Problem Structuring Methods Research Articles

Exploring Opportunities for Sustainable Housing: The Case of East Africa

AbstractThis paper contributes to the development of a problem-structuring method for exploring sustainability opportunities in systems. It presents a case of designing the plane while flying it, using an action research methodology to develop the Sustainability Opportunity Study over a period of 2 years. The problem-structuring method was applied and developed in the context of a research and development network for improving sustainability of housing in East Africa through alternative binders in block-based building. The resulting method consists of the three main stages Diagnosing, Analysing, Solving, where activities are informed by critical systems thinking and insights derived from experience and reflections from the case. The method uses different types of workshops to derive specific project proposals for further implementation and realisation of the identified sustainability opportunities. Results also suggest four types of evaluation of the Sustainability Opportunity Study based on the main focus of the intervention: Focus on effectiveness (number of relevant project proposals), focus on creating shared understanding (perceived learning among participants), focus on ensuring fairness (level of engagement among marginalized stakeholders), or focus on commitment to Critical Systems Thinking (breadth and depth in Diagnosing, Analysing and Solving).

Managing grand challenges: Extending the scope of problem structuring methods and behavioural operational research

Addressing Grand Challenges (GC), such as navigating climate change or aging societies, is increasingly gaining prominence across the globe. Those researching and addressing such challenges argue that progress requires collaborative, integrated, and coordinated responses from a wide range of stakeholders including organisations, governments, communities, etc. To successfully navigate these challenges, approaches need to be able to engage with stakeholders in two ways. Firstly, in terms of eliciting a comprehensive understanding of the challenge as viewed through the many stakeholder lenses and thus managing the resultant complexity of that data and secondly through attending to the myriad socio-political considerations. Problem Structuring Methods (PSM) through their focus on managing messy, complex, wicked problems are well situated to assist in this endeavour, particularly when coupled with the growing body of work in the field of Behavioural OR (BOR). This paper illustrates how PSM with BOR can address Grand Challenges by mapping the characteristics together and proposing a framework depicting the potential contribution.

Brazilian Forest-Based Sector Perceptions and Contributions to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)—Developing Strategies Using the Strategic Options Development and Analysis (SODA) Approach

The Brazilian forest-based sector (FBS) has a complex and important role in leading local and global bioeconomy and sustainable development initiatives. Among these tasks is the improvement and achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). However, key actors in the FBS still have different perspectives regarding their contributions to the implementation and achievement of the SDGs, and this shortage of understanding and complex problem structure may result in misleading strategic planning, which must be improved to increase and strengthen their participation. This study proposes a participatory assessment to comprehend the perceptions of the Brazilian forest-based sector’s key actors and their contributions to achieving the SDGs by using a problem structuring method (PSM). Strategic Options Development and Analysis (SODA), a method from PSM and soft operational research, was used to support the strategic decisions and assist in formulating the strategies. Following the SODA approach, this study interviewed 13 key actors from different forest sector institutions in Brazil and listed strategies to improve their contributions to the SDGs. As a result, 29 main goals and 68 strategic options were mapped. The goals reflect the key actor’s understanding of the main contributions of the Brazilian FBS to the SDGs, and the strategic options represent the main strategies that can be implemented to strengthen the participation and positioning of these institutions in Agenda 2030.

Selection of Naval Bases and Stations for submarines: a multimethodological approach

With the PROSUB program, the Brazilian Navy (MB) has been renewing its feet of submarines. However, this is not a movement that is exclusively Brazilian. With the worsening of crises around the world, many countries are in the process of expanding their armed forces, and coastal nations, in particular, are paying significant attention to their submarine weapons. However, as it is not only convenient to acquire submarines but also to operate them, it is necessary to define from where they will do so. Given the above, this current work aims to present a framework with a multimethodological focus, that is, presenting a combined use of the problem structuring method (PSM) Strategic Choice Approach with the multicriteria method MPSI-MARA. As a result, the ordering of some points along the Brazilian coast, made non-specific, is presented as a suggestion for the implementation of new Submarine Bases and/or Naval Support Stations.

