SYSTEMS METHODS FOR PROBLEM SOLVING

Systems Methods for Problem Solving



Systems Methods for Problem Solving

Application SOSM methodology

Having used participatory action research during the first iteration to obtain a general understanding of the issues affecting the project and to make some initial changes, it was felt that in order to hone in on a possible resolution to the problem SSM would provide a more suitable methodology. SSM is defined by Adelman (1993, 7) as "a methodology that aims to bring about improvement in areas of social concern by activating in the people involved in the situation a learning cycle which is ideally never-ending. The learning takes place through the iterative process of using systems concepts to reflect upon and debate perceptions of the real world, and again reflecting on the happenings using systems concepts". A reason for the choice of SSM was the fact that there was a link between the existing problems and the organisational culture and hence a soft methodology was appropriate. Also, it was felt that an incremental action research process that provided for participatory learning would be logical and hence beneficial to the stakeholders. The outcome had to be an improvement in the situation. SSM would provide the participants the opportunity to debate and develop their ideas. Aspesi (1999, 36) suggests that the main characteristics of SSM includes (amongst others):

It is a goal driven approach

It focuses on improvements to the organisation

The people involved with the problem are its primary focus

In applying SSM, the researcher needs to look at both structure and process and the ways that these interact. Although action research cannot guarantee a successful outcome, the methodology does provide a structure to the problem situation so that it can be dealt with in a structured way. The methodology has been found to be suitable for the improvement of software processes and in determining business process improvement strategies (Bles, 1995, 84). The steps that will be taken are the 7 stages that were proposed by Courtney (2001, 78). These are:

Examine the problem situation. This includes identifying who the key players are, how the process currently works, etc.

Express the problem situation (using a rich picture).

Produce a root definition of significant facets of the system(s) of interest.

Building conceptual models of what the system(s) named in the root definition must do.

Compare the conceptual models with the real world situation to see where they differ and where they are similar.

Identify feasible and desirable options for changes that would improve the situation.

Suggest recommendations for action to be taken that would improve the problem situation.

Also included here is taking the suggested action. The first two activities relate to the real world and finding out about the problem. The next three relate to a systems thinking approach to the real world, while the last two relate to taking action in the real world again. In later versions of SSM, Courtney (2001, 80) identified two strands, one being the cultural view of the social systems, roles, norms, values, politics and sources of ...