Soft Systems Thinking, Methodology and the Management of Change

Soft Systems Thinking, Methodology and the Management of Change

Author: Brian Wilson

Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing

Published: 2017-09-16

Total Pages: 500

ISBN-13: 1137432691

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What is Soft Systems Methodology? How can it help make sense of complex business scenarios, providing solutions to challenging problems? Soft Systems Thinking, Methodology and the Management of Change identifies the challenges encountered by practitioners of SSM and provides the means of overcoming them. Featuring a unique prologue tracing the history of Systems Engineering back to its beginning in Lancaster in 1966, this authoritative text reflects on the evolutionary process of arguably the most significant research programme on the use of systems ideas in problem solving. It explores how this branch of systems-based thinking is applied and brings SSM firmly into the modern day. Key benefits: - Written by one of the major developers of SSM - Demonstrates the use of Conceptual Model Building - Includes a range of in-depth case studies and gives real-world guidance on the use of SSM


Book Synopsis Soft Systems Thinking, Methodology and the Management of Change by : Brian Wilson

Download or read book Soft Systems Thinking, Methodology and the Management of Change written by Brian Wilson and published by Bloomsbury Publishing. This book was released on 2017-09-16 with total page 500 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: What is Soft Systems Methodology? How can it help make sense of complex business scenarios, providing solutions to challenging problems? Soft Systems Thinking, Methodology and the Management of Change identifies the challenges encountered by practitioners of SSM and provides the means of overcoming them. Featuring a unique prologue tracing the history of Systems Engineering back to its beginning in Lancaster in 1966, this authoritative text reflects on the evolutionary process of arguably the most significant research programme on the use of systems ideas in problem solving. It explores how this branch of systems-based thinking is applied and brings SSM firmly into the modern day. Key benefits: - Written by one of the major developers of SSM - Demonstrates the use of Conceptual Model Building - Includes a range of in-depth case studies and gives real-world guidance on the use of SSM

Applications of Soft Systems Methodology for Organizational Change

Applications of Soft Systems Methodology for Organizational Change

Author: Maryam Ebrahimi

Publisher:

Published: 2020

Total Pages: 256

ISBN-13: 9781799845041

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Systems thinking is a method of problem solving that deals with various cultural issues including conflict and compromise. In recent years, researchers have begun studying this approach and applying it within several professional fields, specifically organizations and business management. In the modern age of information, professionals are continually looking for new methods to improve traditional practices within their field. Improving organizational practices through the implementation of the soft systems approach is a growing research area that requires in-depth discussion and case studies. Applications of Soft Systems Methodology for Organizational Change is a collection of innovative research on the theories and practices of soft systems and their application within organizational and industrial analysis. While highlighting topics including agent-based modeling, sustainable energy initiatives, and natural resources allocation, this book is ideally designed for researchers, designers, managers, analysts, practitioners, executives, academicians, and students seeking current research on the theories and applications of soft systems design.


Book Synopsis Applications of Soft Systems Methodology for Organizational Change by : Maryam Ebrahimi

Download or read book Applications of Soft Systems Methodology for Organizational Change written by Maryam Ebrahimi and published by . This book was released on 2020 with total page 256 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Systems thinking is a method of problem solving that deals with various cultural issues including conflict and compromise. In recent years, researchers have begun studying this approach and applying it within several professional fields, specifically organizations and business management. In the modern age of information, professionals are continually looking for new methods to improve traditional practices within their field. Improving organizational practices through the implementation of the soft systems approach is a growing research area that requires in-depth discussion and case studies. Applications of Soft Systems Methodology for Organizational Change is a collection of innovative research on the theories and practices of soft systems and their application within organizational and industrial analysis. While highlighting topics including agent-based modeling, sustainable energy initiatives, and natural resources allocation, this book is ideally designed for researchers, designers, managers, analysts, practitioners, executives, academicians, and students seeking current research on the theories and applications of soft systems design.

