| 1. |
- Alm, Håkan, et al.
(författare)
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Co-design Research and Business Development : Case of Scandinavian Airlines (SAS)
- 2014
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Ingår i: Systemic Practice and Action Research. - : Springer. - 1094-429X .- 1573-9295. ; 27:5, s. 465-483
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- The Co-design practices are carried out in different fields of studies. Some of the key advocates of Co-design originate from business. In this study the four steps of Co-design approach is applied. From the first step of Co-design, through interviews, log analysis and a channel survey, findings show that the failed dialogues with Avatar Eva are mainly concerned with five factors: interactivity; dialogue capability; consistency; knowledge; and synonyms. In the second step, carrying out customer workshops, we suggested ten ideal scenarios for Avatar Eva to perform better. In the third step, SAS decision makers decided to implement the first three scenarios: Eva’s synonyms; knowledge and Eva’s consistency. In the fourth step, another channel survey was carried out as well as a new log analysis to know the impact of the redevelopment above three scenarios. An important result of the study was that the company adopted a continuous use of Co-design as an approach of continuous improvement of the service quality performed by the Avatar Eva. It also opens a new set of questions framing the relation and transformation between Co-design as a research approach for knowledge creation and Co-design as a method for innovation and service quality improvements. The study presents an Extended Co-design Model, which illustrates how the Co-design inspires staff to use it for other functions within and without the SAS.
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| 2. |
- Andersson, Pia, 1968, et al.
(författare)
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Constructive Scaffolding or a Procrustean Bed? Exploring the Influence of a Facilitated, Structured Group Process in a Climate Action Group
- 2018
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Ingår i: Systemic Practice and Action Research. - : Springer Science and Business Media LLC. - 1094-429X .- 1573-9295. ; 31:3, s. 327-345
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- In this paper we present a case of a structured, facilitated group process with a climate action group engaged in a local Transition initiative. We explore how the interacting contexts between action researchers and the group acted as a constraint for the trajectory of the group process, by looking at the mismatches between the group’s and the researchers’ purposes and differences in expectations about methods of engagement. A methodological framework was used for evaluating the outcomes. The primary aim of this article was to investigate and point out dynamics that may be a hindrance to the effectiveness of a facilitated local climate initiative, with the view to inform facilitation practices and improve future action research processes.
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| 3. |
- 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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| 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. |
- Carlsson, Liesel, et al.
(författare)
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Assessing Community Contributions to Sustainable Food Systems : Dietitians Leverage Practice, Process and Paradigms
- 2021
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Ingår i: Systemic Practice and Action Research. - : Springer. - 1094-429X .- 1573-9295. ; 34:5, s. 575-601
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Food systems are not sustainable, and efforts to address this are paralyzed by the complex networks of food system actors and factors that interact across sectoral and geographic scales. Actions at the community level can positively contribute toward globally sustainable food systems (SFS). Assessing such contributions has two central challenges: 1) a lack of methods that support alignment between communities and across scales, balanced against the need to involve the community in developing relevant indicators; and 2) the absence of adequate, fine grained data relevant to the community. Addressing these two challenges, this paper illustrates a proposed procedure that supports community engagement with, and assessment of, their contributions. Engaged by a community of Canadian dietitians, researchers used the Delphi Inquiry method, guided by the Framework for Strategic Sustainable Development, to address the first challenge, and causal loop diagrams informed by the Cultural Adaptation Template to address the second. Indicators were developed for dietitian-identified actions and outcomes for SFS. Modeling indicator interactions provide insight into how some actions are influenced by and reinforce the value placed on SFS within the professional cultural paradigm, as well as priority areas for action and measurement. Process-oriented assessment is useful in the context of partial and subjective understandings of a dynamic system, and supports continual adjustment in action. This article offers theoretical and practical insight for community engagement in addressing some of the systemic challenges in food systems. It accommodates community-based knowledge, applies process-indicators, and emphasizes the importance of cultural paradigms as a driving force of community-level actions, and overall system change. Under current conditions, facilitating SFS literacy among dietitians can amplify adaptations for broader SFS development. © 2020, The Author(s).
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| 7. |
- de Raadt, J. Donald R., et al.
(författare)
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Normative Evaluation of Community Projects: A Multimodal Systems Approach
- 2004
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Ingår i: Systemic Practice and Action Research. - 1094-429X .- 1573-9295. ; 17:2, s. 83-102
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- This paper introduces an evaluation method for community projects based on the multimodal systems approach. The method differs from the common mechanistic approach to evaluation in four ways. Firstly, it uses the long-term life (viability) of a community as the ultimate criteria of evaluation. Secondly, it is normative; that is, it focuses on the responsibility of people to their own community and for managing their own lives. Thirdly, it is dynamic; it identifies factors that threaten a community and examines their dynamic link and long-term impact on the community. Fourthly, it evaluates the adequacy of a community activity (good practice) to help ensure its long-term viability. The method is illustrated with a European Union sponsored project.
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| 8. |
- Eksvärd, Karin, et al.
(författare)
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Integrating Participatory Learning and Action Research and Systems Ecology: A Potential for Sustainable Agriculture Transitions
- 2010
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Ingår i: Systemic Practice and Action Research. - : Springer Science and Business Media LLC. - 1094-429X .- 1573-9295. ; 23, s. 467-486
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- This article explores the potential of integrating Participatory Learning and Action Research (PLAR) and Systems Ecology (SE) for improving research capability in facilitating sustainable development transitions in agriculture. Goal conflicts that arose in a PLAR group working on sustainability issues in small-scale organic tomato production are analysed from the perspective of SE. The possibility to improve agency for sustainable development by the merger of PLAR and SE are discussed. It is concluded that the approaches together could provide a sounder base for systemic research and transitions in agriculture.
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| 9. |
- Eriksson, Darek M., 1969-, et al.
(författare)
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Postmodernity and systems science : An evaluation of J.-L. Le Moigne's contribution to the management of the present civilization
- 1997
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Ingår i: Systemic Practice and Action Research. - London : Springer. - 1094-429X .- 1573-9295. ; 10:4, s. 395-408
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- In this text, a French school of systems thought is evaluated with reference to its contribution to postmodernity. The main conclusion is that this system provides some pertinent contribution but that there are also some domains where it does not provide much help. Both these domains are identified and discussed. The text starts with a discussion of the postmodern challenge. This is followed by a presentation and critical evaluation of the theory under consideration. The latter gives rise to the Discussion and Conclusion.
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| 10. |
- Eriksson, Darek, 1969-, et al.
(författare)
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On the Usefulness of the Ackoff–Gharajedaghi Model of System Types for the Design of Business Systems
- 2004
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Ingår i: Systemic Practice and Action Research. - London : Springer. - 1094-429X .- 1573-9295. ; 17:2, s. 75-81
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- The Ackoff–Gharajedaghi Model of System Types distinguishes 3 fundamental empirical systems: deterministic, animate, and social, with regard to their purpose. It has been formulated as a meta-model to support understanding, selection, and formulation of management models and theories. It is argued here that this model is also valuable for the interpretation and design of actual, empirical business systems. A study of a malfunctioning business is presented and interpreted with the Ackoff–Gharajedaghi Model, which supports this argument. Additionally, the study shows a pragmatic value of the proposed “Imperative of Goals Alignment” for the design of business systems, which is an operationalization of the Ackoff–Gharajedaghi Model. Furthermore, the investigation illustrates the importance of clear goals and incentives in business design; and it supports the thesis of the Ackoff–Gharajedaghi Model that management models and theories, founded upon empirical observations of deterministic and animate systems, impose limitations on the design of business systems.
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