Practical soft systems analysis

Abstract

Part 1 Introduction: the style of the book general terminology the structure of the book. Part 2 Systems concepts: system types basic systems ideas system characteristics exploring human activity systems. Part 3 The use of soft systems analysis: systems analysis - the hard/soft division the advantages of soft systems analysis. Part 4 Introduction to the SSM: the soft systems methodology - an overview outputs and rules summary of the SSM. Part 5 Expressing an unstructured situation: exploring and expressing the situation drawing rich pictures. Part 6 Modelling human activity systems: root definitions the pub as a system. Part 7 Exploring the real situation: the what/how distinction making the comparison summary. Part 8 Agreeing and implementing changes: feasible/desirable changes action to improve the analyst/client relationship. Part 9 Practical applications: general applications management services applications computer investigations. Part 10 SSM for organisational analysis: the client organisation application of the SSM - phase 1 application of the SSM - phase II. Part 11 A method for information systems enquiry: the research project stage 1 - exploring the situation using the database data validation using the information. Part 12 Investigating new requirements: overview of approach the system models use of the models summary. Part 13 Procedure audit: the rationale of procedure audit the practice of procedure audit procedure audit - an example application. Part 14 Bridging the pragmademic gap: summary of FAOR activities the follow-up review development of a user requirement conclusions for the systems approach. Part 15 Application guidelines: applying the SSM informal applications final comments.