Problem structuring in project management: an application of soft systems methodology (SSM)

Mark Winter

63 citations0/0 files storedJournal of the Operational Research Society

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Complex Systems and Decision Making Multi-Criteria Decision Making Systems Engineering Methodologies and Applications

Abstract

Recent research suggests a major role for problem structuring methods (PSMs) in the field of project management, particularly at the front-end of projects, where objectives are often unclear and where different constituencies have conflicting aims. This paper presents a case example of soft systems methodology (SSM) at the front-end of a major project within Tesco Stores Ltd. A detailed account of the intervention is given, including the results achieved and a discussion of how the methodology was used for multiple purposes within the same intervention. Within the literature, there remains a lack of detailed examples from which people can learn more about the use of PSMs in project management. By providing a detailed example of SSM in action, this paper seeks to highlight the importance of problem structuring at the front-end of projects and the potential role an approach such as SSM can play at this crucial stage.

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References

1987Educating the reflective practitioner 1981Systems Thinking, Systems Practice 1982Systems thinking, systems practice 1991Soft Systems Methodology in Action 1991Soft Systems Methodology in Action 1998Action Research: Its Nature and Validity 1991Information systems research: contemporary approaches and emergent traditions 1994The Management of Projects

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2012Messing about in transformations: Structured systemic planning for systemic solutions to systemic problems 2007Exploring Research in Project Management: Nine Schools of Project Management Research (Part 3)2010Problem-structuring methods and project management: an example of stakeholder involvement using Hierarchical Process Modelling methodology 2017Application of SSM in tackling problematical situations from academicians’ viewpoints

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