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Wilson, Robert J. "Towards a theory of computer-based support to SSM practice." Thesis, Lancaster University, 2000. http://ethos.bl.uk/OrderDetails.do?uin=uk.bl.ethos.369501.
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Milanzi, M. C. "The application of soft systems methodology (SSM) within farming communities in Tanzania." Thesis, University of Lincoln, 2004. http://ethos.bl.uk/OrderDetails.do?uin=uk.bl.ethos.405174.
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Alzaffin, Mohammad. "A systems approach to leadership development in the Dubai Police : using Soft Systems Methodology (SSM)." Thesis, University of Hull, 2015. http://hydra.hull.ac.uk/resources/hull:16401.
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The Dubai Police, striving to meet the needs of one of the most rapidly developing communities in the world, found themselves struggling to satisfy the needs of an expanding and increasingly diverse population as well as dealing with the expectations within the force from high-qualified officers who had benefited from education in the most modern universities. Seeking to improve the service to all stakeholders, HE the Commander-in-Chief introduced the concept of Total Quality Management. The introduction and continuing application of Total Quality Management was undertaken by an over-arching general department dedicated to Total Quality together with the introduction of experts into every general department. Unfortunately, the benefits were not as universal or as consistent as had been hoped. It was thought blocks to progress arose from the rigidity of the hierarchical and militaristic style of leadership prevalent in the force. A leadership style more inclusive of officers at all level was needed, one which was also alive to the expectations of external stakeholders, the residents, visitors and executives of business interests in Dubai. The researcher was asked to study how leadership operated in the Dubai Police, how leaders viewed progress in Total Quality Management among their peers and subordinates and how subordinates assessed their immediate superiors’ performance as leaders. To this end, 31 semi-structured interviews provided data for qualitative analysis and 475 respondents completed a questionnaire for quantitative analysis. The interviews revealed great respect for the military traditions of the Dubai Police, pride in progress made in Total Quality Management to date, an acknowledgement that this had been uneven and of the existence of pockets of resistance, results borne out of the responses to the questionnaire. Subjects were keen to improve the situation but had not embraced the latest management techniques available, tending to use reductionist methods to solve problems. The researcher was requested to explore the benefits of holistic systems thinking to liberate consideration of problems and blocks to further progress in Total Quality Management. The Dubai Police were advised that systems thinking has advantages over older methods as it involves consideration of all aspects of a problem as a whole, including the interest of all stakeholders, leading to more satisfactory solutions of wider application. Among its advantages are the broader spectrum of investigation called for the greater involvement of subordinates so that a much more detailed (richer) picture can be obtained. The Dubai Police were therefore recommended to employ Soft Systems Methodology (SSM) as a means to achieving flexibility in leadership, deeper involvement of lower tiers of management in planning and quicker reaction to changing crime patterns. The Dubai Police should study western policing methods more deeply and invoke local universities in further research. The research indicated the Dubai Police needed to be more attuned to global development in policing attitudes and techniques.
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Zafar, Ali, and Oscar Svensson. "Synergizing Systems : Using SSM in prototypical system development." Thesis, Linnéuniversitetet, Institutionen för informatik (IK), 2020. http://urn.kb.se/resolve?urn=urn:nbn:se:lnu:diva-98713.
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This thesis is concerned with a research project conducted with a Swedish company to provide recommendations for developing a prototypical information system for the company. The system’s goal was to consolidate data regarding the company’s supply chain and packaging conditions in order to find improvements in packaging development. The thesis employed the use of Soft Systems Methodology to aid with the system development process. A qualitative explorative study was designed for this purpose. Soft Systems Methodology was used after exploring alternative methodologies. This was chosen as the researchers found it important to engage the case company in the system development process. Four semi-structured interviews and two workshops with the relevant officials were the main methods of collecting data. Models such as a rich picture, CATWOE and PQR formula were utilized during the research to visualize important aspects of the system development process. As a result of the research, the researchers were able to provide the company with recommendations for how to further proceed with the development process. Another result of the study was that Soft Systems Methodology was able to unlock tacit information. The methodology also allowed for a consideration of the implementation of an iterative process to support the development. The results of this research suggest that introducing and making use of Soft Systems Methodology is very stimulating in an environment not already using it. The research provided insights needed for progress towards a successful implementation of a new information system, and contributes a real-world SSM case in a corporate environment. The researchers also suggest future opportunities for research that could further build on the work presented in the thesis.
