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.

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.

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.

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.

scholarly journals Analysis of the Use of Technological Tools in University Higher Education using the Soft Systems Methodology

2020 ◽  
Vol 11 (7) ◽  
Author(s):  
Alexandra Ramos Bernaola ◽  
Marianne Aldude ◽  
Jose Estrada ◽  
Valeria Señas ◽  
Laberiano Andrade-Arenas
Keyword(s):  
Higher Education ◽  
Soft Systems Methodology ◽  
Systems Methodology ◽  
Soft Systems ◽  
Technological Tools
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