Application of SSM in tackling problematical situations from academicians’ viewpoints

In recent years, a wide variety of studies have applied soft systems methodology (SSM) to address the complexities of the messy situations. This paper seeks to identify 1) application areas and 2) application levels of the use of SSM in dealing with problematical situations. To do so, 149 articles published between 2000 and 2015 were studied. The findings revealed the application of SSM in new application areas such as sustainable development, knowledge management and project management. The results of this study also indicated that researchers applied SSM at three levels: SSM as a process of inquiry, SSM as an action-oriented methodology, and the hybrid use of SSM. Based on the findings, SSM at the level of a single methodology for bringing out changes has been less welcomed by researchers, but the application levels of inquiry processes and hybrid approaches have been more utilized. This suggests that in the correspondence of SSM with the nature or situation of problems, a sort of incommensurability is witnessed. Factors arising from the nature of the problem, inadequate mastery of the researcher over SSM or the limitations of SSM can exert an influence on this incommensurability.     

A Conceptual Framework Based on Maturana’s Ontology of the Observer to Explore the Checkland’s Soft Systems Methodology

This paper explores Checkland’s Soft Systems Methodology (SSM) through the lenses of a theoretical framework that incorporates key concepts from Maturana’s Ontology of the Observer (OoO) with the view of complementing Checkland’s SSM application process. We outline and examine paradigmatic compatibility between: Checkland’s ontological position (reality is problematic/chaotic) together with his interpretivist epistemology (multiple perceptions enrich the ever-changing reality); and Maturana’s OoO (we are immersed in the praxis of living in an ontological multi-universe). We argue that OoO resonates with key SSM theoretical underpinnings. After establishing compatibility between these two influential systems thinkers, we advance a conceptual framework in which Checkland’s SSM learning process is re-visited through a the framework grounded on Maturana’s OoO. The proposed framework illustrates how key ideas drawn from Maturana’s OoO can shed light into the way in which some of the main SSM devices (i.e.: Root definitions, Conceptual model) are used in the SSM process. By doing that, SSM is enriched and becomes more flexible as the stakeholders involved are placed within the domain of constitutive ontologies from which, a deeper dialogue can be promoted in a domain of coexistence in mutual acceptance. We argue that this is a suitable way to have more flexible and holistic views for a SSM intervention in particular to promote the learning process and debating proposed changes amongst the stakeholders involved. The proposed framework, when applied, may enhance the power of SSM learning process and when adopted can have substantial implications to complement the SSM process.

     

Soft Systems Methodology and Systems Maintenance

Business systems maintenance represents a large proportion of the work of IT staff in most organizations. Many methodologies relevant to IT concentrate on systems development and give little attention to systems maintenance. In this paper we discuss the relevance and benefits of the Soft Systems Methodology (SSM) to systems maintenance. Payroll administration is then used to provide an outline illustration of the use of SSM for systems maintenance projects. Aspects of the use of SSM for systems maintenance projects are also discussed.     

从系统方法论看多准则决策的软化

系统方法论与决策范式之间存在对应关系。从系统方法论看,多准则决策属于硬系统方法论,但回顾其发展历程,却能发现其软化的趋势,它已具备了软系统方法论的某些哲学理念和特点,但又与软系统方法论有本质的不同。面对人类活动系统的管理复杂性,硬系统方法论与软系统方法论具有互补性,从多准则决策走向复杂决策,需要软系统方法论的补充。     

Systemic Design for Applying the Combined Use of SSM and CDA to Social Practices

In this paper, we propose a framework for applying the combined use of soft systems methodology (SSM) and critical discourse analysis (CDA) based on social semiotic systemic functional linguistics to social practices. In the social practice, ‘participation’ mode of Checkland’s SSM is used for ‘problem-solving’ whilst CDA is used to problematize ‘problem-solving’ processes within the practice. During the meta-process of problematization of our research, we used Churchman’s systems approach and its theory of ‘boundary critique’ in order to explore issues such as governance, inequality of power, and social values within the organization examined for this study. In other words, the process-oriented methodology proposed in this paper consists of two processes: that of ‘problem-solving’ based on SSM and of problematization of naturalized discourse from the perspective of CDA and two phases of boundary critique in social practice. A detailed account of a case study of Korean social enterprise is given to demonstrate how our proposed framework of the combined use of SSM and CDA is applied into practice. Reflecting the outcome of the case study, this paper argues that critical social research from systemic inquiry using what we call ‘process-oriented methodology’ is useful to address some of the social and complex issues related to understanding dynamic relation between power and discourse amongst participants in the social enterprise in Korean contexts.     

