Project Management

2021 ◽  
pp. 189-210
Keyword(s):  
Project Management ◽  
Soft Systems Methodology ◽  
Development Projects ◽  
Activity System ◽  
Systems Methodology ◽  
Soft Systems ◽  
Major Development ◽  
Industrial Projects ◽  
Funds Allocation ◽  
Human Activity System

This chapter seeks to explain possible uses of the soft systems methodology (SSM) for project management (PM) when uncertain and sometimes conflicting aims are being pursued. To this end, two topics were considered: (1) application of SSM for funds allocation planning among major development projects and (2) feasibility of industrial projects considering their compliance with principles of sustainable development. The focus of the SSM is on the so-called human activity system (HAS), synergizing all stakeholders towards a single goal. PM, on the other hand, not only deals with the HAS, but also manages organization-wide initiatives participated by a wide variety of stakeholders. In this respect, SSM can contribute to better implementation of the PM initiatives, thereby enhancing the obtained gains.

Customer retention management: A complementary use of data mining and soft systems methodology

2020 ◽  
pp. 1-20
Author(s):  
Mohammad Mehrabioun ◽  
Bibi Malihe Mahdizadeh
Keyword(s):  
Human Activity ◽  
Customer Retention ◽  
Soft Systems Methodology ◽  
Activity System ◽  
Systems Methodology ◽  
Soft Systems ◽  
Customer Churn ◽  
Activity Modeling ◽  
Purposeful Activity ◽  
Human Activity System

BACKGROUND: Customer retention and management of customer churn are deemed as among the most significant issues for businesses. Given the fact that customer churn is not typically predictable easily, identifying and analyzing customer churn is necessary for businesses. OBJECTIVE: Therefore, the current research was conducted to employ a complementary approach to identify the reasons influencing customer churn. METHODS: To do so, initially, customers’ data were clustered by recruiting the K-means method. Each cluster represented customers who held similar values and the probability of churn behavior. In the next step, stakeholder groups are identified based on the K- means algorithm. Then, Soft Systems Methodology (SSM) was employed to encapsulate each of the identified interested groups’ world-view to better understand logical reasons for churned customers. Purposeful activity modeling (human activity system) was adopted for each interested group utilizing SSM techniques. RESULTS: Using SSM techniques, purposeful activity modeling (human activity system) for each interested group adopted. Utilizing human activity systems for structuring debate sessions about change actions, short-term and long-term plans have been proposed to maintain and improve customer retention programs. CONCLUSIONS: SSM can be considered as an overarching approach that can afford a better understanding of the processes derived from data mining.

scholarly journals Analysis of Policy Evaluation and Model of ASN Management Improvement in terms of Planning, Recruitment, and Competency Development Aspects

2020 ◽  
Vol 2 (4) ◽  
pp. 404-418
Author(s):  
Robby Kurniawan ◽  
Aries Djaenuri ◽  
Hadi Prabowo ◽  
Sampara Lukman
Keyword(s):  
Soft Systems Methodology ◽  
Provincial Government ◽  
Competency Development ◽  
Systems Methodology ◽  
Soft Systems ◽  
Organizational Goals ◽  
Potential Development ◽  
Systems Thinking Approach ◽  
Human Activity System ◽  
Selection Of

This study aims to analyze the evaluation of ASN management policies at the Ministry of Transportation and the provincial government of DKI Jakarta and the appropriate model for improving ASN management in planning, recruitment, and potential development. The approach used in this study is to use action research-based Soft Systems Methodology (SSM) as a research method with systems thinking approach. This research method's selection was carried out considering that ASN management is a Human Activity System with various problems involving many agencies. There are multiple laws and regulations used. The results showed that the evaluation analysis from the planning aspect showed that the policies, their formulation, and their dissemination had been carried out well; The recruitment aspect indicates that there is still something that needs to be addressed, especially in the recruitment of CPNS, PPPK, and open selection of positions; Aspects of competency development receive greater attention, especially in terms of improving performance, cost efficiency and achieving organizational goals. This study also develops concepts to improve ASN management in the form of a framework that includes: foundational theories, foundational theory & empirical facts as fundamental to formulate research interest, and research contributions.

