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systems thinking

I like to take a holistic approach to problem solving, systems thinking helps...


What shall we say then?


methodology method tool

METHODOLOGY METHOD TOOL

(Strongest ------------------------------------------------------ Weakest)

  • Soft Systems Method (SSM): Messes - understanding not solutions.
  • Viable Systems (VSM): Autonomy in organisations.
  • Hard Systems (HS): Quantitative - solutions.

Methodology

Can be adapted in use in a particular situation - in which neither theory or practice take precedence (Checkland, 1985).
In these terms, a methodology is a holistic tool that provides steps to support congruent thinking. It provides a counter intuitive 'crutch' from which understanding or solutions can emerge.

Method

Used as is - like following a recipe.

Soft Systems Method (SSM) ~ Checkland et al

  • The analysis is driven by the analyst - the clients role is not paramount (unlike HS).
  • Deal with messes.
  • Work within an environment that incorporates elements of uncertainty.
  • Requires coping skills from its practitioners.
  • No assumption that problems are out-there in the real-world.


Cultural Stream of Analysis

Encourages consideration of ethics which may be materialised in the form of an ethical statement.
Analysis 1 - Intervention, Role Analysis.
Analysis 2 - Social System, Roles / Norms / Values.
Analysis 3 - Political, Power.

Viable Systems ~ Stafford Beer

Is concerned with designing organisational(?) systems to ensure they possess requisite variety. Requsite variety is necessary to manage complexity and in turn autonomy is the only way to achieve requisite variety.

Requisite Variety

Ashby's Law of Requisite Variety - only variety can absorb variety.
Variety can be defined as the number of states that a dynamic system can take-up.

Hard Systems

  • Requires a client who will drive requirements.
  • Will be based and driven by numbers / statistics.
  • Will include modelling.
  • Takes a linear approach to problem solving - solve a problem and move on to the next.


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