| 1. |
- Bergvall-Kåreborn, Birgitta
(författare)
-
A multi-modal approach to soft systems methodology
- 2002
-
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.
|
|
| 2. |
- Bergvall-Kåreborn, Birgitta
(författare)
-
Enriching the model-building phase of soft systems methodology
- 2002
-
Ingår i: Systems research and behavioral science. - : Wiley. - 1092-7026 .- 1099-1743. ; 19:1, s. 27-48
-
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.
|
|
| 3. |
- Bergvall-Kåreborn, Birgitta
(författare)
-
Qualifying function in SSM modeling : a case study
- 2002
-
Ingår i: Systemic Practice and Action Research. - 1094-429X .- 1573-9295. ; 15:4, s. 309-330
-
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
|
|