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Uchiyama, Kenichi. "Reinterpreting Soft Systems Methodology (SSM) : introducing actuality in the field of management and information systems studies." Thesis, London School of Economics and Political Science (University of London), 1999. http://ethos.bl.uk/OrderDetails.do?uin=uk.bl.ethos.287752.
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Aquino, Pablo Lincoln Sherlock de. "Segurança do paciente na gestão de prontuários." Universidade Federal da Paraíba, 2015. http://tede.biblioteca.ufpb.br:8080/handle/tede/7496.
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Previous issue date: 2015-02-27<br>The Patient Safety has been, in the last decades a thematic evidenced in the Brazilian and world scenario. There are cases that refer to bad prescription, errors in medication administration , stress and professional disillusion. Attached to concerns regarding the quality of medical records, Patient Safety becomes a study of high importance for Risk Reduction, both for patients as for professionals and health services. Therefore, this study concerned to better understand the reality of management of records of Alcides Carneiro University Hospital (ACUH) a federal public institution in the city of Campina Grande, Paraíba. The aspirations for improvements in service hospital records, along with initial actions of ACUH Management Risk and Patient Safety Center, were the main indicators for this study to have its start up. The focus of this work was to understand the situation seen as problematic by the institution Hospital Records Division and, through observations and systemic reviews, identify opportunities for improvement. The methodology used was the Soft Systems Methodology (SSM), recognized worldwide in the management of public health services, especially in studies carried out in National Health Service (NHS) in Britain. The application of SSM had allowed greater understanding of how the records management is conducted in ACUH, and the main obstacles for attendance to Brazilian national guidelines Risk Management and Patient Safety. In addition to organizational learning, this study led to the construction of a project named the Medical Records Management Improvement Program (MRMIP), which may be applied by the administration of ACUH.<br>A Segurança do Paciente tem sido, nas últimas décadas, uma temática evidenciada no cenário nacional brasileiro e mundial. São casos que se referem à má prescrição, à administração de medicamentos de forma equivocada, ao estresse e à desilusão profissional. Atrelada à preocupação referente à qualidade dos registros médicos, a Segurança do Paciente é um estudo de suma importância para a Redução de Riscos, tanto para os pacientes quanto para os profissionais e serviços de saúde. Este estudo teve a preocupação de compreender melhor a realidade da gestão de prontuários do Hospital Universitário Alcides Carneiro (HUAC), instituição pública federal da cidade de Campina Grande, na Paraíba. Os anseios por melhorias no serviço de registros hospitalares, aliados às ações iniciais da Gerência de Risco e Núcleo de Segurança do Paciente do HUAC, foram os principais indicadores para que este estudo tivesse início. O foco foi compreender a situação tida como problemática pela Divisão de Registro Hospitalar da instituição e, por meio de observações e avaliações sistêmicas, identificar oportunidades de melhoria. A metodologia utilizada foi a Soft Systems Methodology (SSM), reconhecida mundialmente no âmbito da gestão em serviços de saúde pública, principalmente em estudos realizados pelo National Health Service (NHS), o serviço de saúde pública do Reino Unido. A aplicação da SSM ampliou o entendimento sobre a gestão de prontuários no HUAC, bem como apresentou os principais obstáculos para que sejam atendidas as diretrizes nacionais brasileiras de Gestão de Riscos e Segurança do Paciente. Além do aprendizado organizacional, este estudo propiciou a construção do Programa de Melhorias da Gestão de Prontuários (PMGP), que poderá ser aplicado pela administração do HUAC.
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SILVA, José Orlando Sousa da. "Qualidade em Serviços Logísticos: aplicação da Soft Systems Methodology (SSM) na avaliação da qualidade percebida quanto à distribuição dos medicamentos antirretrovirais do programa HIV/AIDS." Universidade Federal de Pernambuco, 2016. https://repositorio.ufpe.br/handle/123456789/18565.
