Soft Systems Methodology Research Articles

Soft-system management framework for power supply and grid integration issues

Purpose The balance between power supply and demand gets more challenging when electrical networks switch from centralized thermal power plants to distributed renewable energy sources for power generation. Such problems present a diverse set of challenges that require a solution through system and control methods. Hence, the purpose of this study is to understand the issues faced by each actor in the power sector’s supply chain, which would restrict the stability of the power supply and quality of service. Design/methodology/approach This study provides a conceptual model, soft system methodology (SSM), for power supply management or grid integration issues through the mapping of identified issues with their possible solutions. Findings This study offers an analysis that uses methods of problem structuring to construct the major issues and measure technological advancements in the energy sector. This research highlights the need to integrate energy storage systems with the grid for the effective operation of the system to manage various power supply issues. Research limitations/implications SSM is used to establish a mechanism to manage grid integration problems by comparing established problems with their potential solutions. The resulting framework would help managers, researchers, policymakers, engineers and smart grid professionals to make the required and informed decisions on the management of grid integration issues and to form strategies fostering efficient and secure energy network. Originality/value The research is based on a conceptual framework for enhancing energy efficiency and integrated smart grid technology, which would contribute to a better supply of electricity and a more environmentally sustainable future.

Analysis of the determinants of success of maritime security and resilience strategies moderated by risk management and resources multiplier in the Indonesia’s Archipelagic Sea Lane II

Indonesia has ratified United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea 1982 (UNCLOS 1982) through Law No. 17 of 1985 concerning the ratification of the 1982 Law of the Sea Convention, thus binding Indonesia to the rights and obligations to implement the provisions of the 1982 convention, including the establishment of the three Northern-Southern Indonesia’s Archipelagic Sea Lane (ALKI). The existence of the three ALKI routes, including ALKI II, has led to various potential threats. These violations not only cause material losses but, if left unchecked and unresolved, can also affect maritime security stability, both nationally and regionally. The maritime security and resilience challenges in ALKI II have increased with the relocation of the capital, which has become the center of gravity, to East Kalimantan. The research in this article aims to identify and analyze the factors influencing the success of maritime security and resilience strategies in ALKI II. The factors used in this research include conceptual components, physical components, moral components, command and control center capabilities, operational effectiveness, command and control effectiveness, and the moderating variables of resource multiplier management and risk management to achieve maritime security and resilience. This study employed a mixed-method research approach. The factors are modeled using Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) with WarpPLS 8.0 software. Qualitative data analysis used the Soft System Methodology (SSM). The results of the study indicate that the aforementioned factors significantly influence the success of achieving maritime security and resilience in ALKI II.

Model of University Entrepreneurial Education Development Strategy for Preparing the Golden Generation Toward 2045: Islamic Entrepreneurship Perspective

This study aims to develop entrepreneurial strategies based on sharia principles at Universitas Syiah Kuala to prepare students for Indonesia’s Golden Era 2045. Key concepts explored include sharia-based entrepreneurship education, curriculum reform, and business incubation. Using Soft Systems Methodology (SSM), the research identifies and implements changes through curriculum redesign, workshops, strategic partnerships, and the establishment of a sharia business incubator. Data collection involved surveys and interviews with students, faculty, and local business stakeholders over six months. The results indicate increased student engagement and business creation aligned with sharia values. These findings highlight the importance of integrating Islamic principles into entrepreneurship education, offering valuable insights for other universities seeking to develop similar programs.

Strengthening Rural Governance for Rural Development Through Collaborative Strategy: the Application of Soft System Methodology and Textual Network Analysis

Strengthening Rural Governance for Rural Development Through Collaborative Strategy: the Application of Soft System Methodology and Textual Network Analysis

Collaborative water governance model for potable urban water supply in Riau Province, Indonesia

