Introduction to Soft Systems Methodology                               

This practical course will help you to improve project performance, ensure outcomes are met and enable resources to be used efficiently, using Soft Systems Methodology (SSM).

Description

  • Help improve project performance & ensure outcomes are met. 
  • Learn to use Soft Systems Methodology (SSM) for defining impact, value and project scope. 
  • Learn how to design systems and plan OR interventions. 

Learning objectives

  • Learn the core techniques of SSM
  • Use SSM for thinking about and planning projects
  • Use SSM models to improve dialogue amongst decision makers
  • Appreciate the importance of process to support decision-making
  • Appreciating alternative perspectives in order to determine feasible and desirable action
  • Ensure you agree the right deliverables in order to achieve the desired outcomes 

Topics

  • Introduction to Soft Systems Methodology (SSM)
  • Applying SSM techniques within projects and practical situations
  • Expanding expertise in SSM
  • Learning by doing, using case material

Audience

  • Junior and senior analysts and consultants wishing to use SSM to support client projects.
  • Managers, analysts and consultants wishing to use SSM to plan and manage projects.
  • Academics and researchers seeking practical exposure to SSM.
  • Public sector workers, project managers, system designers and IS consultants.

Course format

  • PowerPoint presentation to introduce the topics including illustrative examples from different sectors
  • Case studies based on ‘real world’ problems
  • Group discussion/work to explore the topics in more detail
  • Bring questions from your own work to embed your learning
  • Supporting resource pack available to use following the course

Related courses

  • Simulation Techniques for Decision Making in OR

Want to run this course in-house? Enquire about running this course in-house

Meet the tutor

Mark Westcombe

Mark works as an independent consultant and trainer for Attivation. He works principally with project teams in the early stages of project development. He works mostly as a facilitator using Cognitive Mapping and Soft Systems Methodology to negotiate feasible action plans with project teams.

He was previously a lecturer at Lancaster University, where he worked with Prof Peter Checkland and previously with Prof Colin Eden at Strathclyde University. 

His clients have included the NHS, British Sugar, ShooSmiths, Swedish Dept of Trade, Dept of HE Indonesia, QinetiQ, Serious Organised Crime Agency, Royal Navy, Dstl, and GORS, amongst many others. His training focuses on transferring the skills inherent to project consultancy, analysis and facilitation.

Mark teaches SSM, Cognitive Mapping and facilitation courses for the OR Society and other clients. He has also held directorships in the Housing Industry and is currently an executive director of a non-profit.