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Previous issue date: 2016-07-27<br>As organizações hospitalares compreendem uma das mais complexas unidades gerenciais,
exigindo do gestor hospitalar da cadeia logística de medicamentos que, neste trabalho, são os
antirretrovirais, uma proficiência no seu gerenciamento. Pois uma falha na sua distribuição, a
percepção, quanto à qualidade do serviço oferecido, é imediatamente comprometida. Esta
pesquisa foi realizada no Hospital das Clínicas da UFPE e objetivou avaliar a percepção da
qualidade em relação à prestação de serviços logísticos no programa de medicamentos
antirretrovirais. Este é um estudo exploratório-descritivo de natureza qualitativa, realizado por
meio de entrevista semiestruturada, junto aos farmacêuticos e técnicos em farmácia do
hospital em estudo e coordenadores logísticos do programa HIV/AIDS da Secretaria Estadual
de Saúde. Um pilar, para o entendimento da qualidade em relação à prestação de serviços
logísticos, é a visão sistêmica do funcionamento da cadeia de distribuição através da Soft
Systems Methodology (SSM), a qual permitiu compreender seu funcionamento a partir das
diferentes percepções. Desta situação adveio à importância também em avaliá-la, com base
nas dimensões da qualidade percebida em serviços logísticos, quais sejam: confiabilidade no
prazo de entrega; confiabilidade da quantidade e do produto correto; flexibilidade no serviço
prestado; disponibilidade; apoio pós-entrega; armazenamento etc.; no sentido de realizar um
monitoramento mais apurado dos processos ou propor ações que previnam problemas futuros
no atendimento às necessidades dos profissionais do programa e usuários convivendo com o
HIV/AIDS. Os resultados obtidos possibilitaram uma avaliação detalhada do funcionamento
da cadeia logística dos medicamentos antirretrovirais, a importância de uma gestão eficiente
do estoque, do fluxo de informações e do planejamento real da demanda. Entende-se, então, a
necessidade de repensar a estrutura física atual no sentido de possibilitar um atendimento
humanizado aos usuários e familiares, e rever, junto à coordenação logística estadual, as
cláusulas contratuais firmadas. Por fim, ficou evidente que algumas dimensões avaliadas
demandam mudanças operacionais, tendo em vista o alto valor monetário agregado; e que o
acesso contínuo a terapia traz consigo, não só a satisfação dos profissionais e usuários, a
credibilidade dos serviços e a construção de uma imagem positiva, mas principalmente, o
aumento da sobrevida desses usuários.<br>Hospital organizations have one of the most complex unit managements, demanding from
drugs supply chain hospital manager, which in this paper is antiretroviral, a proficiency in
management. As a distribution failure occurs, the perception about the service quality offered
is immediately compromised. This research was conducted at the Hospital das Clínicas, UFPE
and aimed to evaluate the perception of quality related to logistic services provision in the
antiretroviral drug program. This is an exploratory-descriptive qualitative study, conducted
through semi-structured interviews with the study hospital’s pharmacists and pharmacy
technicians and logistical coordinators of the HIV/AIDS program from the State Department
of Health. A foundation to understand the quality associated to logistic services provision is a
systemic view about the supply chain operation through Soft Systems Methodology (SSM),
which allows the operation understanding from different perceptions. This situation also
originated the importance to evaluate it based on dimensions of perceived quality in any
logistic services: reliability in prompt delivery, amount and correct product reliability, service
flexibility, availability, post-delivery support, etc., in order to achieve a more accurate
monitoring process or propose actions to prevent future problems to program’s professionals
and users living with HIV/AIDS. The results enabled a detailed assessment of the supply
chain functioning from antiretroviral drugs, the importance of an efficient stock management,
the information flow and the real demand planning. It made to understand the need to rethink
the current physical structure in order to allow a humanized care to patients and families, and
review along with the state logistic coordination the contract terms signed. Finally, it was
clear that some dimensions evaluated require operational changes, considering the high
monetary value; and the continued access to therapy brings not only the professionals and
users’ satisfaction, the credibility of services and building a positive image, but mainly
increasing these users survival.
