Soft Systems Methodology Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3500 words

Soft Systems Methodology - Essay ExampleThis action look for-based, interpretive set out is strongly influenced by Vickers (1968, pp.59,176) description of the importance of appreciative systems in dealing with kind complexity. Checkland (1981), and Checkland and Scholes (1990) have attempted to transform these ideas from systems theory into a practical methodological analysis that is called Soft Systems Methodology (SSM).Soft Systems Methodology developed by Professor Peter Checkland is a way of dealing with problem topographic points in which there is a high social, political and human activity component. (Checkland, 1981) This distinguishes SSM from other methodologies that deal with hard problems which are more technologically oriented. Thus, SSM can be a useful research tool for understanding problematic ELT situations. (Holliday, 1990)Hard problems are problems characterized by the fact that they can be well defined. The assumption is that there is a definite effect and we can define a number of specific goals that must be accomplished. Soft problems, on the other hand, are difficult to define.When we prize of soft problems, we dont think of problems but of problem situations. It is the classic situation of it not being a problem but an opportunity. Soft Systems methodology was developed for the express drive of dealing with problems of this type.His Soft Systems Methodology was created done a number of research projects in industry and its application and refinement over a number of years. A leading SSM specialist in Japan, suggests that SSM can be a useful research tool in the educational context, and argues that it can be applied to either messy, problematic human situation that requires decision-making aimed at improvement (Kijima, 1999) The most important feature of this analysis of data, information and knowledge is that the act of creating information is a human act, not one which a machine can accomplish. It is the human being who can att ribute meaning to the selected data. (Checkland, Holwell, 1998)SSM is divided into seven distinct stages. These are 1. conclusion out about the problem situation. This is prefatorial research into the problem area. Who are the key players How does the process work now etc. 2.Expressing the problem situation through Rich Pictures. As with any type of diagram, more knowledge can be communicated visually. A picture is worth a 1000 words. 3.Selecting how to view the situation and producing root definitions. From what different perspectives can we look at this problem situation. 4.Building conceptual models of what the system must do for each root definitions. You have basic Whats from the root definitions. Now begin to define Hows. 5.Comparison of the conceptual models with the real world. Compare the results from steps 4 and 2 and see where they differ and are similar. 6. direct feasible and desirable changes. Are there ways of improving the situation. 7.Recommendations for taking act ion to improve the problem situation. How would you implement the changes from step 6. Step 1 problem situation unstructuredThe initial stage consists simply of managers and/or employees (problem owner) deciding that a review or change of tasks and the way they are performed is required, and an analyst (problem solver) is called in to review and provide recommendations.Step 2 Problem situation expressedStep 1 is basically that people of the organization think there