Soft Systems Methodology: Problem Analysis, Report and Solutions

This report provides an illustration of Soft Systems Methodology (SSM) through the analysis of a chosen problem situation. The report begins with an analysis of the social system, defining roles, norms, and values within the selected context. It then presents two root definitions and a CATWOE analysis, followed by a detailed conceptual model derived from one of the root definitions. The report adheres to specific guidelines regarding length, structure, and referencing, emphasizing consistency and plausibility throughout the analysis. The aim is to demonstrate a practical application of SSM, focusing on the creation of a coherent and logical framework for understanding and addressing a complex problem scenario, supported by relevant documentation and a bibliography. The report aims to showcase the application of SSM principles, emphasizing the importance of a clear and structured approach to problem-solving and system analysis.

Task:
The main task is to illustrate the system modelling aspects of Checkland’s Soft Systems
Methodology (SSM). (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Soft_systems_methodology)
The context for the illustration will be a problem situation of your choosing. This could, for
example, be an organization, a part of an organization or a situation that involves more
than one organization.
A key question to ask when choosing your problem situation is whether you can identify
and describe six roles within it. If the answer is no, then it is unsuitable
If you choose a real organization (or part of), it is usually best to change its name in order
to ensure anonymity. Once you have chosen a problem situation, you should:
1. Analyse the social system by defining its roles, norms and values.
2. Write two root definitions of relevant systems that could, when modelled,
prove useful during the comparison stage of the method.
3. Draw and document a conceptual model that conforms to one of those root
definitions.
Please note that points 1, 2 and 3 require you to illustrate SSM not describe it. You
should therefore avoid descriptions of the method and its techniques because they will
not attract any marks.
The output should be a MS Word document (.docx extension). Excluding diagrams and
references, the report should not exceed 2,000 words. Any references cited should follow
the Harvard referencing.
Key considerations with this assignment are consistency and plausibility. All the
elements asked for should fit together to form a consistent illustration. In particular, the
roles chosen should be plausible within the context of the chosen problem situation. Root
definitions should also be logical within the context of the chosen problem situation and
the conceptual model should meet the requirements of the selected root definition
without omission or redundancy.
Your choice of problem situation could be, but not limited to, one of the following:
 a business;
 a school, college or university;
 a medical practice, clinic or hospital;
 a local council;
 a sports club;
 a department within an organization e.g. an IT department; or
 a situation such as law enforcement in the UK.
A guide to the structure and size of the report is:
 a title page;
 two pages for the social systems analysis;
 one page for the CATWOE analyses and root definitions;
 one page for the conceptual model;
 two-to-three pages for the supporting documentation; and
 possibly one page for a bibliography.
If you wish to include hand-drawn diagrams please scan them and insert the images into
your Word document, but please think carefully before taking this option.