Systems Approaches to Managing Change: A Practical Guide

Systems Approaches to Managing Change: A Practical Guide

Author: Martin Reynolds

Publisher: Springer Science & Business Media

Published: 2010-03-10

Total Pages: 321

ISBN-13: 1848828098

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In a world of increasing complexity, instant information availability and constant flux, systems approaches provide the opportunity of a tangible anchor of purpose and iterate learning. The five approaches outlined in the book offer a range of interchangeable tools with rigorous frameworks of application tried and tested in the ‘real world’. The frameworks of each approach form a powerful toolkit to explore the dynamics of how societies emerge, how organisations create viability, how to facilitate chains of argument through causal mapping, how to embrace a multiplicity of perspectives identifying purposeful activity and how to look for the bigger picture across multiple disciplines. Systems Approaches offers an excellent first introduction for those seeking to understand what ‘systems thinking’ is all about as well as why the tools discussed herein should be applied to management and professional practice. This book provides a practical guide, and the chapters stand alone in explaining and developing each approach.


Book Synopsis Systems Approaches to Managing Change: A Practical Guide by : Martin Reynolds

Download or read book Systems Approaches to Managing Change: A Practical Guide written by Martin Reynolds and published by Springer Science & Business Media. This book was released on 2010-03-10 with total page 321 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: In a world of increasing complexity, instant information availability and constant flux, systems approaches provide the opportunity of a tangible anchor of purpose and iterate learning. The five approaches outlined in the book offer a range of interchangeable tools with rigorous frameworks of application tried and tested in the ‘real world’. The frameworks of each approach form a powerful toolkit to explore the dynamics of how societies emerge, how organisations create viability, how to facilitate chains of argument through causal mapping, how to embrace a multiplicity of perspectives identifying purposeful activity and how to look for the bigger picture across multiple disciplines. Systems Approaches offers an excellent first introduction for those seeking to understand what ‘systems thinking’ is all about as well as why the tools discussed herein should be applied to management and professional practice. This book provides a practical guide, and the chapters stand alone in explaining and developing each approach.

Soft Systems Methodology in Action

Soft Systems Methodology in Action

Author: Peter Checkland

Publisher: John Wiley & Sons

Published: 1999-09-28

Total Pages: 438

ISBN-13: 0471986054

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Soft Systems Methodology in Action "Whether by design, accident or merely synchronicity, Checkland appears to have developed a habit of writing seminal publications near the start of each decade which establish the basis and framework for systems methodology research for that decade." Hamish Rennie, Journal of the Operational Research Society, 1992 Thirty years ago Peter Checkland set out to test whether the Systems Engineering (SE) approach, highly successful in technical problems, could be used by managers coping with the unfolding complexities of organizational life. The straightforward transfer of SE to the broader situations of management was not possible, but by insisting on a combination of systems thinking strongly linked to real-world practice Checkland and his collaborators developed an alternative approach - Soft Systems Methodology (SSM) - which enables managers of all kinds and at any level to deal with the subtleties and confusions of the situations they face. This work established the now accepted distinction between 'hard' systems thinking, in which parts of the world are taken to be 'systems' which can be 'engineered', and 'soft' systems thinking in which the focus is on making sure the process of inquiry into real-world complexity is itself a system for learning. Systems Thinking, Systems Practice (1981) and Soft Systems Methodology in Action (1990) together with an earlier paper Towards a Systems-based Methodology for Real-World Problem Solving (1972) have long been recognized as classics in the field. Now-Peter Checkland has looked back over the three decades of SSM development, brought the account of it up to date, and reflected on the whole evolutionary process which has produced a mature SSM. SSM: A 30-Year Retrospective, here included with Soft Systems Methodology in Action closes a chapter on what is undoubtedly the most significant single research programme on the use of systems ideas in problem solving. Now retired from full-time university work, Peter Checkland continues his research as a Leverhulme Emeritus Fellow.