ABSTRACT The literature suggests that collaborative governance is a promising framework for addressing complex public problems while some cases have also marked failure in its implementation. Furthermore, the complexities and factors of the collaborative governance context must be understood at the early stage, as they may affect its sustainability. Therefore, this study aims to understand ‘what works and what doesn't’ and the need for sustainability of urban potable water management in Dumai City, Rokan Hilir Regency, and Bengkalis Regency through cross-sectoral collaboration and develop the best model to be developed for this collaboration. This study uses a soft system methodology in the urban potable water supply system of Riau Province with a wide range of stakeholders through in-depth interviews, thematic analysis, and the creation of purposeful activity models and rich pictures to uncover and address complex issues. The study found that the implementation of collaborative water management in urban areas with the collaborative water governance approach has worked well in the short term. However, it has not enhanced organizational autonomy or fostered trust and reciprocity dimensions in the long term. Additionally, we emphasize the importance of a collaborative supervisory board that will open internal and external opportunities.

DYNAMIC SIMULATION OF RUBBER PRODUCTION SYSTEMS USING SSM AND VENSIM APPROACHES

One of the contributors to the agricultural sector, particularly in the plantation sub-sector, is the rubber industry, which accounts for 38.54% of Indonesia's rubber exports. This opportunity arises from the fact that 85% of rubber producers are smallholder farmers, while the remaining share is owned by state and private enterprises. Makmurman is an individual rubber business owner based in South Sumatra Province, with a 4-hectare rubber plantation that directly sells raw rubber to collectors. The rapid advancement of technology in modern life has led to increased use of elastic materials, thereby driving higher demand for rubber, especially in the automotive industry. As a result, Makmurman has experienced a surge in demand for raw rubber from collectors. However, Makmurman has been unable to meet this demand, likely due to the many variables involved in the production process and the sale of raw rubber, which have created challenges. To address these issues, a root cause analysis is conducted to identify the appropriate solution using the soft system methodology approach. Additionally, data processing is carried out using Vensim software to model the rubber production system in a real-world scenario. The results include the development of causal loop diagrams and stock flow diagrams. The expected outcome is a dynamic system simulation with various scenarios, ultimately identifying the best scenario that ensures the highest availability of rubber for Makmurman to meet the demands of the rubber collectors.

Managing Organizational Culture Integration Post-Acquisition: Lessons from PT 'X' in the Oil and Gas Sector

In the upstream oil and gas industry, mergers and acquisitions (M&A) are often used to enhance access to limited resources and improve competitiveness in the global market. However, a major challenge arises in post-acquisition organizational cultural integration, which can impede the success of this process. At PT "X," the acquisition of PT "Y" and PT "Z" highlighted a cultural gap between a company oriented towards familial values and companies with more professional and structured cultures. Although numerous studies have addressed the importance of cultural integration in M&A, few have delved deeply into cases in Indonesia's oil and gas sector. This research employs a qualitative descriptive methodology with a Soft System Methodology (SSM) approach. The findings reveal that cultural differences, particularly in communication styles and work systems, led to tensions and decreased performance. The study further indicates that the lack of cultural assessment in the early stages of the acquisition exacerbated these issues. The research implications underscore the need for a more systematic and planned cultural integration strategy to ensure post-acquisition success.

Revolutionizing efficiency: The path to sustainable oilfield services in Indonesia's energy landscape – The case of Pertamina drilling services

PurposeThis study explores strategic and technological approaches for sustainable oil production in Indonesia, focusing on policy frameworks, eco-innovation, and supply chain resilience to align with national and global standards. It also analyzes the organizational transition of Pertamina Drilling Service Indonesia (PDSI) to better navigate industry challenges with the outcome of a framework sustainable practices. Design/methodology/approachUtilizing Soft Systems Methodology (SSM) to analyze primary qualitative data, the research examines PDSI's adaptation to depict the current business environment and challenges both domestically and globally, addressing industry demands. It focuses on operational objectives, strategic asset management, regulatory compliance, and market positioning. SSM offers a comprehensive framework for understanding and modeling the organizational changes within PDSI. FindingsThe transition to a functional organizational structure has led to enhanced operational efficiency, clearer role definition, and improved employee retention and development strategies at PDSI. The study also highlights the industry's challenges, including high risks, capital intensity, environmental concerns, and fluctuating oil prices, and how PDSI is strategically responding to these challenges. Research limitations/implicationsThe study faces limitations due to reliance on specific data sources and the inherent complexity of the oil and gas sector. However, it offers valuable insights into the dynamics of organizational change in a high-risk industry. Practical implicationsThe findings provide a roadmap for PDSI in addressing operational efficiency, human resource management, and organizational agility. This includes aligning business expansion with environmental sustainability and enhancing competitiveness through technological innovation. Social implicationsBy focusing on strategic employee development and retention, the study underscores the importance of human capital in the oil and gas industry, impacting social aspects of business operations. Originality/valueThis research contributes to the understanding of organizational transitions in the oil and gas sector. It offers a unique perspective on how PDSI can achieve sustainable growth and industry leadership through a functional organizational structure, underlined by a comprehensive framework emphasizing efficiency, adaptability, and continuous improvement.

