Combined soft system methodology and agent‐based simulation for multi‐methodological modelling

Abstract

AbstractThe primary aim of this paper is to explore theoretical and practical aspects of the soft system methodology (SSM) and simulation combination as a multi‐paradigm multi‐methodology approach through action research. The important theoretical findings from a systematic literature review show that previously published researches have mainly applied SSM to structure contents of messy problems and for model building. We identified two types of combination designs: (i) simulation enhancement and (ii) mixed methods. To further investigate the practical aspects of combined methodologies, we apply SSM in the conception phase of agent‐based modelling to an Iranian upstream oil and gas company. We show that a combined model offers the following advantages: It (i) improves our understanding of the problem, (ii) reflects upon the modelling process, (iii) provides learning for interveners and (iv) enables the proposition of technically sound, systematically feasible and culturally desirable agreed solutions for improving the situation.