Book Synopsis Soft Systems Methodology in Action by : Peter Checkland

Download or read book Soft Systems Methodology in Action written by Peter Checkland and published by John Wiley & Sons. This book was released on 1999-09-28 with total page 438 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Soft Systems Methodology in Action "Whether by design, accident or merely synchronicity, Checkland appears to have developed a habit of writing seminal publications near the start of each decade which establish the basis and framework for systems methodology research for that decade." Hamish Rennie, Journal of the Operational Research Society, 1992 Thirty years ago Peter Checkland set out to test whether the Systems Engineering (SE) approach, highly successful in technical problems, could be used by managers coping with the unfolding complexities of organizational life. The straightforward transfer of SE to the broader situations of management was not possible, but by insisting on a combination of systems thinking strongly linked to real-world practice Checkland and his collaborators developed an alternative approach - Soft Systems Methodology (SSM) - which enables managers of all kinds and at any level to deal with the subtleties and confusions of the situations they face. This work established the now accepted distinction between 'hard' systems thinking, in which parts of the world are taken to be 'systems' which can be 'engineered', and 'soft' systems thinking in which the focus is on making sure the process of inquiry into real-world complexity is itself a system for learning. Systems Thinking, Systems Practice (1981) and Soft Systems Methodology in Action (1990) together with an earlier paper Towards a Systems-based Methodology for Real-World Problem Solving (1972) have long been recognized as classics in the field. Now-Peter Checkland has looked back over the three decades of SSM development, brought the account of it up to date, and reflected on the whole evolutionary process which has produced a mature SSM. SSM: A 30-Year Retrospective, here included with Soft Systems Methodology in Action closes a chapter on what is undoubtedly the most significant single research programme on the use of systems ideas in problem solving. Now retired from full-time university work, Peter Checkland continues his research as a Leverhulme Emeritus Fellow.

Applications of Soft Systems Methodology for Organizational Change

Applications of Soft Systems Methodology for Organizational Change

Author: Ebrahimi, Maryam

Publisher: IGI Global

Published: 2020-08-28

Total Pages: 236

ISBN-13: 1799845052

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Systems thinking is a method of problem solving that deals with various cultural issues including conflict and compromise. In recent years, researchers have begun studying this approach and applying it within several professional fields, specifically organizations and business management. In the modern age of information, professionals are continually looking for new methods to improve traditional practices within their field. Improving organizational practices through the implementation of the soft systems approach is a growing research area that requires in-depth discussion and case studies. Applications of Soft Systems Methodology for Organizational Change is a collection of innovative research on the theories and practices of soft systems and their application within organizational and industrial analysis. While highlighting topics including agent-based modeling, sustainable energy initiatives, and natural resources allocation, this book is ideally designed for researchers, designers, managers, analysts, practitioners, executives, academicians, and students seeking current research on the theories and applications of soft systems design.


Book Synopsis Applications of Soft Systems Methodology for Organizational Change by : Ebrahimi, Maryam

Download or read book Applications of Soft Systems Methodology for Organizational Change written by Ebrahimi, Maryam and published by IGI Global. This book was released on 2020-08-28 with total page 236 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Systems thinking is a method of problem solving that deals with various cultural issues including conflict and compromise. In recent years, researchers have begun studying this approach and applying it within several professional fields, specifically organizations and business management. In the modern age of information, professionals are continually looking for new methods to improve traditional practices within their field. Improving organizational practices through the implementation of the soft systems approach is a growing research area that requires in-depth discussion and case studies. Applications of Soft Systems Methodology for Organizational Change is a collection of innovative research on the theories and practices of soft systems and their application within organizational and industrial analysis. While highlighting topics including agent-based modeling, sustainable energy initiatives, and natural resources allocation, this book is ideally designed for researchers, designers, managers, analysts, practitioners, executives, academicians, and students seeking current research on the theories and applications of soft systems design.