Gaps in strategic problem‐solving methods: A systematic literature review

AbstractStrategic problem‐solving enables organizations to pursue opportunities and address emerging threats proactively. However, traditional problem‐solving methods often rely on business processes and organizational procedures, which may not be available at the strategic level. This article investigates potential gaps in strategic problem‐solving methods through a Systematic Literature Review. The study analyses the existing literature on the potential of current problem‐solving methods to identify and resolve root causes of strategic problems when formal business processes and procedures are unavailable. A rigorous literature search process guided by focused research questions examines Problem Structuring Methods, Lean Thinking, Six Sigma, Theory of Constraints, Balanced Scorecard, SWOT Analysis, and other techniques. The synthesis of findings reveals limitations in strategic root cause analysis. In addition, the study introduces a supplementary decision‐making frame of reference to aid the selection of appropriate methods across problem‐solving, decision‐making, and solution implementation stages. This framework addresses the common challenges decision‐makers face in navigating organizational complexity and choosing suitable approaches, as well as visually maps methods to stages based on Content, Organizational, and Analytical complexity dimensions. The framework builds on the study's findings that using a single methodology may be insufficient for a complete decision process. The proposed decision‐making framework also offers valuable guidance for integrating diverse methods aligned to decision situations.

Using interpretive structural modeling (ISM) to detect and define initiatives that facilitate hemodynamic laboratory management

AbstractHealthcare organizations are constantly changing—as are many companies in other business sectors—and the quest for ways to improve requires these organizations to examine continuously the processes involved in their daily activities. This study sought to analyze hemodynamic laboratories’ operating activities using problem structuring methods. The main aims were to understand underlying processes more fully and to delineate initiatives that can facilitate better management (e.g., the use of cutting‐edge technology based on artificial intelligence). The data analysis focused on the particular case of the Laboratório de Hemodinâmica do Hospital de Santa Marta (LHHSM) (Santa Marta Hospital Hemodynamic Laboratory) and relied on interpretive structural modeling. The data were collected during a brainstorming session with a panel of experts in the selected area and combined with the key concepts identified by a literature review of hemodynamic laboratory management studies. The results provide a better understanding of the relationships between variables that influence the dynamics of these laboratories, thereby providing the LHHSM with the information needed to select appropriate improvement initiatives. A follow‐up session with the LHHSM service director was held to consolidate the findings. This study's contributions and limitations were also defined.

Widening the Lens: Reflecting on the Mixing of System Dynamics With Action Research Alongside Work Within the Problem Structuring Methods Field Comment on "Insights Gained From a Re-analysis of Five Improvement Cases in Healthcare Integrating System Dynamics Into Action Research".

This commentary reflects upon the insights for improvement cases reported by Holmström et al where they consider the integration of action research (AR)-a research methodology-and system dynamics (SD)-a modelling technique-to manage the complexity of patient care pathways. Whilst this combination can be effective, recognising that SD is a simulation model whereas AR is a research approach is important for both practical and conceptual reasons. In addition, some of the benefits noted can also be achieved through taking a wider examination of modelling techniques, particularly problem structuring methods (PSMs) as SD has been considered a PSM and PSMs are designed to effectively engage multi-disciplinary group members in the search for solutions as this will provide further avenues for both engagement and learning.

Digital health at Central Lisbon University Hospital Center: strategic reflections and value proposition

AbstractDigital health emerges in the context of technological advancement, responding to the challenges of healthcare systems based on safe, quality healthcare services, offered in a timely manner, and in an efficient and effective way. However, digital health also brings challenges that are essentially related to change management within organizations. Based on problem structuring methods, this study sought to investigate the digital health topic in the specific case of Central Lisbon University Hospital Center (CHULC in Portuguese), aiming to reflect on initiatives that enhance digital health benefits within this organization and that contribute to its digital transformation. For this purpose, interpretive structural modeling was used to identify and understand the cause–effect relationships between determinants of digital health in this context, involving CHULC in the strategic reflection on the subject through a collaborative and constructivist approach. The main results include a set of actions formalized to enhance the center's digital health value proposition.