Bridging Worlds: Information Systems Development Through Cross-Cultural Comparison

This paper reports a case study where soft systems methodology (SSM) was used to help automate a largely manual administrative (examination) information system in a Pakistani university. Various design suggestions for information system improvements, both administrative and IT-supported were made (and implemented) through comparison with another university in Denmark which is well supported by computer systems. An action design research approach with an interpretative epistemology/ontology was adopted. Though the single comparison experience is difficult to generalise, we conclude that SSM (with some adaptations) can enable a socio-technical comparison and design effort and offer a prototype process. The comparison stimulates forward-looking design, but great care must be taken to accommodate cultural differences, and further research is necessary to integrate more sophisticated cultural analysis tools into the design process. The research extends SSM in information system development??from a single situational analysis to a comparative process and can be adapted as a pattern for practitioners with similar automation needs.     

Suggestions for New Application Areas for Soft Systems Methodology in the Information Age

Soft systems methodology (SSM) is now 40?years old. Another decade has passed since Checkland??s thirty year retrospective on the methodology, published in 2000. It can now be described as an old methodology. But it has adapted and changed over the years and is still very much alive, although the days are long gone when it was mainly developed and practised by its founders at the University of Lancaster. Interestingly, considering that many applications of SSM over the years have been to information systems, it was developed before the age of personal computers and the Internet. The way SSM is viewed has changed over the years as it has been applied to various types of problem situation. Every use of SSM will potentially hold methodological lessons in addition to those about the situation of concern; these may include SSMs framework of ideas, processes and way of use. How is SSM going to change in the future? This will depend in part on the types of problem situation to which it is applied. This paper examines some problem situations associated with emerging technologies in the information age to which SSM has not yet been much applied. These include computer simulation and virtual reality, ubiquitous computing and the design of cities, Information Technology Service Management and the design of enterprise information architectures. Some of the different worldviews associated with these problem situations which could be explored using SSM are noted.     

The Use of Soft Systems Methodology to Enhance Group Creativity

Soft Systems Methodology is especially useful in diagnosing and addressing organizational problems and designing new systems in cultures that are characterised by pluralistic views and values. This paper demonstrates how SSM workshops in a large government agency resulted in a high level of creativity. SSM is then proposed as a methodology that could enhance group creativity in organizational design contexts.     

Qualifying Function in SSM Modeling—A Case Study

In a previous paper the author introduced a concept called qualifying function as a conceptual tool for modeling and design. The concept was incorporated into the modeling phase of soft systems methodology (SSM), with the purpose of addressing some of the criticism directed toward the methodology, such as its tendency to result in regulatory, rather than radical, agendas for change. It was argued that the concept had the potential to help people in a particular problem situation to view the situation from new and different perspectives and that it could enrich the conceptual models by giving the transformation process a direction. The aim of this paper is to apply the concept, embedded in SSM, to a case study involving two projects, focused on creating new work opportunities, to explore the practical applicability and usefulness of the concept, both in general and as a part of the modeling phase of SSM.     

Soft System Dynamics Methodology in Action: A study of the Problem of Citizen Insecurity in an Argentinean Province

This paper illustrates an application of soft system dynamics methodology (SSDM). SSDM arose as a fusion of two well-known methodologies in the systems movement: system dynamics (SD) and soft systems methodology (SSM). SSDM includes 10 steps to orchestrate and implant change in social systems, based on a multimethodological and multiparadigmatic approach as an outcome of the combination of the mentioned methodologies. After a brief introduction, the paper starts by briefly explaining SSM and SD, their stages and their problematical issues as systemic methodologies, then goes on to explain SSDM, its philosophical roots and stages, ending with a comparison among the three. It then introduces the citizen insecurity problem in Argentina, specifically in Mendoza Province, where SSDM was applied to analyze this issue. The paper concludes with an explanation of the learning points that arose from the use of SSDM in this study and suggestions for further research on citizen security and SSDM.     

Expanding the framework for monitor and control in Soft Systems Methodology

Soft Systems Methodology (SSM) has been criticized for its interpretivistic stance by, among others, Critical systems thinkers. By locating problems inherent in the techniques of SSM, this paper proposes an expanded theoretical framework, concerning measure of performance in the conceptual models. The expansion is based on the theories behind Multi-Modal Methodology and has resulted in a new model of performance indicators for the design.     

Elaborating a Critical Realist Approach to Soft Systems Methodology

Systemic Practice and Action Research - This paper explores the implications of adopting a critical realist approach to soft systems methodology (SSM) both to address local problematic situations...     