Encyclopedia of Operations Research and Management Science

Encyclopedia of Operations Research and Management Science

Author: Saul I. Gass

Publisher: Springer Science & Business Media

Published: 2012-12-06

Total Pages: 774

ISBN-13: 1461304598

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Operations Research: 1934-1941," 35, 1, 143-152; "British The goal of the Encyclopedia of Operations Research and Operational Research in World War II," 35, 3, 453-470; Management Science is to provide to decision makers and "U. S. Operations Research in World War II," 35, 6, 910-925; problem solvers in business, industry, government and and the 1984 article by Harold Lardner that appeared in academia a comprehensive overview of the wide range of Operations Research: "The Origin of Operational Research," ideas, methodologies, and synergistic forces that combine to 32, 2, 465-475. form the preeminent decision-aiding fields of operations re search and management science (OR/MS). To this end, we The Encyclopedia contains no entries that define the fields enlisted a distinguished international group of academics of operations research and management science. OR and MS and practitioners to contribute articles on subjects for are often equated to one another. If one defines them by the which they are renowned. methodologies they employ, the equation would probably The editors, working with the Encyclopedia's Editorial stand inspection. If one defines them by their historical Advisory Board, surveyed and divided OR/MS into specific developments and the classes of problems they encompass, topics that collectively encompass the foundations, applica the equation becomes fuzzy. The formalism OR grew out of tions, and emerging elements of this ever-changing field. We the operational problems of the British and U. s. military also wanted to establish the close associations that OR/MS efforts in World War II.


Book Synopsis Encyclopedia of Operations Research and Management Science by : Saul I. Gass

Download or read book Encyclopedia of Operations Research and Management Science written by Saul I. Gass and published by Springer Science & Business Media. This book was released on 2012-12-06 with total page 774 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Operations Research: 1934-1941," 35, 1, 143-152; "British The goal of the Encyclopedia of Operations Research and Operational Research in World War II," 35, 3, 453-470; Management Science is to provide to decision makers and "U. S. Operations Research in World War II," 35, 6, 910-925; problem solvers in business, industry, government and and the 1984 article by Harold Lardner that appeared in academia a comprehensive overview of the wide range of Operations Research: "The Origin of Operational Research," ideas, methodologies, and synergistic forces that combine to 32, 2, 465-475. form the preeminent decision-aiding fields of operations re search and management science (OR/MS). To this end, we The Encyclopedia contains no entries that define the fields enlisted a distinguished international group of academics of operations research and management science. OR and MS and practitioners to contribute articles on subjects for are often equated to one another. If one defines them by the which they are renowned. methodologies they employ, the equation would probably The editors, working with the Encyclopedia's Editorial stand inspection. If one defines them by their historical Advisory Board, surveyed and divided OR/MS into specific developments and the classes of problems they encompass, topics that collectively encompass the foundations, applica the equation becomes fuzzy. The formalism OR grew out of tions, and emerging elements of this ever-changing field. We the operational problems of the British and U. s. military also wanted to establish the close associations that OR/MS efforts in World War II.

Soft Systems Methodology

Soft Systems Methodology

Author: Brian Wilson

Publisher: John Wiley & Sons

Published: 2001-06-22

Total Pages: 288

ISBN-13:

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Conceptual model building is accepted as a key phase in Soft Systems Methodology. Despite the recognition of the importance of the SSM, students are still experiencing difficulty with the basic process of conceptual model building. This book addresses that issue.


Book Synopsis Soft Systems Methodology by : Brian Wilson

Download or read book Soft Systems Methodology written by Brian Wilson and published by John Wiley & Sons. This book was released on 2001-06-22 with total page 288 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Conceptual model building is accepted as a key phase in Soft Systems Methodology. Despite the recognition of the importance of the SSM, students are still experiencing difficulty with the basic process of conceptual model building. This book addresses that issue.