Gamification Framework for Participatory Modeling: A Proposal

Problem structuring methods imply the involvement of stakeholders and aim to create a shared understanding of the problem and commitment among them. The process and outcomes of such interventions entirely depend on the stakeholder’s level of engagement and willingness to contribute to the discussion. Gamification, in its turn, has been extensively used to increase engagement in an activity and nudge certain behaviors. Several gamification frameworks exist for stakeholder engagement; however, none fully considers the context of the modeling workshops with stakeholders.In this paper, we focus on a specific method for problem structuring, called Participatory Modeling (PM), and aim to explore the essential components and steps to gamify the PM process. We look at the literature on gamification, stakeholder engagement, problem structuring methods and, specifically, PM. Based on this analysis, we propose a gamification framework for PM, which includes the steps commonly mentioned in other existing frameworks and more nuanced features within each step that are specific to the PM context. Emphasis is given to analyzing the context of the gamified activity, including such aspects as participants, group interaction, and modeling. In addition, consideration of ethical points and potential risks of gamification is suggested as a necessary step to prevent undesired side effects during the gamified PM process.The gamification framework for PM leads to a variety of ways in which gamified intervention can be designed and incorporated into the process. Further research on the appropriateness of gamification use, practical applications, their evaluation, and risks associated with gamified interventions can contribute to the extension and clarification of the proposed framework.

Dealing with complexity – the contribution of problem structuring methods to management science

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to examine the contribution that problem structuring methods – a branch of the decision support discipline of operational research – have made in helping managers deal with situations of high complexity. The paper reviews the limitations of traditional operational research and argues that problem structuring methods have expanded the entire discipline and significantly contributed to its holistic nature and problem-solving orientation.Design/methodology/approachThe paper provides a critical discussion of the limitations of the traditional operational research approach and examines how the development and successful application of problem structuring methods have opened up a new paradigm of analysis in management science.FindingsIn theoretical terms, problem structuring methods have moved the discipline of operational research away from its positivistic epistemology and towards interpretivism and the acceptance of a subjective social reality. In practical terms, they offer managers a broad range of appropriate analytical tools which provide transparency and offer the opportunity to those affected by the problem situation to be actively involved in the entire modelling process within a facilitated environment.Originality/valueThe paper offers a critical discussion of the contribution that problem structuring methods have made while also identifying the challenges they face as they try to achieve higher levels of recognition and acceptance in management science.

Identificação de Prioridades Através do Método de Estruturação de Problemas Para Reduzir as Dependências dos Serviços Ecossistêmicos na Distribuição de Eletricidade

Abstract Electricity distribution is a fundamental activity for society. However, mitigating actions on risks and dependencies of this activity still need to be discovered concerning Ecosystem Services (ES). This fact can negatively influence its prosperity, especially in the long term. Within this context, this paper aims to identify actions that mitigate the risks and dependencies on ES associated with a company in the electricity sector in Brazil that performs electricity distribution services. The identification was based on the collection, analysis, and interpretation of stakeholders’ perceptions of the activity through an adaptation of the Strategic Options Development and Analysis (SODA) problem structuring method. As a result, a structured vision of actions that mitigate ES risks and dependencies of electric power distribution, enabling management focused on the longevity of both the ES and the economic activity.

Assessing the sustainability of the city-port transformations: Multi-Criteria Decision Analysis (MCDA) for alternatives portfolio selection

In recent years, the EU has sought to define sustainable transition pathways towards more equitable, prosperous, and inclusive urban and territorial models, capable of responding to the rapid degradation of ecosystems, and improving quality of life of citizens. In this context, ports have been recognised as key strategic hubs not only for economic and logistical competitiveness, but also to generate employment and investment opportunities, and to address the challenges of the climate change. The research presents a multi-scale, multi-dimensional and multi- group methodological framework to support decision-making processes related to the development of sustainable transformations of port cities, capturing the complexity of interactions and conflicts. Integrating Multi-Criteria Decision Analysis (MCDA) approaches and Problem Structuring Methods (PSM), the proposed methodology aims to address the following gaps identified in the literature: (i) a scattered application of multi-group methods; (ii) the lack of social instances within the decision problem; (iii) a weak sustainability perspective; (iv) the use of one-dimensional scale assessment in sectoral studies. The case study of the city-port of Gela in Sicily (Italy) provided an opportunity to test the proposed methodology and to integrate multi-dimensional sustainability issues into feasibility studies, promoting a more balanced relationship between city and port. The interdependencies between environment, society and economy allowed MCDA to be identified as a suitable approach to address complex decision-making and support the sustainability assessment of port areas transformation. Two multi-criteria and multi-group evaluation methods guided the decision-making process to select a portfolio of preferred alternatives by assessing technical, environmental, and economic impacts and analysing stakeholder conflicts and coalitions. The process was carried out as follows: on the one hand, a multidimensional impact matrix integrating Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) divided into technical, financial-economic, and environmental categories through the application of the multi-criteria method EVAMIX; on the other hand, a social assessment with a dendrogram of coalitions derived from the application of the multi-group method NAIADE by modelling stakeholders’ preferences regarding a portfolio of alternatives related to the decision problem.