The Art of Soft Systems Inquiry: Retracing the Footsteps of Churchman and Checkland

AbstractIn this paper I reflect upon soft-systems inquiry. To do this I revisit Churchman’s discourse on the philosophical ideas underpinning inquiring systems and then discuss the practical application of soft inquiry pioneered by Checkland. This body of work suggested ontological models of organisational behavior were inappropriate and only by adopting an epistemological perspective would provide the basis for understanding complex systems that characterise human society. These ideas motivated a new way of addressing complexity. This work created a difficulty for action research since to be faithful to this discovery meant that any method of inquiry should be one that could cope with such complexity. One outcome was Soft Systems Methodology (SSM). Paradoxically the success of SSM has restrained further discussion of these ideas. The purpose of this paper is to revisit the ideas of Churchman and Checkland as a means of returning to first principles. In this paper I reassess their ideas and those of Husserl and Gadamer and suggest there is more to be gained from this rich seam of systems thinking.

One Health Approach Necessity in the Control of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza: An Integrated Analysis of Decision Makers’ Perspectives in Ivory Coast, Using Peter Checkland’s Soft System Methodology

Abstract The control of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) requires an integrated strategy. In Ivory Coast, it is decentralized and included in the health policy (as all tools, including SOPs, for managing disease prevention and control) but would lack a common vision and stable bridges for intersectoral exchanges and major health challenges joint planning. Thus the need to identify levers for action through the key sectoral decision makers’ perspectives in integrated HPAI control. A cross-sectional retrospective qualitative study, respecting ethical considerations, was carried out in May 2023 with national decision makers from the human, animal, environmental and community health sectors in Ivory Coast. Purposive sampling was guided by seven respondents based on the saturation principle. An open-ended, semi-structured interview grid based on the CATWOE components ( C : Clients, A : Actors, T : Transformation process, W : Weltranschauung, O : Owners, E : Environment; Smyth D. and Checkland P. en 1975) were used to analyse the surveyed decision makers’ perspectives, using QDA Miner4Lite software. Findings showed four emerging perspectives, depending on the decision makers’ profile: (i) Veterinarians advocated a world better prepared to deal with HPAI, with simulation exercises (as one of the four components of the International Health Regulations monitoring framework to enable the lessons learned from a simulated public health event that can be capitalized on while strengthening the response system), joint investigations and training, creation of reactive and autonomous regional centres with enhanced technical facilities; (ii) Poultry industry (private sector) is also moving in the same direction, with the idea of common funds pre-mobilized through poultry farmer contributions to facilitate future compensation; (iii) Physicians prioritized the cross-sector sharing of digitized information in real time, the mutualization of resources and the integration of existing surveillance networks; and (iv) Environmentalists were keen to integrate aspects of other key sectors into their sectoral monitoring tools in order to be more alert and proactive in an ecological dynamic. Information © The Authors 2024

Combating COVID-19 health disparities in Black, Indigenous, and People of Colour Communities-A call for critical systems thinking.

