DPLS 703--Policy Analysis--3 credits
Spring 2002

SESSION 3: FEB 16, SOFT SYSTEMS
Reading assignment:

An introduction to System Dynamics [http://sysdyn.mit.edu/sd-intro/home.html]. The first link on this page The Beginning of System Dynamics [http://sysdyn.mit.edu/sdep/papers/D-4165-1.pdf](D-4165-1) [34K], by Prof. Jay W. Forrester, provides a personal point of view about the development of system dynamics and is an excellent introduction to this issue. Thanks to Terry Buxton for bring this to our attention. 02-26-02

An Introduction to Soft Systems Methodology by Julie Travis and John R Venable, Curtin Business School, Curtin University, Perth, Western Australia [http://www.cbs.curtin.edu.au/units/is/venable/ssm/ssm_intro.html] [http://cispom.boisestate.edu/cis310emaxson/ssm_intro.htm]12/04/01

An introduction to the need for a Soft System Methdology prepared by the Department of Management Systems, University of Waikato, Hamilton, New Zealand, slide presentation
[http://www.mngt.waikato.ac.nz/depts/mnss/courses/emba/ssm/sld001.htm]

A different explanation of Soft System Methodology by Jon Wallis, University of Wolverhamption
slide presentation
[http://www.scit.wlv.ac.uk/university/scit/modules/cp4414/lectures/week10/ssm1/index.htm]

Checkland's Soft Systems Methodology (SSM) Web Document by Vanita Shroff, Gurpreet Kahlon and Richard Huntrods December 7, 2000 EXCELLENT RESOURCE [http://sern.ucalgary.ca/~shroff/seng613/index1.htm]02/16/2002

Example of the use of soft systems

AN APPLICATION OF SOFT SYSTEMS METHODOLOGY WITHIN NORTH YORKSHIRE POLICE FORCE  by R. Keith Ellis [http://www.ulh.ac.uk/fbm/workingpapers/Working011.html] 12/04/01

Optional Example

Using Soft Systems Methodology in the Analysis of Public Involvement in EIA Anna L. Johnson PhD Candidate, Department of Geography University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand [http://www.geography.otago.ac.nz/CIART/annaiaia99.html]

Optional reading assignment (explore some of the links below, beginning with the first two)

Checkland's Soft Systems Methodology (SSM) Web Document by Vanita Shroff, Gurpreet Kahlon and Richard Huntrods, University of Calgary (another introduction but with useful section dealing with hard vs soft systems, disadvantages of SSM, comparision of SSM to other techniques). [http://sern.ucalgary.ca/~hhorrian/seng613/CritiqueSSM.html] 12/04/01

REFLECTING ON SSM: THE LINK BETWEEN ROOT DEFINITIONS AND CONCEPTUAL MODELS * Peter Checkland (text only) [http://www.ulh.ac.uk/fbm/workingpapers/Working003.html] 12/04/01

Explore the Center for Futures Research, Systems Thinking page http://www.sgzz.ch/

Models for Change, Soft Systems Methodology, Part of Lecture 4, 23/7/96.
Jim Underwood. http://linus.socs.uts.edu.au/~jim/bpt/ssm.html

Overview of Soft Systems Methodology by the Telematics for Research project DESIRE (RE 1004)
http://www.ukoln.ac.uk/metadata/desire/quality/appendix-2.html SLOW SITE!!

Very Brief introduction to Soft Systems Methodology
University of Cambridge, Department of Engineering, Institute for Manufacturing
[http://www-mmd.eng.cam.ac.uk/people/ahr/dstools/control/softsm.htm]

Günther Ossimitz System Dynamics / Systems Thinking Mega Link List
[http://www.uni-klu.ac.at/users/gossimit/links/bookmksd.htm]

Soft systems methodology in organizational change and redesign. Stanislaw Stanek email: stanek@ae.katowice.pl The Karol Adamiecki Academy of Economics, Department of Informatics [http://figaro.ae.katowice.pl/~stanek/ostrav97/ostrava.html]

A Soft Systems Approach to Information Systems Quality Richard Vidgen, Trevor Wood-Harper & Robert (JRG) Wood Department of Mathematics & Computer Science [http://iris.informatik.gu.se/sjis/vol5/vidgen.shtml]

Rich Cases: a framework for interactive case studies in Information Systems teaching Elizabeth Guy, Lyn Pemberton & John Knight School of Information Management, University of Brighton [http://www1.nks.no/eurodl/shoen/icl2000/pemberton/guy_et_al.html]

The Lincoln School of Management Working Paper Series, editor: Jim Nyland [http://www.ulh.ac.uk/fbm/workingpapers/workingpapers.htm] 12/04/01

Optional Internet Exploring Assignment

Soft Systems Methodology Internet Resource Page by Andrew Finegan
http://www.bf.rmit.edu.au/~andrewf/ssm-res.html

Soft systems Methodology in the World Wide Web
[http://members.tripod.com/SSM_Delphi/ssm4.html]

Written outside-class assignment: (a) Identify the main steps in a soft systems methodology based on the contents of Andrew Finegan,  the Department of Management Systems, University of Waikato, and Travis and Venable, Curtin University ( you may also include materials from Jon Wallis, Jim Underwood or the other links).  This should NOT exceed the equivalent of one, double spaced typed page. Note differences between the different descriptions while remembering they are all based on Peter Checkland. (b) Prepare a paragraph, not more than a half page, on the advantages of having diversity in a group using soft systems methodology. Specifically consider the difference in the relationship of diversity to policy analysis between a traditional approach and a soft systems approach. (c) Prepare a paragraph, again not more than a half page, on whether and how soft systems methods might be relevant to the gender equity issue at Gonzaga University. (d) Subjective response of one or two sentences covering the entire reading assignment. Post by 5:00 pm on fEB 14 to the Discussion Board.

Application of a Soft Systems Approach to Policy

Identification of at least one Web based resource relating to Gender Equity relevant to the topics raised by a soft systems approach. Print and bring copy to class.

Class activities: Discussion of the relevance or lack of relevance of Soft Systems Methodology.  Discussion of the case study lead by a volunteer. Evaluation of the Discussion Board experience for expanding this discussion.  Small group activity Soft Systems Analysis of the gender equity issue at Gonzaga University.  What might be advantages and disadvantages of policy analysis based on Soft Systems Methodology?  Assume that the policy analysis has been completed, identify at least one policy change to address the issue of gender equity in Higher Education. Specific attention to the formulation of policy changes to bring about desired changes.

For more information contact docinfo@gonzaga.edu or write to Doctoral Program in Leadership Gonzaga University Spokane, WA USA 99258 (509) 323-3490

Copyright 2001 Page maintained by  beebe@gonzaga.edu revised 2/16/2002