Life cycle sustainability impact categories for sustainable procurement

Sustainable procurement depends on the definition of evaluation criteria when structuring selection processes for the most sustainable suppliers and products. Since a product or service may be associated with several sustainability impact categories throughout its life cycle, the procurement process may consider them as evaluation criteria. A recommended approach for such product evaluation is Life Cycle Sustainability Assessment (LCSA). The main objective of this study is to identify and catalogue general sustainability impact categories to be used as evaluation criteria in sustainable procurement. This research applied cognitive mapping, a tool in Problem Structuring Methods, based on a systematic literature review and interviews with 10 experts in the field. They also collaborated in the categorization and validation of the results. This study suggests a set of 58 midpoint and 14 endpoint sustainability categories, providing a contribution for different actors in society and supply chains, allowing them to evaluate supply options in sustainable procurement. The participation of experts enriched the understanding of the problem, allowing to observe a fourth sustainability dimension for procurement, comprising Supplier Governance and Compliance.

A multi-methodological combination of the strategic choice approach and the analytic network process: From facts to values and vice versa

The paper proposes a new multi-methodological framework combining a Problem Structuring Method and a Multi-Criteria Decision Analysis to address the problem of composing facts and values in the decision-making process of policy making. We position our work theoretically in relation to Latour's concept of the “collective” as a potential description of the decision-making process, with its conflicts and negotiations, openings and closures. With Latour, we can say that there are no “separate chambers” in which facts (i.e., the use of public resources, different time horizons) and values (i.e., the values of different stakeholders, the legitimacy of public decisions) are discussed; rather, all these aspects are considered together in a cycle that encompasses them, progressively expanding and contracting to arrive at a tangible result: a decision. In the paper we illustrate the transposition of the concept of this cycle in our multi-methodology, the proposal of the combination of the Strategic Choice Approach (SCA) and the Analytic Network Process (ANP)—which is absent in the literature—and we then empirically test this theoretical contribution with a case study, the repurposing of a former hospital in Italy.

Slum-dwellers as experts: A problem structuring approach to understand housing challenges in slum communities of India

ABSTRACT Housing programs in India have rarely engaged with slum communities to understand slum-dwellers’ housing needs and preferences as the tools to systematically understand them are lacking. Consequently, the programs are often designed and implemented without the slum community’s participation. This paper demonstrates the usefulness of inviting slum residents to understand housing problems from their perspective by using in-depth interviews and focus group discussions in two slums of Odisha, India. We compare their priorities with the provisions of slum policies such as the Odisha Land Rights to Slum Dwellers Act 2017 to highlight that housing needs and challenges in slums are diverse, and preferences are often incremental that the current program has failed to recognize. We use problem structuring methods from decision sciences as our analytical framework that treats the slum residents as experts. Such an approach can potentially transform how we design housing programs and policies in the developing world.

