Soft Systems Methodology - Outcomes and Applications of SSM

Outcomes and Applications of SSM

General descriptions of SSM are highly diverse. SSM has been characterized as a learning system, part of a new paradigm for Operational Research and as a front-end for information system design. However, such diversity is to be expected considering that its aim is to address any kind of unstructured "soft" problem in any organizational or social context. SSM functions as a learning system because it facilitates a greater understanding of the problem situation on the part of those concerned. By bringing out the world views (Weltanschauung) of the people involved in the problem situation, SSM can produce various types of result. The problem might simply disappear as the result of a consensus. A fairly unstructured solution might result, such as agreement to adopt a new role for the organization. A third possibility is that the problem becomes structured, in this case a soft problem resolves into an identifiable "hard" problem. SSM has been used extensively in Information Systems Analysis and Design and some information systems textbooks treat SSM purely as a systems analysis and design method (see Curtis).

The results of a survey of SSM in practice were published in 1992. Based on respondents' answers to an open ended question, the following applications were identified:

• Organizational design: Restructuring of roles, design of new organizations, creation of new organizational culture.
• Information systems: Definition of information needs, creating an IS strategy, knowledge acquisition, evaluation of the impact of computerization.
• General problem solving: Understanding complex situations, initial problem clarification.
• Performance evaluation: Performance indicators, quality assurance, monitoring an organization.
• Education: Defining training needs, course design, causes of truancy, analysis of language teaching.
• Miscellaneous: Project management, business strategy, risk management methodology, case for industrial tribunal, personal life decisions.