Understanding the Context: Soft Systems Methodology Flashcards
What is a soft system methodology?
Trying to understand a complex, unique, human situation and come up with actions to improve it
Step 1 of SSM
Understand the ‘problem’ situation
Step 2 of SSM
Create a rich picture to express the situation
Step 3 of SSM
Formulate a root definition to define the system
Step 4 of SSM
Develop a conceptual model of the system
Step 5 of SSM
Compare concept (step 4) and reality (step 2)
Step 6 of SSM
Define and discuss Changes
Step 7 of SSM
Implement Changes to improve ‘problem’ situation
- Creating rich pictures
A cartoon visualisation of the situation showing stakeholders, relationships, processes and viewpoints
- Formulate the Root Definition
A description of what the system does, how and why
How to formulate the root definition?
Customers
Actors
Transformation processes
World view
Owner
Environment
Customers in CATWOE
Who the system serves or benefits
Actors in CATWOE
Who carry out the activities
Transformation processes in CATWOE
What it does; what inputs are converted to outputs
World view in CATWOE
Perception of what matters in the world, the ‘bigger picture’