Using a systems perspective to design a problem solving process

Abstract

Systems approaches to problem solving define how to go about achieving change in a holistic and systematic way. Systems engineering, systems analysis, and soft systems methodology are examples of such approaches. Each approach provides a rational procedure that can be seen as a specific design of a problem solving process. However, certain issues related to the process of problem solving remain implicit, e.g., which stakeholders to involve. These choices can become explicit by looking at the process of problem solving as a system in itself. Such a problem solving system can be designed as any other system. In this system we can recognise: the problem representation(s), the stakeholders involved, their interaction, and how the problem solving system interfaces with the problem situation. This way of looking at a problem solving process can complement the existing approaches by making requirements for the process of problem solving and the resulting design choices explicit.