 (4) ◽  
pp. 641-653 ◽  
Author(s):  
Dulce Coelho ◽  
Carlos Henggeler Antunes ◽  
António Gomes Martins
Keyword(s):  
Decision Support ◽  
Methodological Approach ◽  
Soft Systems Methodology ◽  
Energy Planning ◽  
Urban Context ◽  
Problem Structuring ◽  
Systems Methodology ◽  
Soft Systems ◽  
Real World Problem ◽  
Urban Energy

This paper describes the use of Soft Systems Methodology (SSM) as a tool for problem structuring, which is the first phase encompassed in a methodological approach currently under development to provide decision support based on Multi‐Criteria Decision Analysis (MCDA) in energy planning problems in an urban context. In order to apply the methodology to a real‐world problem, a medium sized Portuguese city has been chosen as the decision setting. SSM is used for characterizing as precisely as possible the decision problem context, identifying the main stakeholders and their relations, and discerning the relevant criteria at stake for each one. Future work directions based on this phase are also envisaged. Santrauka Straipsnyje aprašoma operacinės sistemos metodologija (OSM), kuri bus taikoma kaip daugiakriterinės analizės metodais pagrįsta sprendimų paramos sistema miesto energetikos planavimo problemoms spręsti. Siekiant metodologiją pritaikyti realiame gyvenime, eksperimentui buvo parinktas vidutinio dydžio Portugalijos miestas. Operacines sistemos metodologija taikyta kuo tiksliau nustatant pagrindines problemas, identifikuojant pagrindines suinteresuotas šalis ir jų santykius, nustatant vienas kitam įtaka darančius rodiklius. Numatytos būsimos darbo kryptys.

scholarly journals THE APPROACH OF SOFT SYSTEMS METHODOLOGY FOR SYSTEM ONLINE MANAGEMENT CONSULTANT CONSTRUCTION

2020 ◽  
Vol 1 (3) ◽  
pp. 353-360
Author(s):  
An An Anisarida ◽  
Syapril Janizar ◽  
Gary Raya Prima
Keyword(s):  
Human Activity ◽  
Management System ◽  
Soft Systems Methodology ◽  
Problem Situation ◽  
Systems Methodology ◽  
Soft Systems ◽  
Internal Governance ◽  
Management Consultant ◽  
Verification Problem ◽  
Online Management

Consultant as a service provider konstrukusi in order to realize its goal to ensure public safety and create a comfort environment of the construction need to organize a system of internal governance of the company. Governance is translated into the stages of the stages in the implementation of Construction Services. Soft Systems Methodology is the methodology suitable to assist the consultant planner. This methodology can explain their purpose and then designing the system of human activity to achieve these goals. The stages that exist in the methodology of SSM consists of 7 stages that starts from the verification problem situation that is not structured through the design of the system of human activity which are expected to help improve the situation. Think the system is a field transdisiplin that appears as a response to the limitations of a technical approach in the process of reduction to solve a certain problem which in this case is attempted to be applied through the SSM as a method in the application of the online management system (OMS) consultant planner construction. Using the approach of Soft Systems Methodology, manufacturing management system online (CSO) will more fully describe the problems that occurred previously.

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