Soft Systems Thinking Research Articles

A Systems Thinking Approach to Improving Firms’ Competitive Capabilities and Firm Performance

AbstractThis research aims to establish how systems thinking (ST) can be used to develop firm competitive capabilities (CC) and improve firm performance (FP). The focus is on ST applications in the South African information and communications technology (ICT) industry. The methodology includes Structural text condensation of relevant literature combined with interviews involving a selection of participants. From the analysis, some of the key findings are that ST enables the firm to contextualize itself in the wider systems environment, which results in improvements in FP. The research stream is specifically on soft ST and its contribution to improvements in firm CC and FP. This research creates an opportunity for further research into how soft ST can be leveraged in delivering firm CC and improvements in FP. The theoretical contribution made in this paper is exploring the relationship/linkage between the different concepts of soft ST, CC and FP.

Minerba governance policy in Indonesia with soft system thinking approach based on social network analysis, seven-stage model and U theory

In this paper, to map mineral and coal policies by analysing the law and produce research novelty on mineral and coal governance policies in Indonesia with a soft-systems thinking approach based on and social network analysis, seven-stage model and U theory, is proposed. The results of the SNA analysis show that Mining Law No. 4/2009 is too specific and governed by conversations about IUP and IUPK production operations. This is influenced by the environment (environment) which is still limited publication of scientific articles showing the enrichment of SSM with listening methods in U theory, especially the real-world stage in the framework of enrichment methodologies to produce research novelty in the study of systems thinking. The authenticity of this research is the concept of SNA, SSM and U theory in the mining law research.

Investigating the Dynamics of Engineering Design Rework for a Complex Aircraft Development Project: Lessons Learned From a Soft Systems Thinking Lens

Organizations still struggle to efficiently manage their complex product development projects (PDPs). A contributor to poor project performance is the dynamics of engineering design rework (EDR), due both to the necessity of adjusting the product being developed and the disruption it causes to the development process. The purpose of this research is to evaluate the dynamics of EDR that negatively impacts the performance of complex PDPs and to suggest actions to overcome those problems. The soft systems thinking methodology underpins the research approach. The dynamics of EDR of an aircraft development project were modeled in a causal loop model.

Translation of systems thinking to organizational goals: A systematic review

This study examines how systems thinking theories have been applied within organizational learning and management. This study follows the six phases developed in the systematic review undertaken by Greenhalgh et al. (2004) to review all publications of applications of systems thinking in organizations for a period of 25 years (1990–2015). This study reveals that using a unifying model that incorporates both soft systems thinking (SST) and critical systems thinking (CST) can enrich the stages of the application process (i.e. the data collection, data analysis, and evaluation). It offers a meticulous process that helps the individuals and organizations learn, plan, and implement systems thinking in their operations successfully. Understanding the application of systems thinking in organizational management will significantly help organizations strategize its priority, particularly when systems thinking is crucial for innovation and sustainability. The study shows that the participation of both practitioners and researchers during the process of applying systems thinking in improving organizational outcomes. This study develops a unifying model which incorporates both SST and CST by using systems thinking researchers as facilitators to solve complicated issues or transform the organization.

Smartphone and web-based independent consultation and feedback for joint replacement surgeries: a randomized control trial protocol

BackgroundCost control and usage regulation of medical materials (MMs) are the practical issues that the government pays close attention to. Although it is well established that there is great potential to mobilize doctors and patients in participating MMs-related clinical decisions, few interventions adopt effective measures against specific behavioral deficiencies. This study aims at developing and validating an independent consultation and feedback system (ICFS) for optimizing clinical decisions on the use of MMs for inpatients needing joint replacement surgeries.MethodsDevelopment of the research protocol is based on a problem or deficiency list derived on a trans-theoretical framework which incorporates including mainly soft systems-thinking, information asymmetry, crisis-coping, dual delegation and planned behavior. The intervention consists of two main components targeting at patients and doctors respectively. Each of the intervention ingredients is designed to tackle the doctor and patient-side problems with MMs using in joint replacement surgeries. The intervention arm receives 18 months' ICFS intervention program on the basis of the routine medical services; while the control arm, only the routine medical services. Implementation of the intervention is supported by an online platform established and maintained by the Quality Assurance Center for Medical Care in Anhui Province, a smartphone-based application program (APP) and a web-based clinical support system.DiscussionThe implementation of this study is expected to significantly reduce the deficiencies and moral hazards in decision-making of MMs using through the output of economic, efficient, sustainable and easy-to-promote cooperative intervention programs, thus greatly reducing medical costs and standardizing medical behaviors.Trial registration numberISRCTN10152297.