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Chatzipanagiotou, Niki. "Advancing an Academic Library's services through application of Soft Systems Methodology." Thesis, Linnéuniversitetet, Institutionen för informatik (IK), 2014. http://urn.kb.se/resolve?urn=urn:nbn:se:lnu:diva-36022.
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The Master thesis focuses on the application of Information Systems in the field of Library and Information Science. Within the context of organizational learning, a collaborative user-centered approach is used to produce desired system characteristics and future research suggestions. More specifically, this research study explores the library users’ and academic librarians’ perceptions of the current library discovery and access services as mediated through the Online Public Access Catalogue (OPAC) of the Academic Library of the School of Philosophy at Athens University in Greece. Additionally, it explores their desired characteristics for the ‘public facing’ Integrated Library System (ILS), of which the OPAC constitutes a module, in order to generate recommendations that guide the Academic Library staff members’ collaborative design of a more user-centered library information system. The study is built upon the systems thinking framework of Checkland’s Soft Systems Methodology (SSM). Applied theories and design processes guide research processes aimed at advancing both inclusive social learning and system improvements.
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Brunn, Vladimir. "Metodologie procesu firemní inovace na pozadí systémové teorie s aplikací na existující firmu." Master's thesis, Vysoká škola ekonomická v Praze, 2014. http://www.nusl.cz/ntk/nusl-198438.
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The main goal of this work is to develop an innovation framework for companies, with application on an existing company, that needs to pass through a process of innovation. In this document a new methodology is created by merging two theories into one. The first theory is a new created creative theory called "The Theory of Ten" (Teorie Deseti), in this case used for finding the initial conditions for innovation. The second theory is Systems Theory, more concretely Soft Systems Methodology. Both of the theories were partially adapted and merged to an unified unique methodology.
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Clayton, Richard J. "Investigating the development and delivery of integrated product-service systems." Thesis, Loughborough University, 2011. https://dspace.lboro.ac.uk/2134/9697.
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Driven by the highly cyclical nature of their increasingly commoditised product offerings, many capital goods manufacturers are seeing the benefits of delivering services integrated with their core product offerings. Whilst existing research is almost unanimous in advocating the value of a servitization strategy, understanding how these product-service systems (PSSs) can be developed and delivered remains a significant challenge. The closely related PSS field, which has its heritage in the environmental and social science disciplines, is more mature in this area and a number of models have been proposed. The research reported within this thesis contributes to knowledge by investigating whether the approaches to PSS development, reported within the PSS literature, reflects the PSS development practice of servitized manufacturers. More specifically, soft systems methodology was used to explore the delivery of PSSs within the UK railway industry in order to gain an understanding of the implications for developing new PSSs. With this understanding, the existing approaches to PSS development were evaluated with respect to one servitized manufacturer through an in-depth single case study. The findings highlighted a number of significant differences between the practice of the servitized manufacturer and the literature. A survey was used to investigate whether the differences were generalisable to a larger sample of servitized manufacturers. The findings point towards the simplification of the reported phases within PSS development and the inclusion of a number of previously unreported processes and activities. Based on these results a new model of PSS development is proposed to better reflect the practice of servitized manufacturers. The model, consisting of four phases and seventeen processes, was operationalised in the form of a workbook and tested through application. Applying the workbook resulted in the successful creation of a number of new PSS concepts.
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Hurych, Jan. "Analýza herní komunity pomocí metodologie měkkých systémů." Master's thesis, Vysoká škola ekonomická v Praze, 2015. http://www.nusl.cz/ntk/nusl-203868.
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This diploma thesis aims to analyse virtual gaming community and it's problems in case of community belonging to EU server of the game called World of Tanks. To solve these problems, Soft System Methodology by P. Checkland, is used. The thesis includes analysis of significance of gaming communities for the gaming industry as a whole. Gaming community is then defined as a soft system. There are 3 problems analysed in the practical part of the thesis using newer version of SSM. One iteration of learning cycle of this methodology is used to solve every single one of the presented problems. Problems are chosen by players using questionnaire. At the end, application of the SSM is evaluated for the domain of gaming communities in general and problems with its application are presented.