医保报销比例差距、患者行为选择与医疗费用的关系研究——基于三阶段动态博弈模型的分析

我国初步建立了覆盖全民的医疗保险制度,个人医疗费用自付比例从2005年的52.2%下降到2011年的34.9%,但全社会的医疗总费用和患者平均自付费用的金额却都在大幅度增长; 同时,大医院人满为患和基层医院门可罗雀的现象依然存在. 在这一背景下,本文针对上级医院、下级医院、医保基金以及患者四个参与主体构成的医疗服务体系,构建三阶段动态博弈模型,分析了各参与者的行为,并进行了数值模拟,得出结论: 对上级医院报销比例的上升,会导致去上级医院就医的人数增长,而选择在基层医院就医人数下降,并使得上级医院医疗服务价格、全社会总医疗费用以及患者自付费用总额均会上升; 上下级医院治疗质量的差距也会导致全社会总医疗费用的上涨; 只有合理地利用医疗保险这一政策杠杆来完善分级医疗体系,合理分流患者,并缩小上下级医院的医疗服务质量差距,才能建立更为科学的医疗服务体系,真正减轻患者负担.     

Two Strands Model of the Soft System Methodology Analysis of Private Sector Investment in Power Generation Sector in Ghana

The paper analyses the causes of low private sector investment (PSI) in power generation (PG) infrastructure in Ghana. Series of interviews and stakeholders’ workshops were employed for data collection and validation of findings. The Two Strands Model of the Soft Systems Methodology (SSM) was adopted to define and resolve the problem situation. However, the SSM approach manifested some inherent weaknesses in the areas of the listing and selecting the relevant sector concerns and designing the human activity systems. Consequently, Systems Thinking tool, Causal Loop Diagram was introduced to scientifically identify the fundamental causes of the limited PSI in PG. The paper, therefore, proposes some methodological improvements in the SSM in this regard. Human activity models as well as guidelines were developed to address the fundamental causes of the sparse private investment in PG in Ghana.     

一般系统方法论研究

在分析Ｃｈｅｃｋｌａｎｄ软系统方法论的局限性的基础上，本文提出了一般系统方法论（ＧＳＭ）．ＧＳＭ包括了软系统方法论与Ｈａｌｌ硬系统方法论的全部内容，井扩展到问题的发现与形成阶段，揭示出这三部分之间的逻辑联系，从而完善了系统问题从感知到解决的全部可能的逻辑思维过程．     

The Systemic Approach of SSM: The Case of a Brazilian Company

This paper aims to describe the application of Soft Systems Methodology (SSM) to the reality of a Brazilian enterprise. Systemic practices are ways of putting to use systemic thought in the real world, using the precepts of the systemic approach, which is very important for knowledge management and globalization. The systemic practice SSM is used in the resolution of ill-defined problems, which often involve behavioral variables and, thus, cannot be addressed by the so-called hard methodologies. In this paper, SSM is applied to the problematic of a middle-market business, an auto supply distributor, whose managers consulted the authors of this paper as regards proposing improvements of its performance. As a result of this work, the authors were able to propose core changes in attitudes, leading to changes in structure and process.     

Soft System Dynamics Methodology (SSDM): Combining Soft Systems Methodology (SSM) and System Dynamics (SD)

Soft System Dynamics Methodology (SSDM), a systemic methodology product of the combination of two widely used systems-based methodologies from two different systems thinking paradigms, Systems Dynamics (SD) and Soft Systems Methodology (SSM), is presented. The paper argues that by combining some of SD and SSM stages, within the intellectual framework proposed by SSDM, a methodology developed by one of the authors¹ much can be gained in a systemic intervention to tackle complex social problematic situations. A framework for comparing the ontological, epistemological and methodological principles of SD, SSM and SSDM is proposed and the synthesizing and dialectical role of SSDM is advanced. The 10 stages of SSDM are outlined and illustrated by an application on a small Peruvian company; and a set of conclusions and points for further research are discussed.     

Soft Systems Methodology: Other Voices

This issue of Systemic Practice and Action Research, celebrating the work of Peter Checkland, in the particular nature and development of soft systems methodology (SSM), would not have happened unless the work was seen by others as being important. No significant contribution to thinking happens without a secondary literature developing. Not surprisingly, many commentaries have accompanied the ongoing development of SSM. Some of these are insightful, some full of errors, and some include both insight and absurdity. Checkland (1999, p. A42) opines, in the recently published 30-year retrospective, that "SSM has been ill-served by its commentators." Scrutiny of the secondary literature on SSM provides support for this view and also identifies some general characteristics and trends that are important to the development of SSM and, incidentally, reinforces some existing conclusions.