Using Soft Systems Thinking to Craft Instructional Design and Technology Interventions

Underutilized in higher education, soft systems thinking can mitigate common challenges in implementing instructional design and technology initiatives. A valuable approach is soft systems methodology (SSM), which captures multiple stakeholder perspectives in rich pictures and activity models to support structured conversations about how to improve a problematical situation. To demonstrate SSM’s utility for instructional design and technology professionals, this article provides an overview of macrolevel processes that often influence interactions with stakeholders. It explains how to capture stakeholders’ perspectives in rich pictures and models spanning multiple system layers through collaboration. From a wide range of interventions that can then be discussed, the article explores two interventions focused on redesigning employment processes and elaborates their importance for common instructional design and technology initiatives. By relating key SSM concepts and techniques to these initiatives, this article demonstrates the practical value of systems thinking for those leading and transforming university learning.

A systemic inquiry into the delay factors in South African electrical distribution projects

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to explore the delay factors in South African electrical distribution projects and demonstrate the interlaced relationship between the identified project delay factors.Design/methodology/approachThis research employs interactive management (IM) methodology to construct a model achieving the research purpose. The IM methodology is anchored in the soft systems thinking. Its inquiry process mainly comprises four phases: idea generation, idea clarification, idea structuring and interpretation of the structured ideas. The IM methodology allows the relevant stakeholders to collaboratively develop a digraph displaying the interrelationship among the system elements.FindingsThe participants of the IM session structured a systemic model showing that a loop comprising three factors is the driver leading to the delays in the electrical distribution projects. The three delay factors in the loop are “poor communication”, “poor planning” and “project scheduling not properly done”.Originality/valueThe findings show that a loop comprising three delay factors is the driver leading to the project delays. This result is different from the outputs of the commonly used approaches. The three identified root causes serve as the starting point for eradicating delays in the electrical distribution projects.

Approachiing Complex Problematical Situations in Management of Learning, Teaching and Assessment with Soft Systems Thinking - An Instantiation of the FMA Model for Research

Higher education in China has moved into a popularized and international stage, which makes the management of Learning, Teaching and Assessment (LTA) challenging and sometimes problematic. However, research into its theory and practice is sparse and in demand. This paper explores how to approach complex problematic situations in LTA management with soft systems thinking, which embodies a phenomenological investigation, at the Business College of the Beijing Union University (BCBUU) China with our instantiation of Checkland’s FMA model of Research. Through this substantial study of seven years we made sense of and improved the problematic situation and one tangible result is the development of a new model for LTA management at BCBUU. We learn lessons through this study. It is found that action research grounded on soft systems thinking provides LTA managers with an innovative and fundamental approach to appreciate complex and ill-structured problem situations that they face. It is also proven that our particular instantiation of the general FMA model for research in the context of LTA management in a Chinese university college is practically effective and may be seen as substantiation of it.

SOFT SYSTEMS THINKING IN INDUSTRY

ENGLISH ABSTRACT: The industrial milieu is a traditional area for hard systems analysis, and the optimization of processes using reductionist approaches. Soft Systems Thinking, with its powerful use of conceptual modelling, has been neglected in the West, but has been applied by the Japanese - with some very surprising results. It is suggested that South African industry could benefit from an injection of soft systems thinking. AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Die bedryfsomgewing is h tradisionele gebied vir die toepassing van hardestelselontleding, en die optimalisering van prosesse deur die gebruik van benaderings wat die probleme maklik kan herlei. Sagtestelselontleding, met die klem op konsepsuele modulering, word min in Westerse lande gebruik, maar het in Japan verbasende resultate opgelewer. Dit word voorgestel dat ondernemings in Suid Afrika sal kan baat deULgebruik te maak van die sagtestelselbenadering.

Soft Systems Thinking and Social Learning for Adaptive Management

The success of adaptive management in conservation has been questioned and the objective-based management paradigm on which it is based has been heavily criticized. Soft systems thinking and social-learning theory expose errors in the assumption that complex systems can be dispassionately managed by objective observers and highlight the fact that conservation is a social process in which objectives are contested and learning is context dependent. We used these insights to rethink adaptive management in a way that focuses on the social processes involved in management and decision making. Our approach to adaptive management is based on the following assumptions: action toward a common goal is an emergent property of complex social relationships; the introduction of new knowledge, alternative values, and new ways of understanding the world can become a stimulating force for learning, creativity, and change; learning is contextual and is fundamentally about practice; and defining the goal to be addressed is continuous and in principle never ends. We believe five key activities are crucial to defining the goal that is to be addressed in an adaptive-management context and to determining the objectives that are desirable and feasible to the participants: situate the problem in its social and ecological context; raise awareness about alternative views of a problem and encourage enquiry and deconstruction of frames of reference; undertake collaborative actions; and reflect on learning.