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Abdullah, Foziyah H. "Electronic patient records system in Hamad Medical Corporation, Qatar : perspectives and potential use." Thesis, Loughborough University, 2007. https://dspace.lboro.ac.uk/2134/8096.
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Since the 1990 the use of Electronic Patient Records (EPR) in health services has become increasingly prevalent world wide. EPR has become an important aspect of the continuous improvement of patient care. Transferring all patient records from paper based to electronic is now a priority for many health services. The research reported in this thesis is sponsored by Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC) to provide opportunity to explore the potential role for EPR in the Medical Records Department. The study has been designed to gain better understanding of the users perspectives with regard to the use of patient records. In order to analyse and understand the complex dynamic involved in the management and use of patient records, it was recognised that systems thinking offered an appropriate framework for this research. Soft System Methodology (SSM) was therefore applied to the analysis of the data and used to inform the development of a conceptual model. Using SSM in combination with the structured questionnaire survey and telephone semi-structured interview, triangulation of methods was achieved. Use of these generated rich data revealing for example the general dissatisfaction expressed with the existing manual patient records system, the lack of confidentiality, poor legibility, shortage of space and the frequent misfiling of records. The need to address these problems has informed the strategic plan for the development and implementation of EPR for HMC. The research has successfully addressed the stated aims and research questions and guided the formulation of proposals for improvements.
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Milioni, Konstantina. "Hospital Information Systems In Greece : Users' Perspectives." Thesis, Linnéuniversitetet, Institutionen för informatik (IK), 2016. http://urn.kb.se/resolve?urn=urn:nbn:se:lnu:diva-54560.
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Hospital Information Systems (HIS) are considering a significant aspect for supporting health care professionals in their work. However, a large number of them are often poor to provide the needed information for accomplishing various work activities in the oriented environment. The aim of this research is to address users’-Administrators and Clinicians- perceptions in order to gain a deeper knowledge about problems they encounter with daily work performed through IS. Additionally, the scope is extended into formulating suggestions through the employment of Soft System Methodology (SSM) that could bring improvements. A qualitative interpretive method with an inductive analysis was followed. Data collection completed through focus group interview sessions and the adoption of SSM three activities in order to acquire the complexity of the problem situation. Research findings revealed that despite IS Lisora serves as a tool for supporting users work operations, it causes significant problems in their daily operations since the information flow are not feasible. Thus, the research study suggests five feasible and desirable improvements that could improve the overall processes followed by the hospital’s users and bring improvements. In all, SSM was proved to be very efficient in identifying problems that exist. In this way proposed solutions to the problems were enlightened. The general hospital of Preveza shall benefit from the higher efficiency offered by the system, which in turn shall improve the quality of health-care services offered.
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Hoss, Marcelo. "Soft Systems Methodology como forma de operacionalizar o processo de estruturação da transformação Lean sob a perspectiva da escola de pensamento evolucionária : uma pesquisa-ação." reponame:Biblioteca Digital de Teses e Dissertações da UFRGS, 2011. http://hdl.handle.net/10183/28878.