The Black, Indigenous, and People of Colour populations in the United States are disproportionately affected by the emerging health threat SARS-CoV-2, which causes COVID-19. This paper aims to demonstrate the usefulness of critical systems thinking by using scenario planning based on epidemiological data and tying epidemiology with soft systems methodology to investigate COVID-19 disparities among disproportionately affected Black, Indigenous, and People of Colour populations. Using a review of the COVID-19 literature and publicly available US COVID-19 data, critical systems thinking is applied in a scenario planning example and a call to link soft systems methodology with epidemiology. According to the four plausible Endgame scenarios, levels of community transmission as well as the current state transmission are based on the driving forces of the scenarios. In addition, soft systems methodology explores the effect on stakeholders and strengthens the picture of disease burden beyond sole reliance on traditional data sources. This analysis underscores employing critical systems thinking to critically assess diverse methods appropriate for the ongoing complexity of global crises. It is argued that critically engaged subjectivity should be given space alongside data-dependent objectivity. COVID-19 disparities are reliant on the social determinants of health's effects as driving forces on disease transmission in Black, Indigenous, and People of Colour populations. It is moreover argued that critical systems thinking is demonstrated by linking epidemiological evidence with scenario planning and soft systems methodology. This in turn supports a critical systems thinking approach to uncover the state of health disparities among minoritized communities under COVID-19.

Digital Economy Reformulation and Economic Competitiveness of Smart Cities: An Application of Soft Systems Methodology

Smart cities have become a new trend in urban development worldwide, and digital economy plays a crucial role. Therefore, this study aimed to create a novel formulation of digital economy that contributes to improving competitiveness of smart cities and provides practical guidance on digital economy strategies. A Soft System Methodology (SSM)–based action that utilizes the concept of systems was used to investigate conceptual models from different perspectives, from conceptual thinking to real-world–based action. Moreover, Indonesia was selected as a case study due to its extensive implementation of smart cities over the past five years, with over 250 cities participating in the program. The study successfully identified five scopes of digital economy, namely digital technology, digital service, shared economy and platform, digitalized economy, and financial services. It also identified six crucial criteria of economic competitiveness, namely human resources, product offerings, innovation capability, economic productivity, ease of business and investment, as well as financial capital. In conclusion, local cities and regencies' governments need to accelerate digital economy by creating supporting policies, making collaboration, effective digital marketing, improving digital literacy, guaranteeing cyber security, as well as protecting consumers and data privacy.

Innovation using dynamic balanced scorecard design as an industrial safety management system in a company in the mining metallurgical sector

Over the years, industrial safety management in Peru's metallurgical mining sector has become a business problem with no acceptable solution. Annual statistics reveal an average of 60–70 fatal accidents in companies in this sector. This paper proposes using the Systemic Methodology to Develop and Maintain a Dynamic Balanced Scorecard MSDBSC-EM) to be used in the industrial safety management of the safety department of a Peruvian company in the metallurgical mining sector. This methodology was created at the Instituto Andino de Sistemas - IAS of Peru and combines the criteria of the Balanced Scorecard with the modeling of System Dynamics and contributions of the Soft System Methodology. This proposal demonstrates that dynamic simulation facilitates organizational learning and allows the designing of action plans in the present to manage the future. Also, modeling and computer tools facilitate the development and implementation of prototypes, which can be used to analyze required scenarios through pleasant and easy-to-use environments. In this sense, a dynamic model of key performance indicators of objectives, goals and initiatives was developed and four scenarios (A, B, C and D) were analyzed, from which it can be observed that the degree of commitment and leadership with the Industrial safety affects the increase in the level of preventive culture, which in turn favors the prevention of risks and the achievement of tangible objectives in industrial safety, evident in the drastic decrease in the occurrence of accidents and occupational diseases, and this is achieved to the extent that the personnel have the necessary competencies, which in turn is obtained through constant comprehensive training and the appropriate selection of personnel. On the other hand, the operating budget of the security department is a limiting factor in achieving these criteria. Another important aspect is the degree of existing communication, which affects the increase in the level of preventive culture.

