Cultural Problems in Applying SSM for IS Development

2011 ◽  
pp. 104-116
Author(s):  
Trevor T. Moores ◽  
Frank H. Gregory
Keyword(s):  
Soft Systems Methodology ◽  
Problem Structuring ◽  
Group Discussions ◽  
Systems Methodology ◽  
Soft Systems ◽  
Eastern Culture ◽  
Stakeholder Views ◽  
High Staff Turnover ◽  
Open Discussion ◽  
Is Development

Soft Systems Methodology (SSM) is a general problem structuring approach that seeks to incorporate multiple stakeholder views in the analysis of a given problem. When applied to IS development, the method requires negotiation and debate between the stakeholders when exploring the feasibility of developing an information system. The applicability of this approach depends, however, on the willingness of participants to enter into such an open discussion. This paper reports on a case study that highlights the problems of applying such a confrontational method in an Eastern culture, such as Hong Kong. Three main problems were identified: Group discussions were avoided; Interviews were conducted in multiple languages; and, High staff turnover made it difficult to develop and maintain mature stakeholder views.

The Impact of Culture on the Development of Information Systems

2002 ◽  
pp. 74-82
Author(s):  
Trevor T. Moores ◽  
Frank H. Gregory
Keyword(s):  
Information System ◽  
Soft Systems Methodology ◽  
Analysis Tool ◽  
Functional Requirements ◽  
Group Discussions ◽  
Soft Systems ◽  
Eastern Culture ◽  
High Staff Turnover ◽  
Eastern Cultures

The development of an information system typically requires debate between interested parties. In particular, debate between users is meant to define a common set of functional requirements. The applicability of this approach depends, however, on the willingness of participants to enter into such an open discussion. However, while holding differing, perhaps conflicting views, is seen as acceptable in Western cultures, in Eastern cultures more importance is placed on social consensus and aligning one’s views with that of the group. This paper reports on a case study that highlights the problems of using debate as an analysis tool in an Eastern culture, namely, Hong Kong. The case study involves the use of Soft Systems Methodology to guide a feasibility study for a marketing system within Hongkong Telecom. Three main problems were identified: 1) Group discussions were avoided; 2) Interviews were conducted in multiple languages; and, 3) High staff turnover made it difficult to develop and maintain mature stakeholder views. The study suggests that culturally sensitive development methods are needed to ensure culturally appropriate ways of developing an information system.

Social Engineering in Building an Integrated Solution Center in Papua to Support the Integrity of the Unitary State of the Republic of Indonesia

2021 ◽  
Vol 4 (2) ◽  
pp. 88-96
Author(s):  
Beni Rudiawan ◽  
Amarulla Octavian ◽  
Rizerius Eko Hadi Sancoko ◽  
Wayan Nuriada ◽  
Buddy Suseto ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Secondary Data ◽  
Social Engineering ◽  
Soft Systems Methodology ◽  
Group Discussions ◽  
Systems Methodology ◽  
Soft Systems ◽  
Analysis Technique ◽  
Exploratory Approach ◽  
The Republic ◽  
Depth Interviews

The problem of the High Social Gap in Papua which is the cause of marginalization and discrimination against the Papuan people, as well as the different perceptions of some Indonesians at home and abroad towards armed separatist conflicts are push factors to corner the Indonesian government. In addition, the issue of internationalization of the 1969 referendum mechanism, violations of Human Rights (HAM), and the management of Natural Resources (SDA) by multinational companies that do not have an impact on improving the welfare of the Papuan people also complement the government's opinion of failure. Against the background of these problems, this study uses a quasi-qualitative research method and an exploratory approach with soft systems methodology (SSM) as a data analysis technique to answer the formulation of the problem and research questions. Research data were collected through Focus Group Discussions (FGD), in-depth interviews, and direct discussions with various informants (academics, practitioners, bureaucracy, and community leaders), plus a literature review as secondary data. The results of this study recommend the development of an Integrated Food Estate (IFE) in stages according to customary areas in Papua, which will indirectly support the realization of Territorial Resilience and the Universal Defense System (Sishta). Furthermore, to ensure that all these processes are carried out properly and continuously, this study recommends the establishment of an Integrated Solution Center (ISC). With the implementation of these recommendations, it is hoped that the peaceful and prosperous Papuan people will soon be realized.

Soft Systems Methodology in IT-Related Organizational Change

2021 ◽  
pp. 32-54
Keyword(s):  
Organizational Change ◽  
Information Systems ◽  
Information Technologies ◽  
Soft Systems Methodology ◽  
Main Concern ◽  
Systems Methodology ◽  
Soft Systems ◽  
Meaningful Information ◽  
Development Methodology ◽  
Is Development

Any organization needs information technologies (IT) to attain efficient process and make effective decisions. The main discussion of this study is focused on IT as a reason of change in an organization. Besides providing a definition for information systems (IS), this chapter aims at explaining soft systems methodology (SSM) as an IS development methodology. Considering seven elements of philosophy, model, techniques and tools, scope, output, practice, and product, it clarified the SSM position in other methodologies. In this concern, it revealed the main concern of using SSM in the development of information systems (i.e., meeting the real needs of the organization through generating meaningful information based on the available data) as represented in five case studies of SSM in IT-related organizational change.