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A publicação do livro “The machine that changed the world” de Womack et al. (1990) tornou popular no mundo ocidental o termo Lean, que segundo os autores seria a forma generalizada do sistema Toyota de produção. Desde então, a academia tem se dedicado a estudar diversos aspectos envolvidos com o Lean. Apesar do conhecimento teórico gerado, poucas empresas têm conseguindo aplicar esta estratégia de manufatura apropriadamente e experimentar os supostos benefícios. Este é o caso, por exemplo, da siderúrgica AGR (nome fictício). Em 2004, a empresa iniciou um programa formal para transformação Lean e poucos anos depois os esforços foram descontinuados. Recentemente, novos direcionamentos na empresa conduziram à retomada destes esforços. Neste contexto específico, um questionamento foi realizado: como os esforços Lean podem ser retomados e organizados na AGR? Cabe ressaltar que implicitamente este questionamento desdobrou em uma revisão da literatura que identificou diferentes pontos de vista teóricos sobre o fenômeno Lean. Neste sentido, Fujimoto (1999), como pensador mais proeminente da escola de pensamento evolucionária – utilizando uma abordagem interpretativista – argumenta que a Toyota apresenta uma capacidade de aprendizagem evolucionária que permite a emergência de um novo sistema de manufatura ao longo do tempo. A provável ausência desta capacidade de aprendizagem em empresas que buscam se tornar Lean indicaria uma das razões pelas quais se tem dificuldade em alcançar e sustentar este sistema. Observando a descrição desta capacidade na Toyota, verifica-se que a mesma ocorre via construção social da realidade. Desta forma, uma aprendizagem similar poderia ser gerada ao operacionalizar-se a Soft Systems Methodology no processo de estruturação da transformação Lean. Uma pesquisa-ação foi conduzida para avaliar esta possibilidade na prática e ao mesmo tempo auxiliar a AGR com a situação problemática na retomada dos esforços Lean.<br>The term lean became popular in the Western world after publication of "The machine that changed the world" (Womack et al., 1990) which argues it is the generalized form of the Toyota Production System. Since then, the academy has been investigating several aspects about it. Despite theoretical knowledge contribution, few companies have been able to implement this manufacturing strategy properly and, therefore, have experienced the supposed benefits. This is the case of AGR (fictitious name) steelmaking facility. The company started a lean transformation program in 2004 and few years later the efforts were discontinued. Recently new directions led other attempt at lean efforts. In this particular context, an inquiry was made: how the lean efforts can be organized and reinitiate in AGR? It is noteworthy that this implicitly unfolded a literature review that identified different theoretical views on the lean phenomenon. Fujimoto (1999) as the most prominent thinker of evolutionary school of thought – using an interpretivist approach – argues that Toyota has an evolutionary learning capability that enables the emergence of a new manufacturing system over time. The absence of a similar learning capability in companies seeking lean practices indicates one possible reason why they are difficult to achieve and sustain. Fujimoto (1999) describes it operating at Toyota through social construction of reality. Thus, a similar learning could be generated applying the Soft Systems Methodology as the structuration process for lean transformation. An action research was conducted to evaluate this proposition in practice and at the same time to help AGR in the attempt at lean efforts.
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Tesot, Longinus. "Managing Urban Sprawls in Cities of the Developing South : The Case of Slum Dwellers International." Thesis, Uppsala universitet, Institutionen för geovetenskaper, 2013. http://urn.kb.se/resolve?urn=urn:nbn:se:uu:diva-201388.
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This thesis seeks to review Urban Sustainability in cities of the Developing South within the broader spectrum of Sustainable Development. Notably, the Developing South has for many years struggled to embrace Sustainability in its general terms: in part, because of the fragile institutions that cannot be counted on to uphold sustainability in the truest sense of the word; and in part because of the numerous challenges that often distract any attempt to prioritize Sustainable Development. Sustainability then becomes an option in the midst of other options, rather than an option that should affect all other options. Narrowing it down further to matters urban makes it even stranger in a host of cities across the Developing South. It is against this backdrop that this study seeks to examine in depth the contextual challenges that have invariably stood in the way of Sustainable Development across the Developing South. While it may not be practically possible in a four-month study to offer outright solutions or recommendations that could address these challenges in entirety, this study nevertheless has endeavoured to stay true to the realities that are often ignored whenever challenges of Sustainable Development are mentioned on global platforms. Among these realities is the reality of slum presence in most cities of the Developing South that existentially complicates any equation for urban sustainability ever formulated to provide a way out or forward for these cities. State governments understand this too well, and so do Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) and international organizations alike involved in the crusade for improved living conditions for city resident, and in particular slum residents. Yet the State governments have never been as resolute in their quest for slum free cities. The question then remains: exactly what are the sustainable approaches for this noble cause? While the State governments have over the years insisted on enforcing conventional approaches (that include forced evictions, relocations and/ or redevelopment); one international network, however, thinks and responds differently to slum situations. The network is Shack/Slum Dwellers International (SDI). It is considerably this network of slum dwellers and their undeniably innovative approach to urban sustainability and inclusivity that largely frames the direction and general content of this study. Specifically, the methodology adopted in the study is one of a Case study - which in this case is SDI; and two separate Cases, namely Railway Relocation Action Plan (RAP) in Nairobi, Kenya and slum Re-blocking project in Joe Slovo, Cape Town, South Africa, respectively - as typical cases that captures in large part the enormous contribution that SDI is making towards inclusive and sustainable cities in the Developing South. In the discussion part, however, the study introduces Soft Systems Methodology (SSM) as a comparative methodology to SDI’s approach. SSM particularly benefits from LUMAS model and Social Learning – both key components that potentially reserve a dynamic capacity to enriching SDI’s approach as a future reference methodology for urban sustainability and inclusivity.
