Exploring Soft Systems Methodology

This assignment delves into the Soft Systems Methodology (SSM), a systematic approach to problem-solving in complex human activity systems. It utilizes various tools like rich pictures and CATWOE analysis to understand and address real-world issues. The assignment examines multiple resources, including videos, images, and articles, that illustrate the stages and applications of SSM. Through discussions and reflections, it demonstrates how SSM can be applied to diverse scenarios, such as business operations and design budgeting in manufacturing.

Running head: SOFT SYSTEM METHODOLOGY
Soft Systems Methodology
Name of the Student
Name of the University
Author Note

1SOFT SYSTEM METHODOLOGY
Rich Picture:
Link 1: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r0JykHP386M

2SOFT SYSTEM METHODOLOGY
Discussion: In this video, the author has defined the Soft Systems Methodology and its stages in
every details. The author has also used various real life examples and models. The Soft System
Methodology in respect to human activity system, rich picture and CATWOE are well described
to be understandable by the user. The video focuses on every detail of rich picture and
CATWOE by describing its every element and aspect such as how it is formulated and how it is
used and application (Mendivil, 2015).
Reflection: The video helps me to understand the concept of CATWOE model and rich picture
formulation along with examples and pictures and the Soft Systems Methodology is also
described.
Link 2: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q7CTREXtFuk
Discussion: In this video, the author has taken the Soft Systems Methodology’s aspect that is
rich pictures and its evaluation. The author’s whole focus is on rich picture. The author has
described and illustrated the rich picture with reference to Soft Systems Methodology. The
author has also given real life examples to show how rich picture works and how rich picture are
formulated. The video is basically to get detail overview of rich picture (Center on Collaborative
Governance, 2015).
Reflection: The video helps me to understand what rich picture is and how rich picture is useful
and formulated for the given scenario. The examples given are also helpful to get knowledge of
rich picture and its functions.
Link 3: https://image.slidesharecdn.com/introductiontosoftsystemsmethodologyworkshop-
161012123451/95/introduction-to-soft-systems-methodology-workshop-30-638.jpg?
cb=1476275759

3SOFT SYSTEM METHODOLOGY
Discussion: The author has formulated CATWOE model aligned with Soft Systems
Methodology (SSM). The image is described as the function of each element of CATWOE
model in a mnemonic form. Each character is also described in the image in detail. The author
has structured the model building of Soft Systems Methodology using PQR formula to define the
CATWOE model. The image is formed to describe the purposeful activity of the Soft Systems
Methodology CATWOE model (Thristan, 2016).
Reflection: The image helps me to understand the various elements of CATWOE mnemonic and
its activity to understand the details of CATWOE models.
Link 4: http://www.dmasystems.ca/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/image1.jpg
Discussion: In this image, the author focuses on how Soft Systems Methodology (SSM) helps in
problematic situations and how to deal with these situations. The image shows how an
organization implements Soft Systems Methodology for their business purposes. The author has
formulated the image in a messy way and from the perspective of stakeholders for business
environment scenario. The image describes how the various levels in an organization works and
connect with each other for business growth (Neaves, 2015).
Reflection: The image helps me to understand the functioning of Soft Systems Methodology in
an Organization with reference to various levels of workforce. This is useful to get an
understanding of business operations.
Link 5: https://www.omicsonline.org/open-access/design-budgeting-model-with-approach-of-
soft-systems-methodology-in-the-manufacturer-of-spare-parts-for-cars-2472-114X-1000144.pdf

4SOFT SYSTEM METHODOLOGY
Discussion: This article is described focusing on a case study of manufacturer of spare parts for
cars with the use of design budgeting model. The author has described how Soft Systems
Methodology approach is useful for design budgeting models in an organization. The author
focuses on framework and conceptual models of Soft Systems Methodology to illustrate the
budgeting system. The Soft Systems Methodology stages is applied to the budgeting model for
evaluation of the chosen industry (SS and R, 2017).
Reflection: The article is useful for me as it helps me to understand the real world scenario
where Soft Systems Methodology is used and how it’s all stages are approached and evaluated.

5SOFT SYSTEM METHODOLOGY
References
Center on Collaborative Governance, 2015. Soft Systems Methodology: The Use of Rich Pictures
from Evaluation. [video] Available at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q7CTREXtFuk
[Accessed 14 Jan. 2018].
Mendivil, J., 2015. Soft Systems Methodology. [video] Available at:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r0JykHP386M [Accessed 14 Jan. 2018].
Neaves, B., 2015. Soft Systems Methodology (SSM). [image] Available at:
http://www.dmasystems.ca/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/image1.jpg [Accessed 14 Jan. 2018].
SS, N. and R, M., 2017. Design Budgeting Model with Approach of Soft Systems Methodology
in the Manufacturer of Spare Parts for Cars. International Journal of Accounting Research,
05(01).
Thristan, J., 2016. SSM: Model Building. [image] Available at:
https://image.slidesharecdn.com/introductiontosoftsystemsmethodologyworkshop-
161012123451/95/introduction-to-soft-systems-methodology-workshop-30-638.jpg?
cb=1476275759 [Accessed 14 Jan. 2018].