The Business and Education Researches of Prof. Russell L. Ackoff: 1919-2009

This paper is a critique of the headline research feature, first published in The Academy of Management Learning and Educational Journal., September 2002, Volume 1. Issue 1: 56-58. The author is Prof Russell L. Ackoff.Ackoff is one of the premier figures in post-war business and education thinking. His principle recognition comes from being the pioneer of Game Theory, Operational Research and (Soft) Systems Thinking, which finally succeeded in linking science practices with business ones. His contribution to modern business and education thinking cannot be overstated.

From theory to practice and back: Some experiences with an emerging multimethodology

The Holon Framework combines elements of both soft and hard systems thinking. From its origins in software project management, the framework has evolved into an approach that can be used to explore complex and messy managerial situations and has benefited from application in a number of case studies. We briefly describe two studies that have helped to shape the framework and illustrate some of the lessons learned from its application to real-world problems.

Firm systems thinking: unifying educational problem solving

AbstractTheorists and practitioners have debated the nature of educational systems and the most appropriate conceptualization of educational problems. Although terminology is idiosyncratic, both hard and soft systems thinking (SST) are evident in educational discourse. However, given that the school system has precise required outcomes (i.e. student achievement) coupled with subjective interpretation of those requirements (i.e. definition of an educated person), defining educational thought as either a hard or soft seems inappropriate and counter‐productive. Based on the assumption that human activity includes equally consequential objective and subjective realities, firms systems thinking is proposed as a unifying paradigm of educational problem solving. Firm systems thinking (FST) begins with the assumption that elements in a system are interconnected and interdependent. FST is appropriately applied to systems that: (1) have objective elements that are subject to individual interpretation; (2) have both precise and imprecise requirements and specifications and (3) focus on both micro (i.e. specific situation) and macro (e.g. general situation) improvement. FST is proposed as the logical progression of problem solving strategies in educational systems. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Identification of normative sources for systems thinking: an inquiry into religious ground‐motives for systems thinking paradigms

AbstractIn celebration of C. West Churchman's work, this article investigates one of the most cherished endeavours of his thinking: to provide a normative meaning for the conduct of human affiars. Churchman has always emphasized ‘What‐Ought‐To‐Be’, at the expense of the ‘What‐Is’. To achieve this purpose, four Systems Thinking paradigms, namely Hard Systems Thinking, Soft Systems Thinking, Critical Systems Thinking, and Multimodal Systems Thinking, are investigated with regard to their foundations for normative guidance. This investigation is made by identifying their respective basic convictions in the form of so‐called ‘religious ground‐motives’, which are based on the assumption that all human thinking and acting starts with a credal conviction, be it Christian, Jew, Islamic, Buddhist, or other. As a result it is found that these systems thinking paradigms are either founded on an inherent contradiction or provide a normative foundation that lacks a social contract for their implementation, and therefore these paradigms do not provide a stable and satisfactory normative guidance for system design.Note: The key claim of this author is that, to be normative, an ethical theory must be grounded in a transcendental justification which is based on some religious faith. The opinions presented in this paper are strictly the author's, who does not claim that his beliefs have more merit or are more ethical than those of any competitive faiths. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

The Holon Framework and Software Process Improvement: A Radiotherapy Project Case Study

AbstractThis paper discusses the Holon Framework, which aims to control and improve the software development process. It is an interdisciplinary approach that is derived from software engineering and the systems movement. We outline key characteristics of software process control and improvement. Criticisms of the orthodox algorithmic cost models are identified to justify the use of alternative mathematical techniques such as system dynamics. We argue that mathematical techniques used in planning can be linked with hard systems thinking. Therefore, the essence of hard systems thinking is highlighted, and a serious weakness identified, to explain the development of soft methodologies and soft systems thinking. A significant limitation of soft systems methodology is highlighted to substantiate the need to combine it with the goal/question/metrics methodology. We justify the case study approach given the nature of the investigation. An overview of the Holon Framework is provided. The soft part of the framework, which is linked to improvement, is employed to identify relevant problems and generates a baseline metrics programme. The research design of the case study is used to evaluate our findings. Finally, we outline future work in employing the hard part of the framework, which is linked to control; this will complete the full cycle of the approach. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

A Brief Crack of Light

This is a contribution to an inquiry into the historical meaning of Professor Checkland's soft systems thinking. Heidegger's picture of the present postmodern (or high-modern) epoch provides a context for unfolding that historical meaning. The discussion is focused on the possibility that Checkland's thinking could represent one of the "brief cracks" in the solid neo-instrumental way of appearing (whatever-is-the-case) that characterizes our present epoch.

