Learning For Action: A Short Definitive Account of Soft Systems Methodology, and its use for Practitioners, Teachers and Students

Abstract

Preamble A TEN-MINUTE ACCOUNT OF SOFT SYSTEMS METHODOLOGY FOR VERY BUSY PEOPLE. Preface. INTRODUCTION. PART 1 THE NATURE OF SSM. Chapter 1 A SKELETON ACCOUNT OF SSM AS A WHOLE. What is SSM? What is the SSM Process? What can SSM be used for? Is SSM mature? How was SSM developed? How does SSM differ from other systems approaches? Chapter 2 A FLESHED-OUT ACCOUNT OF SSM. Introduction. The SSM Learning Cycle: Finding Out. The SSM Learning Cycle: Making Purposeful Activity Models. The SSM Learning Cycle: Using Models to Structure Discussion about. The Situation and its Improvement. The SSM Learning Cycle: Defining 'Action to Improve'. The Whole SSM Learning Cycle Revisited: seven principles, four actions. PART 2 SSM IN ACTION. Chapter 3 SSM IN ACTION IN MANAGEMENT SITUATIONS. Introduction. Case 1: Rethinking the Role of a Head Office Function in Shell. Case 2: Evaluating Past Events. Case 3: Upgrading the Skills of a Department. Case 4: Tackling your own Issues. Case 5: Clarifying a Concept. Chapter 4 SSM IN ACTION IN THE FIELD OF INFORMATION SYSTEMS. Introduction. Case 1: Creating an Information Strategy in an Acute Hospital. Case 2: Evaluating a Clinical Information System. Case 3: Evaluating a National Initiative in the NHS. Case 4: Providing Information Support for Scientists and Technologists. Conclusion. Chapter 5 SSM: MISUNDERSTANDINGS AND CRAFT SKILLS. Introduction. Misunderstanding SSM. Craft Skills in SSM Use. Tips on Techniques in SSM. PART 3 SUMMING UP. Chapter 6 SSM AS A WHOLE - some reminders. Approaching SSM: the mindset. SSM: an aide memoire. Appendix One: SSM's Theory. Appendix Two: The Story of SSM's Development. Appendix Three: A Talked-through Example of Activity Model Building. Appendix Four: A Generic Model of Purposeful Activity Modelling. Appendix Five: Some Frequently Asked Questions.

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