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 SOFT SYSTEMS METHODOLOGY PADA PENGEMBANGAN BANDAR UDARA PROVINSI SULAWESI BARAT

2017 ◽  
Vol 4 (2) ◽  
pp. 159
Author(s):  
Prasadja Ricardianto ◽  
Salahudin Rafi ◽  
Muhammad Rifni
Keyword(s):  
Public Transport ◽  
Sampling Technique ◽  
Soft Systems Methodology ◽  
Transport Policy ◽  
Soft System Methodology ◽  
Group Discussions ◽  
Element Analysis ◽  
Systems Methodology ◽  
Soft Systems ◽  
System Methodology

The purpose of the study is to identify airport development plan towards Public Transport Policy based on Airport Development Blue Print with Soft System Methodology (SSM) in West Sulawesi Province. The study is qualitative by applying Soft System Methodology (SSM) with root definition component, constructing images known as rich picture and CATWOE six-element analysis. The data is collected by focus group discussions and in-depth interviews using purposive sampling technique. The results show airport development concept based on seven stages of Transport Public Transport Policy on Soft System Methodology (SSM) basis.

scholarly journals Program Peningkatan Kesejahteraan Petani di Lampung

2021 ◽  
Vol 5 (4) ◽  
pp. 1126-1135
Author(s):  
M Barusman ◽  
◽  
Indriati Gultom ◽  
Ahmad Cucus ◽  
Appin Redaputri
Keyword(s):  
Agricultural Production ◽  
Soft Systems Methodology ◽  
Provincial Government ◽  
Selling Price ◽  
Group Discussions ◽  
Systems Methodology ◽  
Soft Systems ◽  
Physical Form ◽  
Institutional Model ◽  
Production Facilities

Agriculture in Lampung Province is the sector that contributes the most to the provincial GRDP. But the welfare of farmers is still very low. This can happen because there is no guarantee of agricultural products, low agricultural production, low agricultural production due to several things such as land that is tired, agricultural production facilities (fertilizers, seeds, and drugs) that are not available and are not qualified, lack of agricultural technology that is support and lack of capital. The purpose of this study is to develop a model of the Kartu Petani Berjaya (KPB) system both in terms of its institutional model and physical form. This research uses the Soft Systems Methodology (SSM) approach. Data was collected through literature studies and the implementation of Focus Group Discussions (FGD) with resource persons. The speakers in this study were representatives of academics, practitioners and observers from Lampung Agriculture. The results of this study are the Institutional Model of Kartu Petani Berjaya (KPB) is a model that describes the relationship between elements associated with the work of the Kartu Petani Berjaya (KPB) program. The institutions involved are the Lampung Provincial Government, Agricultural Production Facility Suppliers (Saprotan) and Technology, Regional-Owned Enterprises that are involved as Manager Kartu Petani Berjaya (KPB), Buyers / Market, Banking, Inter-Village Owned Enterprises (BUMADES) / Village-Owned Enterprises (BUMDES) / Cooperatives / Farmers-Owned Enterprises (BUMP) / Joint Farmers Groups (Gapoktan) and Farmers. The Berjaya Farmers Card aims to improve the welfare of Farmers, through providing certainty for the availability of capital, providing certainty for the availability of agricultural production facilities (fertilizers, seeds and medicines), fostering farm management, post-harvest handling, guaranteeing the selling price and ensuring the absorption of agricultural production.

An Analysis-Form of Soft Systems Methodology for Information Systems Maintenance

2009 ◽  
pp. 197-209
Author(s):  
Ivan Ka-Wai Lai ◽  
Joseph M. Mula
Keyword(s):  
Information Systems ◽  
Conceptual Model ◽  
Conceptual Analysis ◽  
Soft Systems Methodology ◽  
Requirement Analysis ◽  
Systems Methodology ◽  
Soft Systems ◽  
Systems Maintenance ◽  
Is Development

Soft Systems Methodology (SSM) has been employed to increase the effectiveness of organizational requirement analysis in Information Systems (IS) development in recent years. Various forms of SSM for IS development have been developed and examined in different environments by different researchers. There appears to be little research or application that can be identified of the use of SSM in IS maintenance. The objective of this chapter is to develop a conceptual “analysis-form” of SSM for IS maintenance, so that further research can be undertaken in the application of this conceptual model.

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.

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