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

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.