Soft Systems Methodology in Standardizing the Method for Applying Dolphin-Assisted Therapies in Neurodivergent Patients: Case Study of Delfiniti Mexico

Dolphin-assisted therapy (DAT) currently lacks a standard for their application, making it difficult to collect the consistent data necessary for comparative studies and the development of new evidence-based therapeutic strategies. Due to their high social component, DAT requires a standardized method that identifies the elements that affect them, understands their complex situations, and proposes solutions to the challenges. This study aims to establish the first steps towards standardizing DAT, using the Soft Systems Methodology (SSM) as the central approach. SSM is suitable for addressing complex and ambiguous problems that involve multiple actors and perspectives. Through SSM, the study seeks to visualize problems, clarify conflict relationships that hinder standardization, and propose effective solutions. To establish an initial standard method, a time and motion study is performed to identify activities that disrupt the sequence of operations and the capture of EEG signals collected before, during, and after DAT. SSM allows for summarizing the current system situation, identifying and analyzing problems, clarifying challenges, and proposing pertinent solutions to achieve the standardization of this therapy. This methodology facilitates the identification of critical points and the development of intervention strategies that could improve the efficiency and effectiveness of the therapeutic process, establishing a more coherent framework for the implementation of DAT. Thus, the contribution of this work is based on systems thinking to strategic management, as it demonstrates the potential role of systems thinking, specifically SSM, in analyzing complex problems, improving strategy mapping, fostering strategic decision making, and planning for the future in the context of strategic management.

Development of A Man-Machine Interface for Managing Photovoltaic Energy: Applied Study

Objective: Develop and evaluate a human-machine interface (HMI) that integrates advanced monitoring, forecasting, and management functionalities for photovoltaic solar energy systems, aiming to optimize energy production and operational efficiency. Theoretical Framework: This study is based on concepts of modeling and simulation, solar energy management, and problem-solving methodologies such as Soft System Methodology (SSM). Method: An applied approach was adopted using modeling, simulation, and statistical analysis techniques. The research included a bibliographic review in scientific databases, a case study, and SSM to organize and solve complex problems. 121 digital solar energy platforms in Brazil were analyzed to define the interface requirements. The interface was developed with React JS, Axios, Bootstrap v5, Apache Echarts, HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and Python libraries for forecasting models. Results and Discussion: The interface, named "Solar Smart Manager," enables efficient monitoring and management of energy production using critical data such as temperature, time of day, and solar irradiation. Tests in a real operational environment demonstrated improvements in energy management, incident response, and preventive maintenance. The functionality of validating solar radiation incidence data represents a significant contribution to the energy sector, promoting sustainability and innovation. Research Implications: The practical and theoretical implications of this research provide insights into the efficient and optimized management of photovoltaic solar energy systems, contributing to a better understanding and optimization of available solar resources. Originality/Value: This study contributes to the literature by developing an innovative interface that improves operational efficiency and solar energy management. The relevance and value of this research are evidenced by its positive impact on the energy sector, promoting sustainability and innovation.

Policy development of road plus property developer on toll road with SOE assignment schemes

The Trans Sumatra Toll Road (TSTR) is a mega toll road project with an assignment State-Owned Enterprise (SOE) scheme in Indonesia. In its development, TSTR has several limitations, including funding, low investment feasibility and the un-optimum implementation of land value capture (LVC). This has the impact of delaying the completion of project development, decreasing the performance of toll road developer companies and even causing bankruptcy. LVC is an alternative funding scheme proven successful in other countries such as Hongkong, England and Vietnam. Several transportation projects based on transit-oriented development have successfully achieved profits using the LVC method. With a low project feasibility, the implementation of the Road Plus Property Developer (RPPD) business model is expected to be a solution to improve investment performance in the TSTR project. RPPD is defined as an assignment scheme toll road business model based on LVC implementation. This research aims to develop policies for implementing the RPPD business model on toll road SOE-assigned schemes. The data was collected by in-depth interviews with experts in two stages. The data analysis method used is Soft System Methodology (SSM). This research produces two recommended actions: ratification of the Presidential Regulation regarding the implementation of LVC and institutional transformation of regionally owned business entities in the property sector. It is hoped that implementing the RPPD policy will become a priority in completing the TSTR project.