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Chimwe, Tapera. "Integrating project management and change management to reduce information and technology (it) project failure. A soft systems methodology (ssm) enquiry into a failing it project at UNHCR, South Africa." Master's thesis, Faculty of Engineering and the Built Environment, 2021. http://hdl.handle.net/11427/32569.
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Background to the study – The continued failure of Information and Technology (IT) projects has generated a lot of interest in literature in recent times despite huge capital investments into the industry. However, the failure is not only attributed to technical deficiencies but there is a growing realization, in literature, that there is a social dimension to the issue, one in which, presumably, traditional project managers do not have adequate skills in. The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) IT Manager, intends to introduce a new IT system but is faced with mutinous behavior by the users towards the project rendering it a possible failure. Purpose: It is the purpose of this study, to explore the possibility of equipping the project manager with the change management skill of communication using an appropriate methodology to see if this will bring about an improvement to the problem situation. Design/methodology/approach – The study takes an Action research approach, where the researcher is also a participant, using Soft Systems Methodology (SSM) to investigate the problem situation. The study deals with a fuzzy, non-linear problem with unclear objectives and users with different perspectives to the situation hence the appropriateness of SSM to the study. This is an Interpretive study that employs qualitative techniques for data collection in the form of interviews and observation. Data analysis is done through comparison of SSM model and the real world. Findings – To avoid possible user resistance to the introduction of new IT system, the project manager needs to ensure the users have a shared view and buy-in into the project. User participation in the decision-making process of the project throughout the life of the project ensures the users claim part-ownership to the project thereby reducing resistance. Recommendations – Training of the users, understanding their concerns, allowing the users to participate in decision making, consultation, debate, dialog, and finally incorporating these actions into implementing the project. These are actions that the project manager needs to take to improve the problematical situation. Practical Implications – This study gives insights on possible solutions to the continued reality of IT projects failure. Exploring the social side of IT projects and bringing in the dimension of possible integration of project management and change management disciplines brings an added perspective to the body of knowledge.
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Ebrahimi, Mohsen. "Support of SME´s in their Digital Transformation Journey : A study of the effectiveness of the SSM and EAM frameworks supporting family-owned manufacturing SME's taking on the digital transformation challenges." Thesis, Tekniska Högskolan, Jönköping University, JTH, Datateknik och informatik, 2020. http://urn.kb.se/resolve?urn=urn:nbn:se:hj:diva-49942.
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Digital Transformation (DT) opens up to new opportunities for companies by providing organizational flexibility and improving their business models. Due to lack of resources in form of financial power and qualified employees, family-owned manufacturing companies have a hard time reaching DT. However, these companies try their best to reach DT and along the road various challenges arise. The challenges that arise, result in a complex situation that is hard to understand. Organizations with complex situations have difficulties to perform successful IT initiatives that are required to reach DT. The aim of this study was to identify challenges that family-owned manufacturingSMEs (FOMSMEs) encounter when striving for DT. Another aim of this research was to investigate how useful Soft Systems Methodology (SSM) is in helping family-owned manufacturing SMEs to understand their own complex situation. Also, the managerial practice called Enterprise Architecture Management (EAM) has been investigated regarding its usefulness in helping family-owned manufacturing SMEs to reach DT faster and easier. As a fourth and final aim in this study, an artefact has been created with suggested actions that address the identified challenges that FOMSMEs encounter when striving for DT. By interviewing employees who have participated in IT initiatives at a family-owned manufacturing SME, this research has been able to answer the research questions. Several challenges were identified; communication errors, old systems and exceeding deadlines in projects. All of these challenges can, with the help of SSM, be associated with the identified root challenge: Lack of overview of IT-landscape and strategy. The informants’ thoughts of usefulness of SSM in family-owned manufacturing SMEs were positive. In contrast, the informants’ thoughts of usefulness of EAM in family-owned manufacturing SMEs were negative. The argument expressed by the informants was that as long as the owner family makes most of the decisions, a new managerial practice as EAM will not be useful in family-owned manufacturing SMEs.
