Soft Systems Methodology

The Soft Systems Methodology (SSM) was born out of research conducted at Lancaster University where scientists attempted to apply Systems Engineering approaches to solve “management/business problems”. In other words, they tried to apply a Hard Systems approach, but it failed simply because the different stakeholders have divergent views on what constitutes the system, the purpose of the system and, therefore, the problem.

The key players in the development of the SSM are Peter Checkland [1999] and Brian Wilson [2001].

Checkland and Wilson also developed a set of tools to help users carry out the steps:

1. Rich Picture
2. Conceptual Model
3. CATWOE
4. Formal Systems Model

https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/career-development/soft-systems-methodology https://www.toolshero.com/problem-solving/soft-systems-methodology-ssm/

References

• Checkland, P. B. (1989). Soft systems methodology. Human systems management, 8(4), 273-289.
• Checkland, P., & Poulter, J. (2020). Soft systems methodology. Systems approaches to making change: A practical guide, 201-253.
• Wilson, B. (2001). Soft systems methodology. Conceptual model building and its contribution, 35.