Project Management

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

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.

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

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.

Building the spirit of defending the state in the middle of national development

When in the middle of development there are frequent demonstrations accompanied by the destruction of facilities and infrastructure with issues of welfare, this shows the gap between reality and expectations. Security in the midst of efforts to improve welfare is hope, but in fact these demonstrations often occur. For this reason, a human activity system research with the Soft System Methodology method was conducted, (Checkland and Peter Poulter, 2006) in a province in Indonesia with the aim of analyzing the development of awareness and spirit of state defense for national defense and security. Research with the approach of understanding state defense, the concept of the nation, theory (nationalism, awareness and welfare), obtained a detailed conclusion, that it is very important to build awareness of defending the state continuously in the spirit of nationality through early cultivation, formal, non-formal and informal education and socialization , including: (i) An understanding of state defense encourages awareness of state defense, can increase the spirit of public state defense; (ii) Optimizing understanding and awareness of state defense is important to be pursued through early cultivation, formal, non-formal and informal education and socialization, and; (iii) Community involvement in development towards prosperity is also a form of state defense.

A Systems Theory Approach to Electronic Voting Complexity

Information and Communication Technologies are being evaluated as an efficient and effective way to modernize the electoral process. These initiatives have initially been met with skepticism, as a number of affecting fields operate in concert, to structure what is perceived as the dimensions of electronic voting. This chapter adds to the existing body of knowledge on e-voting, while attempting to exorcise complexity and reevaluate under a perspicacious vision, the conflictual issues, by adopting a methodology with the ability to tackle highly unstructured problem settings. For this, systems theory is employed to provide a framework for perceiving and analyzing highly complex systems in an interdisciplinary method, as well as for designing within and for them. In this context, electronic voting is identified as a ’soft’ ill-structured human activity system, and soft systems thinking is applied to bring about improvement by resolving complex issues and providing a clearer perspective of related interdependencies.

A Systems Theory Approach to Electronic Voting Complexity

Information and Communication Technologies are being evaluated as an efficient and effective way to modernize the electoral process. These initiatives have initially been met with skepticism, as a number of affecting fields operate in concert, to structure what is perceived as the dimensions of electronic voting. This chapter adds to the existing body of knowledge on e-voting, while attempting to exorcise complexity and reevaluate under a perspicacious vision, the conflictual issues, by adopting a methodology with the ability to tackle highly unstructured problem settings. For this, systems theory is employed to provide a framework for perceiving and analyzing highly complex systems in an interdisciplinary method, as well as for designing within and for them. In this context, electronic voting is identified as a ’soft’ ill-structured human activity system, and soft systems thinking is applied to bring about improvement by resolving complex issues and providing a clearer perspective of related interdependencies.