ENHANCING INNOVATION CULTURE: THE CASE OF MULTINATIONAL ADVERTISING AGENCY VMLY&R LISBOA

The world is going through an unprecedent experience marked by one of the most serious pandemic to date. Companies currently face multiple challenges, including maintaining their organizational culture while defining and validating new working and business models and completely rethinking past competitive advantages. Innovation is a fundamental part of these processes. This study identifies the main findings in the literature on company culture and the promotion of innovation within organizations. Problem structuring methods (i.e., design thinking (DT) and decision making trial and evaluation laboratory (DEMATEL)) were applied to explore innovation culture further and apply the results to the multinational advertising agency VMLY&R Lisboa in order to delineate this company’s culture and enhance its potential for innovation. An expert panel was recruited to develop a fuller understanding of the cause-effect relationships between factors that influence innovation and to enable a more collaborative, constructivist approach to this decision problem. The main findings were validated by VMLY&R Lisboa’s chief executive officer, and concrete initiatives were proposed that can enhance this company’s innovation culture. The study’s contributions and limitations are also discussed.

Banking Digitalization: (Re)Thinking Strategies and Trends Using Problem Structuring Methods

Digital transformation is becoming more common in an increasingly digital world, which has contributed to significant changes in business processes around the globe. In the banking industry, this approach allows banking institutions to provide improved customer experiences. However, the determinants of successful banking digitalization are still unclear, as are their cause-and-effect relationships. This article sought to apply problem structuring methods, namely, fuzzy cognitive mapping and system dynamics, to develop a conceptual model that can be applied to analyses of banking industry digitalization. The results are based on two group sessions that were held with a panel of decision makers who deal with banking digitalization processes on a daily basis. The findings were validated by a senior staff member responsible for banking project assessment and development at Caixa Geral de Depósitos S.A.—a Portuguese state-owned banking corporation. The approach adopted in this article is unique because digitalization determinants were collected and analyzed based on the participants’ know-how and experience. Static and dynamic analyses produced a deeper, broader understanding of the dynamic cause-and-effect relationships between the identified determinants of banking digitalization, giving rise to a realistic model that can be used to support relevant decision-making processes.

A systems approach to mapping UK regional innovation ecosystems for policy insight

The literature on innovation and regional economic development shows widespread references to ‘systems’ but relatively little application of systems thinking and problem structuring methods. Innovation models are thus under-theorised with operationally-based maps that link the structure of innovation systems to behaviour and possible policy levers. This conceptual paper addresses this shortfall by applying a systems mapping approach to regional innovation ecosystems which sets out the structural drivers and actor inter-relationships in regional economies with universities acting as focal points for knowledge application. A causal feedback map is hypothesised from participative research and the innovation literature, providing an integrative framework and enabling initial policy discussions about the drivers of regional innovation. Hence this model identifies the virtuous reinforcing behaviours that act endogenously within an innovation ecosystem to drive economic growth. Several policy questions concerning regional innovation and university– industry–government collaboration are surfaced by the model. Finally, possible policy interventions are proposed.

Fons et origo: reflections on the 60th anniversary of Industrial Dynamics

AbstractThis paper records and reflects on the anniversary of the publication of Forrester's Industrial Dynamics. It considers the book from four perspectives. First, it samples the earlier publications that heralded and anticipated its publication. Second, it explores in depth some contemporary reviews, drawn from a range of disciplines. The paper then looks in detail at how the book was influenced by, and itself influenced, three neighbouring areas: MS/OR, system science and the social sciences, and ‘problem structuring methods’. Fourth, to further place the book in context, the paper considers in brief the varied life of Forrester himself, indicating how his experiences informed Industrial Dynamics. The paper closes by recapitulating the importance of Industrial Dynamics as the founding publication of the system dynamics field. © 2022 The Author. System Dynamics Review published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of System Dynamics Society.

Are project managers ready for the 21th challenges? A review of problem structuring methods for decision support

Numerous contemporary problems that project managers face can be considered as unstructured decision problems, characterized by multiple actors and perspectives, incommensurable and/or conflicting objectives, and important intangibles. This work environment demands that project managers to possess not only hard skills but also soft skills with the ability to take a management perspective and, above all, develop real leadership capabilities. In this paper, is presented a family of problem structured methods for decision support, aimed at assisting project managers in tackling complex problems. Problem structured methods are a family of soft operations research methods for decision support that assist groups of diverse composition to agree on a problem focus and make commitments to consequential action. Project management programs are challenged to implement these methodologies in such a way that it is organized around the key competences that a project manager needs in order to be more effective, work efficiently as members of interdisciplinary teams and successfully execute even a small project.