Systems Approaches to Making Change: A Practical Guide

Systems Approaches to Making Change: A Practical Guide

Author: Martin Reynolds

Publisher: Springer Nature

Published: 2020-02-18

Total Pages: 337

ISBN-13: 1447174720

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The five approaches outlined in this book offers the systems thinking practitioner a range of interchangeable tools for pro-actively making systemic improvements amidst complex situations of change and uncertainty. Practitioners from all professional domains are increasingly confronted with incidences of systemic failure, yet poorly equipped with appropriate tools and know-how for understanding such failure, and the making of systemic improvement. In our fragile Anthropocene world where ‘systems change’ is often invoked as the rallying call for purposeful alternative action, this book provides a toolkit to help constructively make systems that can change situations for the better. Systems Approaches offers an excellent introduction for those seeking to understand systems thinking and to enact systems thinking in practice. The book helps practitioners from all professions to better understand inter-relationships, engage with multiple perspectives, and reflect on boundary judgements that can inhibit or enhance improved purposeful change. After an editorial introduction to these systems thinking in practice capabilities, successive chapters illustrate five systems approaches, each chosen for having a rigorous though adaptable framework, and a robust long pedigree of application in complex situations. Each chapter illustrates what the approach is about, followed by invaluable tips and insights from experience regarding how the tools might be practiced. Amongst updates from originating authors for this 2nd edition, each approach has an accompanying postscript on some developments since the 1st edition.


Book Synopsis Systems Approaches to Making Change: A Practical Guide by : Martin Reynolds

Download or read book Systems Approaches to Making Change: A Practical Guide written by Martin Reynolds and published by Springer Nature. This book was released on 2020-02-18 with total page 337 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: The five approaches outlined in this book offers the systems thinking practitioner a range of interchangeable tools for pro-actively making systemic improvements amidst complex situations of change and uncertainty. Practitioners from all professional domains are increasingly confronted with incidences of systemic failure, yet poorly equipped with appropriate tools and know-how for understanding such failure, and the making of systemic improvement. In our fragile Anthropocene world where ‘systems change’ is often invoked as the rallying call for purposeful alternative action, this book provides a toolkit to help constructively make systems that can change situations for the better. Systems Approaches offers an excellent introduction for those seeking to understand systems thinking and to enact systems thinking in practice. The book helps practitioners from all professions to better understand inter-relationships, engage with multiple perspectives, and reflect on boundary judgements that can inhibit or enhance improved purposeful change. After an editorial introduction to these systems thinking in practice capabilities, successive chapters illustrate five systems approaches, each chosen for having a rigorous though adaptable framework, and a robust long pedigree of application in complex situations. Each chapter illustrates what the approach is about, followed by invaluable tips and insights from experience regarding how the tools might be practiced. Amongst updates from originating authors for this 2nd edition, each approach has an accompanying postscript on some developments since the 1st edition.

Systems Thinking and Modelling

Systems Thinking and Modelling

Author: Kambiz E. Maani

Publisher: Prentice Hall

Published: 2000

Total Pages: 262

ISBN-13: 9781877258008

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Systems Thinking and Modelling offers readers a comprehensive introduction to the growing field of systems thinking and modelling (based on the system dynamics approach) and its applications. The book provides a self-contained and unique blend of qualitative and quantitative modelling, step-by-step methodology, numerous examples and mini-cases as well as extensive real-life case studies. This presentation style makes the otherwise technical tools of systems thinking and modelling accessible to a wide range of people.The book is intended as a text for students in business, management, management and information systems, social sciences, applied sciences and engineering. It also has particular relevance for professionals interested in group and organisational learning, especially in the educational, social, medical and scientific fields. Systems thinking as a managerial and organisational discipline was popularised in the 1990s. Since then, interest has grown worldwide in 'organisational learning' and related disciplines. Systems thinking and modelling provide a paradigm, a language and a technology for understanding the dynamics that underlie change and complexity in business, polit


Book Synopsis Systems Thinking and Modelling by : Kambiz E. Maani

Download or read book Systems Thinking and Modelling written by Kambiz E. Maani and published by Prentice Hall. This book was released on 2000 with total page 262 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Systems Thinking and Modelling offers readers a comprehensive introduction to the growing field of systems thinking and modelling (based on the system dynamics approach) and its applications. The book provides a self-contained and unique blend of qualitative and quantitative modelling, step-by-step methodology, numerous examples and mini-cases as well as extensive real-life case studies. This presentation style makes the otherwise technical tools of systems thinking and modelling accessible to a wide range of people.The book is intended as a text for students in business, management, management and information systems, social sciences, applied sciences and engineering. It also has particular relevance for professionals interested in group and organisational learning, especially in the educational, social, medical and scientific fields. Systems thinking as a managerial and organisational discipline was popularised in the 1990s. Since then, interest has grown worldwide in 'organisational learning' and related disciplines. Systems thinking and modelling provide a paradigm, a language and a technology for understanding the dynamics that underlie change and complexity in business, polit