Understanding no fault found event risk in military aircraft MRO planning: A step towards robust bidding and contract finalization

No fault found (NFF) is a reported fault for which the root cause cannot be found. An NFF event not only reduces the availability of the equipment to customers but also results in financial losses to the manufacturer. To date, risk due to NFF events is not considered separately in aircraft Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) planning. In this paper, we have studied the NFF event risk identification, distribution, and optimization in an aircraft MRO process based on data collected over three decades of aircraft maintenance. For framework development and formulating the critical NFF risk drivers, this paper applies soft system methodology with detailed semi-structured interviews of industry experts. For NFF risk distribution and optimization, we have used agent-based simulation modeling. The quantitative assessment of more than 5000 NFF cases in an aircraft MRO organization shows that NFF events are significantly non-deterministic during the life cycle of an aircraft. The three identified critical NFF risk drivers in the research are the MRO process stage, aircraft life cycle stage, and human working skills. The MRO process stage is the time of the NFF event during repair activity. The life cycle stage represents the timeline of the NFF event in useful aircraft life. Human working skill represents the role of manpower in the NFF event solution. Further theoretical elaborations of the research lead to the optimized NFF risk break-up at the contract preparation stage and risk driver's sensitivity analysis by the aircraft assembler, operator, and sub-contractor at the commercial bid submission stage.

An initial user model design for adaptive interface development in learning management system based on cognitive load

The cognitive aspect is crucial in developing interactive and adaptive systems, including learning management systems (LMS). By understanding human cognitive processes, developers can create adaptive systems that are sustainably used by targeted users. Cognitive traits need to be explored to become part of the user model, especially especially to develop an LMS with an adaptive interface based on cognitive load. However, there is limited research exploring the correlation between cognitive load and adaptive interfaces, as well as the visualization of information, within online learning settings, including those specifically within LMS platforms. Additionally, a lack of understanding of cognitive processes renders the use of LMS static and unable to adapt to learners’ abilities. Therefore, information regarding the specific characteristics or model of cognitive load that accurately represent LMS users as triggers for adaptive interfaces needs to be further examined. A total of four experts in the cognitive field were interviewed. The interview process was conducted in a semi-structured manner to obtain information about problems in the use of e-learning, the nature of cognitive, and the process of capturing cognitive load during learning using LMS. By using a soft system methodology, the results from the interviews are mapped into a cognitive load-based LMS user model design. The initial model design includes information on working memory capacity, task performance (time, true/false rate), learning behavior (learner log), physiological (in a lab scale), and self-reporting (Likert scale). This model design is a promising first step towards a more technical process in developing adaptive and interactive systems.

A Conceptual Model of Rural Tourism in Bali to Build Up Global Competitiveness

Rural tourism, in the form of small-scale, locally owned tourism businesses, has become a priority that must be supported by the government to be more beneficial for the local community. The objective of this study was to develop a conceptual model of rural tourism in order to make rural tourism in Bali more competitive globally. This research was conducted in Bali during April–June 2020 by following a systems thinking approach. The methodology employed was a soft systems methodology and utilized interpretive structural modeling (ISM). Twenty persons were chosen purposively as key informants (experts). Data collection was carried out through focus group discussions (FGDs) and questionnaires. The results indicated that the goals of sustainable rural tourism are to improve local community welfare, to conserve the environment, and to preserve culture and heritage. Managing rural tourism requires efforts in destination quality, service excellence, hospitality, reasonable pricing, and ease of access. Finally, this paper proposes methods to support sustainable rural tourism in Bali.

Improving the Performance Management System for Power Plant Operators in Caprycoal Mining Company

Caprycoal Mining Company, located in East Kalimantan, Indonesia, strives to be a leading coal supplier. The performance management system of Caprycoal Mining Company for power plant operators is the subject of this research, which critically evaluates and suggests a redesign. It incorporates the Resource-Based View (RBV), Performance Management Theory, Goal-Setting Theory, and Management by Objectives (MBO), focusing on strategic resources, clear objectives, and structured management. Using Soft System Methodology (SSM) and semi-structured interviews, significant gaps were identified, such as the lack of Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) and mechanisms for managing competency data. Existing training programs were unstructured and misaligned with operational demands. The study proposes a comprehensive overhaul, including a structured KPI framework based on SMART goals aligned with organizational objectives and a digital competency management system for efficient data handling. Regular, structured feedback and advanced data analytics are emphasized for continuous performance monitoring. Additionally, a formal rewards program is recommended to motivate and retain high-performing employees by linking performance outcomes with individual and team rewards.