6BUS1047 - Creative Problem Solving: Beijing Pollution Project

This report presents a creative problem-solving approach to addressing the challenge of pollution in Beijing, China, through the 2018 Soda Project. Utilizing Soft Systems Methodology, the analysis identifies key stakeholders including the government, logistics providers, journalists, researchers, and citizens, and examines the problem from their perspectives. A rich picture diagram and CATWOE analysis are employed to develop a conceptual model for the system, leading to recommendations such as mandatory solar panel installations and policies to reduce carbon footprints. The report also includes personal reflections from the team members on their learning experience and the challenges faced during the project. The goal is to offer feasible solutions and strategies for controlling pollution in Beijing and improving the overall quality of life for its citizens. Desklib provides access to this and other solved assignments for students.

Done By Soda Project Team
Students Names & IDS: Submission Date: 15th Mar 2018
Ahmad Haj Mohammad -14129628 Degree Programme: Business Administration
Yutong Yao (Amber) -16075887 Module Lecturer: Julian De Villez
Rui Zhang (Ray) -16085920
Naveed Sultani - 14103569
Module Name & Number: Creative Problem Solving / 6BUS1047
Soda Project on Beijing
Pollution
2018
Creative Problem Solving

Executive Summary
Soft system Methodology allows deeper examination of a problem and thereafter designing
relevant solutions for the same. The scope of the current analysis examines controlling pollution
challenge in China. Various stakeholder groups have been examined for the process and a rich
picture diagram along with Conceptual model evaluation has been undertaken. In the end
recommendations with personal reflection provided.
[2]

Table of Contents
Executive Summary.....................................................................................................................................2
1.0 Introduction...........................................................................................................................................4
2.0 Summary of the Problem Situation.......................................................................................................4
3.0 Stakeholders involved in the Problem...................................................................................................4
4.0 Rich Picture............................................................................................................................................5
5.0 5 Theme in the Problem Situation.........................................................................................................5
6.0 CATWOE Criteria....................................................................................................................................5
7.0 Conceptual Model for the System.........................................................................................................5
8.0 Comparison Table Format for SSM........................................................................................................5
9.0 Changes to be made for Problems.........................................................................................................6
10.0 Recommendations...............................................................................................................................6
11.0 Personal Reflections............................................................................................................................6
12.0 Reference Lists.....................................................................................................................................6
[3]

1.0 Introduction
Pollution in China had been a cause of major challenge within the country and has been on
continuous rise (Hanafizadeh & Aliehyaei, 2011). Causes of pollution in China are multifarious
in nature which can mostly be attributed to population growth, usage of cars, topography
surrounding the weather, economic crisis and so on. Such a large challenge can be best
diagnosed by means of Soft System Methodology will allow integrating organizational process
modeling for problem solving and then consecutively managing of a change. Peter Checkland’s
Soft System Methodology allows step by step analysis of a situation by detailed analysis of every
component of the problem (Checkland, 2013). Then it includes designing of a suitable solution
that can allow overcoming of the problem situation faced. The scope of analysis here deals with
problem analysed by SODA group with various stakeholders who are facing the challenge.
2.0 Summary of the Problem Situation
Problem situation that has been examined in this project is of large base as it includes problem
faced within a country, China. Pollution faces a grave challenge for the entire society as it has its
impact in various relevant areas that affects overall quality of life. The scope of the problem
analysed by the SODA group comprises of ways and means to control pollution in China.
Controlling pollution for an entire country might pose a number of challenges in totality. There
are various methods or processes that might have to be included for controlling pollution which
is the primary problem criteria of that is being examined here.
[4]

3.0 Stakeholders involved in the Problem
Stakeholder’s involvement is critical in solving any problem that might arise on a particular
situation. There is involved 15 stakeholders involved within this problem which includes
Government, Suppliers, Citizens, Investors, Employees, Businesses, Education, Creditors,
Engineers, Researcher, Journalists (Reporters), Volunteers, Zoologist, Food Agencies and
Logistics (Transportation). All these stakeholders are bound to face some or the other type of
challenge from rising pollution in China. While there are a large number of stakeholders who are
involved in the current condition, it becomes impertinent to select a few amongst them in order
to understand deeper analysis pertaining to the study. In order to work closely with the problem a
group of 5 stakeholders has been selected for understanding the challenge. For sake of simpler
analysis 5 stakeholders who have been selected are Ahmad from Government, Amber from
Logistics, Ray from Journalists, a Group of Researchers, Naveed a Citizen, who experiences the
problem regularly in China.
4.0 Rich Picture
A rich picture diagram will allow diagnosing and reflecting on the situation in an appropriate
manner (Bell & Morse, 2013). Below is the rich picture diagram reflecting the problem from
point of view of various stakeholder groups.
[5]

Figure 1: Rich Picture Diagram
[6]