Putting soft OR methods to work: Information systems strategy development at Palabora

A consultancy project to develop an information systems (IS) strategy for a copper mine located in South Africa is described. The mine is operated by the UK based mining company RTZ, the world's largest mining company. The approach taken was based on an earlier project at Sainsbury's, a major food and grocery retailing chain in the UK. At Sainsbury's a participative approach made use of a number of models and methods developed by the advocates of soft OR and systems thinking. The aim of the Palabora project was to test whether the same participative approach, suitably adapted, would work in a completely different context, and more generally whether this could form the basis of a standard method to be applied at a variety of mine sites. The paper describes the design of the intervention process and the choice of methods for the particular mining context of Palabora. Account had to be taken of the nature of the operation, the remote location and the limited time available. The intervention proved successful, resulting in both an IS strategy for the mine which has since been implemented and a participative approach for IS strategy development for use at other mine sites. However, the soft OR methods played a less significant role than first envisaged. Lessons are drawn for future applications of soft OR methods for strategy development in different circumstances.

Agricultural education at the crossroads: Present dilemmas and possible options for the future in sub-Saharan Africa

Agricultural Education and Training (AET) in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) needs to respond to the many changes in the socio-economic and political environments within which it exists. In addition to these, there are marked changes in the concept of ‘agriculture’ itself, which is increasingly seen in terms of broader notions of renewable natural resource management, with increasing emphasis on integrated systems and sustainable production. Traditional forms of AET are also challenged by new ideas about the process of teaching and learning, including soft-systems thinking, participatory rural appraisal and farmer-to-farmer extension; as well as the emergence of new modes of learning (including distance learning). Current moves towards privatisation also mean that there is increasing prominence given to new and more flexible providers such as NGOs, parastatal bodies and agribusinesses. All these factors are leading to calls for adaptation, innovation and diversification in systems which have been marked by their lack of responsiveness in the past. Dilemmas which now face the AET sector include changing patterns of donor support, the emergence of new training needs and new types of audiences. The paper examines a range of issues, including the lack of labour market and training needs identification studies, the need for more relevant and responsive curricula, the key role of staff development in creating ‘learning organisations’, the need for a strategy of developing linkages and learning webs or networks and for far more sustainable donor interventions. Finally there is a lack of a coherent policy framework for AET in most countries in the region. A number of options are discussed, such as rationalisation, including achieving a better balance between public and private sector provision, the adoption of new aims and learning styles at all levels, catering for the needs of new target audiences and enhancing innovation and relevance in curriculum. Some important prerequisites for such changes are highlighted and include political will and commitment, consensus and popular support, entrepreneurial leadership, a balance between responsiveness and stability and the targeting of financial and other forms of support to enable sustainable models of innovation to emerge.

Putting Soft OR Methods to Work: Information Systems Strategy Development at Richards Bay

The development of an information systems (IS) strategy for a mineral extraction and processing plant operated by Rio Tinto Zinc (RTZ) in South Africa is described. The participative approach used was developed from soft OR and systems thinking. The aim of the Richards Bay project was to test commercially whether the Participative Information Management Strategy (PIMS) methodology could be used as a standard method to be applied to the development of an information systems strategy at any mine site. The paper describes the implementation of the process and the problems encountered. More generally it discusses the diffusion of new ideas in an international company, illustrated by the use of the participative approach for other activities including systems development. Conclusions are drawn about the value of participative approaches based on soft OR in this context.

Putting Soft OR Methods to Work: Information Systems Strategy Development at Richards Bay

The development of an information systems (IS) strategy for a mineral extraction and processing plant operated by Rio Tinto Zinc (RTZ) in South Africa is described. The participative approach used was developed from soft OR and systems thinking. The aim of the Richards Bay project was to test commercially whether the Participative Information Management Strategy (PIMS) methodology could be used as a standard method to be applied to the development of an information systems strategy at any mine site. The paper describes the implementation of the process and the problems encountered. More generally it discusses the diffusion of new ideas in an international company, illustrated by the use of the participative approach for other activities including systems development. Conclusions are drawn about the value of participative approaches based on soft OR in this context.