Managing emergent changes: ad hoc teams’ praxis and practices

2018 ◽  
Vol 11 (4) ◽  
pp. 1086-1104 ◽  
Author(s):  
Peter Sjögren ◽  
Björn Fagerström ◽  
Martin Kurdve ◽  
Magnus Callavik
Keyword(s):  
Project Management ◽  
System Analysis ◽  
Ad Hoc ◽  
Single Case ◽  
Soft Systems Methodology ◽  
The Body ◽  
Implementation Plan ◽  
Systems Methodology ◽  
Soft Systems ◽  
Content Type

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to explore how emergent changes are handled in research and development (R&D) projects. R&D projects’ business potential lies in their exploration of the unknown; conversely, this makes them uncertain endeavours, prone to emergent changes. Design/methodology/approach Uses a single-case-study design, based on a projects-as-practice perspective and a soft systems methodology (SSM) analysis, to map how ad hoc R&D teams handle emergent changes, specifically the solution identification and assessment phase and the implementation plan. An R&D project in the power industry, involving over 250 engineers, was analysed. Findings This paper shows how emergent changes are handled differently from initiated changes during the decision-making phase. The system analysis shows that the most critical factors for managing these changes are: collective reflection between project parties; and including experienced engineers in implementation-plan reviews. Practical implications The results are of relevance both to R&D managers aiming to improve team performance and to general project management. Informal notions of emergent changes can be formalised in the change request process. Weaknesses in the project team’s organisation are highlighted, and details of how of how to mitigate these are provided. Originality/value Combines engineering-design and project-management research on emergent changes, adding to the former regarding people–organisational and strategic issues. Furthers understanding of the projects-as-practice approach and emergent change (deviations) handling by ad hoc teams in a project environment. SSM has not previously been used to explore aspects of projects-as-practice, and this is a novel way of adding to the body of knowledge on project praxis and practise.

A SOFT SYSTEMS METHODOLOGY APPROACH TO IMPROVING THE SUPPLY CHAIN OF A CONSTRUCTION PROJECT IN GAUTENG PROVINCE, SOUTH AFRICA

2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (1) ◽  
pp. 86-99
Author(s):  
Lewis Tsuro ◽  
Stan Hardman
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
Supply Chain ◽  
Construction Project ◽  
Soft Systems Methodology ◽  
Project Planning ◽  
Suitable Model ◽  
Senior Managers ◽  
Good Tool ◽  
Systems Methodology ◽  
Soft Systems

The Soft Systems Methodology (SSM) was developed as a set of tools for identifying and making incremental steps to improve situations with poorly defined causes or solutions. The supply chain forms a key process of any construction project; however, on any given construction site, supply chain inefficiencies could arise from many different avenues. Opinions vary, though, on which of these avenues is more important for increasing supply chain efficiencies; whether any problem even exist across the different aspects of the supply chain; as well as what steps should be taken to resolve them. It was therefore studied, here, whether SSM could be employed as a useful tool to systematically apply in the supply chains of a construction project in South Africa, for understanding and targeting the problematic situations that arise. Following thorough cyclical open-ended interviews with 17 workers, supervisors, foremen, site clerks, senior managers, and the CEO of the principal contractor at a new office park construction project in Rosebank, Johannesburg, and a thematic analysis of the data, SSM was performed to understand the existing challenges, and develop a suitable model for improvement. The study found that SSM was a good tool for understanding the ‘messy’ circumstances surrounding the chosen construction project supply chain, as well as actions that could be taken to improve the supply chain’s efficiency on site. The findings add weight to the argument that SSM could be a good tool for project managers to systematically introduce into their project planning regimens

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