5.0 5 Theme in the Problem Situation
The problem is being analysed from the point of view of 5 different stakeholder groups
(Mehregan, Hosseinzadeh & Kazemi, A., 2012). Hence diagnosing the challenge from 5 themes
will allow greater and detailed understanding of the problem. From the point of view of the
Government, there can be various policies integrated that can integrate initiatives that can reduce
carbon footprints in the country. So, first theme is policy making initiative. Second theme
relevant to the problem situation is Logistics, where appropriate shortened supply chain or
logistics route that has to be designed that can reduce carbon emission. From the view of
Journalists, awareness regarding rise in pollution has to be generated such that various other
interests groups can easily be attracted. As a researcher group, initiatives aimed at creating
sustainable efforts have to be designed such that overall pollution in China can considerably be
reduced. Lastly citizens can contribute with their own small efforts by to reduce pollution by
reducing car emissions by travelling in public transport or reducing electricity emission in their
kitchens.
6.0 CATWOE Criteria
Designing the CATWOE criteria will allow designing solution to the problem in such a manner
to cater to end goals of the project. CATWOE allows identifying people, processes along with
environment who are contributing to the increased rates of pollution (Flood, 2010). Business
perspectives that allow evaluation through this process include 6 critical elements as customers.
Customers include citizens of China who will highly affect from pollution. They will also stand
to benefit extensively through inclusion of pollution control procedures. Actors are the
stakeholders who are involved within the situation. Government is the most important actor in
[7]

this procedure as they are most prominently involved in the situation. Through success of
pollution control procedure, the Government will be able to benefit the most, through increased
output, reducing healthcare costs and several other endeavors. Transformation process includes
adopting procedures that will allow overcoming of the situation relative to the problem. It
includes solar panel installations, reducing emission, reducing carbon footprints and so on.
Weltanschauung will include broader impact on the overall world. Such as reducing impact on
ice-cap melting or rising ocean levels, decreased acid rain, decreased rates of incidents related to
diseases and so on. Owner here constitutes various relevant stakeholders that include
government, citizens, industries and various other participants on the processes. Environmental
constraints the wide range spread of the problem itself that makes difficult to adopt the solution.
Astronauts reports seeing a brown cloud over China, which reflects the wide spread reach of the
problem and its environmental concern.
7.0 Conceptual Model for the System
Conceptual Model Evaluation will allow greater analysis of the problem situation and deriving
an appropriate solution for it (Ngai et. al, 2012). Evaluation of Entry, Evaluation and Execution
related to the challenge reveals that controlling pollution is itself a complicated issue that
requires participation from various stakeholder groups. Evaluation of the procedure includes
evaluating and measuring impact from all processes that causes pollution and then devising
strategies to overcome the same. Execution of pollution control systems requires huge
investment and participation from wider range of stakeholders.
[8]

8.0 Comparison Table Format for SSM
A comparison table for real world situation as against SSM framework will allow detailed
understanding related to the project.
Stage Description Real World Conceptual Model
Comparing Models Pollution control mechanisms Solar panel installations,
reducing carbon footprints,
designing shorter supply chain
routes
Defining possible & feasible
changes
Curbing pollution through
citizen’s awareness. Industry
policies for waste disposal will
also improve situation
Solar panel installation, waste
disposal techniques inclusion
Taking action to improve
situation
Create continuous awareness
campaigns
Take Governmental actions
9.0 Changes to be made for Problems
While accommodating steps to control pollution is possible, feasibility examination reveals
deeper understanding. While there are various procedures that have been designed to be adopted
for the procedure, only a few has been considered to be feasible. Feasible solution that can be
applied to the problem is installation of solar panels, as China has emerged to be a pioneer of
solar panel manufacturing in the world. Devising Governmental policies that can help industries
processes their wastes before dumping them. Accommodating processes that can reduce
pollution endeavors related to carbon footprints.
[9]

10.0 Recommendations
In order to overcome the current state of problems some recommendations need to be applied as
solar panel installations has to be made mandatory. Moreover, all possible step that allow
reducing carbon footprints need to be accommodated. The Government needs to intervene and
design policies such that overall carbon emissions can be reduced.
11.0 Personal Reflections
All group members have contributed immensely in diagnosing the challenge and in arriving at its
solution. Due to the complexity of the problem several databases and sources had to be searched.
Moreover, there has been immense amount of learning that has taken place by adopting this
project. The only major challenge faced was in diagnosing an appropriate and feasible solution
towards the problem.
[10]

12.0 Reference Lists
Bell, S. and Morse, S., 2013. Rich pictures: a means to explore the ‘sustainable
mind’?. Sustainable Development, 21(1), pp.30-47.
Checkland, P., 2013. Soft systems methodology. In Encyclopedia of operations research and
management science (pp. 1430-1436). Springer, Boston, MA.
Flood, R.L., 2010. The relationship of ‘systems thinking’to action research. Systemic Practice
and Action Research, 23(4), pp.269-284.
Hanafizadeh, P. and Aliehyaei, R., 2011. The application of fuzzy cognitive map in soft system
methodology. Systemic Practice and Action Research, 24(4), pp.325-354.
Mehregan, M.R., Hosseinzadeh, M. and Kazemi, A., 2012. An application of soft system
methodology. Procedia-Social and Behavioral Sciences, 41, pp.426-433.
Ngai, E.W.T., To, C.K., Ching, V.S., Chan, L.K., Lee, M.C., Choi, Y.S. and Chai, P.Y.F., 2012.
Development of the conceptual model of energy and utility management in textile processing: A
soft systems approach. International Journal of Production Economics, 135(2), pp.607-617.
[11]