Soft Systems Methodology slidepackss.pdf

Soft systems methodology

1. Soft Systems
Methodology
Define a problem situation with conflicting
stakeholder perspectives

3. Axioms
1.General systems theory -views everything in the world
as part of an open, dynamic, and interconnected
system.
2.Compares the "real world" with a model of how the
world could be.
3.Improvements in situations are most likely through
sharing of perceptions, persuasion and debate. Analysts
should be interactive/therapeutic rather than expert.

4. Step 1
•Identify the problem situation.
•There are several methods for doing this e.g.
•interviews
•surveys
•brainstorming sessions
•historical and current data
•news articles
•document analysis
•organisational structure
•control policies
•observation sessions.

5. Step 2
•Create a rich picture (in effect a mind map)
•shows the main individuals, groups, organizations,
relationships, cultures, politics, and processes involved in the
situation
•Identifies the different perspectives, or "worldviews," that
different groups have of the situation.

7. Step 3
•DevelopRoot Definitions stage 1
•Create root definitions which provide an ideal view of the key systems and
structures (Checklandand Scholes 1990; Checkland2000; Checklandand
Poulter 2006). This commonly follows the CATWOE elements:
•Customers
•Actors
•Transformation
•Worldview
•Owners
•Environmental constraints

8. Step 4
•DevelopRoot Definitions stage 2
•Use the Catwoeto write a statement which concisely
and clearly describes the system of interest
•“A system owned by [OWNERS], where [ACTORS]
perform [TRANSFORMATION] on behalf of
[CUSTOMERS] because [WORLDVIEW], but limited by
[ENVIRONMENT].”

9. Step 5
•Create a Conceptual Model, which is used to analyse the
activities which need to occur to undertake the
transformation.
•The activities outlined should only be based on actions taken
by actors (internal to the organisation).
•Activities need to link back to the root definition
•All activities need to achieve the objectives of the
transformation
•Activities must include monitoring the transformation and
providing feedback.

10. Step 6
•Compare conceptual models to reality -Requires a gap
analysis to determine whether the provided solution
will meet the needs
•Assess feasibility and define changes in:
•organisational structure
•procedures and processes
•attitudes or behaviours.

11. CATWOE Example
Clients
Actors
Transformation
Worldview
Owners
Environmental constraints