| 1. |
- Bergvall-Kåreborn, Birgitta
(författare)
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A multi-modal approach to soft systems methodology
- 2002
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Doktorsavhandling (övrigt vetenskapligt/konstnärligt)abstract
- The main aim of my research is to explore ways of enriching Soft Systems Methodology by developing intellectual tools that can help designers to conceptualise, create and evaluate different design alternatives. This directs the focus on the methodology’s modelling phase even though some ideas related to analysis also will be presented. In order to realize this objective the study proposes the following supplements. Firstly, a framework of 15 modalities (knowledge areas) is suggested as a supplement to existing analysis techniques, with the aim of helping the analyst identify important aspects that need to be understood in order to identify relevant issues for modelling. Secondly, a concept called qualifying function is proposed as an additional modelling tool for drawing out different perspectives of a particular problem situation, discussing desirable purposes for the design, and for exploring the underlying rationale behind a suggested transformation or a stated Weltanschauung. Thirdly, an expansion of the measures of performance used in SSM modelling, for evaluating conceptual models of possible design alternatives, is suggested. This expansion also builds on the modal framework. Based on both the theoretical and the practical work I have done I conclude that using the modalities as a general framework in analysis, modelling and evaluation, as well as using the concept qualifying function to tease out and clarify relevant transformations and underlying value systems has practical benefits and therefore can be said to enrich Soft Systems Methodology.
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| 2. |
- Bergvall-Kåreborn, Birgitta, et al.
(författare)
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Basic principles of SSM modeling : an examination of CATWOE from a soft perspective
- 2004
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Ingår i: Systemic Practice and Action Research. - 1094-429X .- 1573-9295. ; 17:2, s. 55-73
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- This paper examines the SSM technique CATWOE, which focuses on defining necessary elements that together constitute a human activity system from a certain perspective. Despite its recognition within the literature and its numerous uses, there are few studies on how the technique can be improved. This research reflects on each of the elements both from a theoretical and a practical perspective. Findings point to the fact that some of the terms have a meaning in everyday language that differs from its definition within CATWOE. Other concepts are not well-defined. This is unfortunate and may both lead to misunderstandings and limit analysis. The paper points to a number of ways in which the use of CATWOE can be developed in order to further support the process of eliciting novel ideas for future actions. Hence, the overall conclusion is that the elements need to be rethought and some of them renamed.
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| 3. |
- Bergvall-Kåreborn, Birgitta
(författare)
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Enriching the model-building phase of soft systems methodology
- 2002
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Ingår i: Systems research and behavioral science. - : Wiley. - 1092-7026 .- 1099-1743. ; 19:1, s. 27-48
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Soft Systems Methodology (SSM) has been criticized for its tendency to result in regulatory, rather than radical, agendas for change. It has also been argued that when stressing the difference between different Weltanschauungs SSM takes them at face value and does not investigate the similarities between them or seek an explanation for this in terms of the structure of society. The aim of the paper is to address these critical comments made towards SSM by incorporating a concept called qualifying function as a conceptual tool for modelling and design. The concept has the potential to help people in a particular problem situation to view the situation from new and different perspectives. It also has the potential to enrich the conceptual models by directing the transformation process. Finally, it provides an alternative technique for model validation by relating the root definition and the conceptual model closer together.
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| 4. |
- Bergvall-Kåreborn, Birgitta
(författare)
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Qualifying function in SSM modeling : a case study
- 2002
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Ingår i: Systemic Practice and Action Research. - 1094-429X .- 1573-9295. ; 15:4, s. 309-330
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- In a previous paper the author introduced a concept called qualifying function as a conceptual tool for modeling and design. The concept was incorporated into the modeling phase of soft systems methodology (SSM), with the purpose of addressing some of the criticism directed toward the methodology, such as its tendency to result in regulatory, rather than radical, agendas for change. It was argued that the concept had the potential to help people in a particular problem situation to view the situation from new and different perspectives and that it could enrich the conceptual models by giving the transformation process a direction. The aim of this paper is to apply the concept, embedded in SSM, to a case study involving two projects, focused on creating new work opportunities, to explore the practical applicability and usefulness of the concept, both in general and as a part of the modeling phase of SSM
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| 5. |
- Bergvall-Kåreborn, Birgitta
(författare)
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The role of the qualifying function concept in systems design
- 2001
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Ingår i: Systemic Practice and Action Research. - 1094-429X .- 1573-9295. ; 14:1, s. 79-93
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- In this paper I explore potential benefits with using the concept qualifying function as a tool for systems design. The concept originates from the philosophy of Herman Dooyeweerd and refers to the function or character that guides and directs the internal structure of an entity or activity. This means that if the qualifying function for an entity or activity changes, its structure as a whole will change as well. Due to this, the concept and its related theory can help people to view situations from new and different perspectives and to explore the consequences of different views. It can provide a common base for the design around which accommodation more easily can be reached and from where further discussions can be continued. Finally, it has the potential to point at fundamental differences of opinion between participants and stakeholders.
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| 6. |
- Bergvall-Kåreborn, Birgitta
(författare)
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Using soft systems methodology as a methodology for multi-modal systems design
- 2000
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Licentiatavhandling (övrigt vetenskapligt/konstnärligt)abstract
- The aim of this research is to contribute to the field of systems design by developing intellectual tools that can help designers to conceptualise, create and evaluate different design alternatives. In this work I focus my attention on Soft Systems Methodology. More specifically, I analyse how this methodology can develop its present methods for drawing out different perspectives of a particular problem situation. I also study its process for reaching agreement or consensus on objectives for the design and for evaluating different design alternatives. To address the above issues a framework of 15 dimensions, together with its related concept qualifying function, was incorporated into the different phases of SSM. The framework is based on human experience and developed by Herman Dooyeweerd. The lessons learnt form this is as follows. The framework provides a kind of control device for highlighting dimensions that are perceived as important as well as dimensions that might be lost when analysing a problem situation. It also strengthens the process of drawing out different perspectives and helps to indicate similarities and differences in focus between or within different groups of people. Further, it provides a way to compare different design alternatives as well as their consequences. Finally, it facilitates the model building, and strengthens the model validation.
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| 7. |
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