Systems Thinking, Systems Practice

Systems Thinking, Systems Practice

Author: Peter Checkland

Publisher:

Published: 1981-06-10

Total Pages: 356

ISBN-13:

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Systems Thinking, Systems Practice "Whether by design, accident or merely synchronicity, Checkland appears to have developed a habit of writing seminal publications near the start of each decade which establish the basis and framework for systems methodology research for that decade." Hamish Rennie, Journal of the Operational Research Society, 1992 Thirty years ago Peter Checkland set out to test whether the Systems Engineering (SE) approach, highly successful in technical problems, could be used by managers coping with the unfolding complexities of organizational life. The straightforward transfer of SE to the broader situations of management was not possible, but by insisting on a combination of systems thinking strongly linked to real-world practice Checkland and his collaborators developed an alternative approach - Soft Systems Methodology (SSM) - which enables managers of all kinds and at any level to deal with the subtleties and confusions of the situations they face. This work established the now accepted distinction between 'hard' systems thinking, in which parts of the world are taken to be 'systems' which can be 'engineered', and 'soft' systems thinking in which the focus is on making sure the process of inquiry into real-world complexity is itself a system for learning. Systems Thinking, Systems Practice (1981) and Soft Systems Methodology in Action (1990) together with an earlier paper Towards a Systems-based Methodology for Real-World Problem Solving (1972) have long been recognized as classics in the field. Now Peter Checkland has looked back over the three decades of SSM development, brought the account of it up to date, and reflected on the whole evolutionary process which has produced a mature SSM. SSM: A 30-Year Retrospective, here included with Systems Thinking, Systems Practice closes a chapter on what is undoubtedly the most significant single research programme on the use of systems ideas in problem solving. Now retired from full-time university work, Peter Checkland continues his research as a Leverhulme Emeritus Fellow.


Book Synopsis Systems Thinking, Systems Practice by : Peter Checkland

Download or read book Systems Thinking, Systems Practice written by Peter Checkland and published by . This book was released on 1981-06-10 with total page 356 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Systems Thinking, Systems Practice "Whether by design, accident or merely synchronicity, Checkland appears to have developed a habit of writing seminal publications near the start of each decade which establish the basis and framework for systems methodology research for that decade." Hamish Rennie, Journal of the Operational Research Society, 1992 Thirty years ago Peter Checkland set out to test whether the Systems Engineering (SE) approach, highly successful in technical problems, could be used by managers coping with the unfolding complexities of organizational life. The straightforward transfer of SE to the broader situations of management was not possible, but by insisting on a combination of systems thinking strongly linked to real-world practice Checkland and his collaborators developed an alternative approach - Soft Systems Methodology (SSM) - which enables managers of all kinds and at any level to deal with the subtleties and confusions of the situations they face. This work established the now accepted distinction between 'hard' systems thinking, in which parts of the world are taken to be 'systems' which can be 'engineered', and 'soft' systems thinking in which the focus is on making sure the process of inquiry into real-world complexity is itself a system for learning. Systems Thinking, Systems Practice (1981) and Soft Systems Methodology in Action (1990) together with an earlier paper Towards a Systems-based Methodology for Real-World Problem Solving (1972) have long been recognized as classics in the field. Now Peter Checkland has looked back over the three decades of SSM development, brought the account of it up to date, and reflected on the whole evolutionary process which has produced a mature SSM. SSM: A 30-Year Retrospective, here included with Systems Thinking, Systems Practice closes a chapter on what is undoubtedly the most significant single research programme on the use of systems ideas in problem solving. Now retired from full-time university work, Peter Checkland continues his research as a Leverhulme Emeritus Fellow.