LIBRARY
GLO 410: Systems Thinking: Chapter 14: Soft Systems Methodology
This guide for Systems Thinking provides students with links to references from the textbook Systems Concepts in Action in addition to other resources to help develop systemic thinkers.
Soft Systems Methodology
"Although originally conceived as a problem-solving tool, SSM has developed over the years to be oriented toward learning and insight. Because the methodology is exploring a situation from different perspectives, soft systems is inherently multivoiced. It tends to work better when a range of participants are involved, although it is not essential."-Systems Concepts in Action, Chapter 14
eBooks/ Articles
- Soft systems methodology in action : a 30-year retrospectiveCheckland, Peter. Scholes, Jim. 1999. Peter "Checkland has looked back over the three decades of SSM development, brought the account of it up to date, and reflected on the whole evolutionary process which has produced a mature SSM."
- Soft Systems Methodology.
Dick, Bob. 2006. Learning for action: A short definitive account of Soft Systems Methodology and its use for practitioners, teachers and students. - Soft Systems Methodology
Williams, Bob. 2005. The author himself presents an informative introductory guide to SSM. - An Overview of the Soft Systems Methodology
Burge, Stuart. 2015. Provides a comprehensive guide to the SSM model.
Videos/ Further Examples
Web Resources
- Introduction to Soft Systems Methodoloy
Offers a brief but useful guide to SSM. - Cambridge Institute for Manufacturing
An overview of SSM which covers key terms such as CATWOE, the three E's, and the roles of actors in the system.