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Karim, Sanaz. "Applying Systems Approach to Educational-Organizational Change : Improvement of an Interdisciplinary Program, Masters in Sustainable Development." Thesis, Uppsala universitet, Institutionen för biologisk grundutbildning, 2009. http://urn.kb.se/resolve?urn=urn:nbn:se:uu:diva-144408.
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After the introduction of the term, sustainable development, a variety of academicians from different disciplines tried to conceptualize it in their own way, drawing on these views, many different degrees but with similar titles have been established in many universities all around the world. Masters program in Sustainable Development (MSD) at Uppsala University and the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU) is one the most recent ones. Before starting this study, it was investigated that the expectations of the different actors in this program are not fulfilled completely. Presence of many different ideas and perspectives in addition to the high number of actors involved in the situation made the situation too complex to be fixed easily. Therefore, the Soft Systems Methodology (SSM), as an appropriate approach for improving complex problematic situations, is used to reform the organization of the MSD in coming years. The process of identifying the challenges of this program and then improving some of them in practice are described in this thesis. Alongside the action phase, the applications of Systems Approach in transformation of Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) are explored. It is investigated that three levels of learning, i.e. basic, meta- and epistemic learning, and accordingly three levels of organizational change, i.e. the first, second and third order, need to be recognized, if an ESD program is to be different from the unsustainable trends of education.
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Al-Kuwari, Wasmiya Dalhem M. D. "Information management within the Nursing Department at Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC), Qatar." Thesis, Loughborough University, 2005. https://dspace.lboro.ac.uk/2134/7811.
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Hamad Medical Corporation, the main healthcare provider in the state of Qatar, sponsored this study to investigate the use of electronic records management as the basis for a novel information management system in its Nursing Department. To assess the viability of an electronic records management system a questionnaire survey of a representative sample of the staff and interviews with key post holders were under taken. Results obtained indicated a wide spread dissatisfaction with the existing manual system. However, introduction of any computer-based technology requires great care. To assist with identifying any issues with this technological change, Soft System Methodology (SSM) was employed to discern what changes could be made to improve the current problematic situation found in the Nursing Department. In fact the change archetypes uncovered (procedural, attitudinal, structural and cultural) formed an innovative input into obtaining a roadmap for development of the electronic staff records system. This roadmap was facilitated by the use of Nominal Group Technique (NGT) and Interpretive Structural Modelling (ISM): In fact the roadmap was an ISM intent structure. The roadmap suggested that change could be affected by having written policy documents and the top goal to be achieved reflected an improvement in manpower placing and budgetary forecasts. The use of a multi-methods approach meant that as well as this study's main objectives being reached, the process encompassed some methodological innovations. This study is the first to use the output of SSM to facilitate the NGT and ISM interactions. Equally, it is the first study of its sort to be applied to the Nursing Department at HMC, Qatar, which is an example of a cross-cultural eastern philosophical tradition. The methods used here revealed some significant findings, and have helped in the development of an electronic records management system for use at HMC, Qatar.
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Kartaloglou, Elissavet, and Despina Fyntanoglou. "Improving the Interaction and Communication through the LMS Open eClass in Blended Learning." Thesis, Linnéuniversitetet, Institutionen för informatik (IK), 2015. http://urn.kb.se/resolve?urn=urn:nbn:se:lnu:diva-45286.
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Learning Management Systems (LMSs), in a blended learning educational environment, support face to face education and enable enhanced communication and interaction among instructors and students as well as among students. However, Technology-Enhanced Learning (TEL), which improves the learning process, does not come without challenges. The aim of this research is double fold. Firstly, it aims to explore users’ –instructors and students- perceptions on how the LMS Open eClass, in TEI of Athens Greece, supports and facilitates their communication and interaction. Secondly, based on users’ needs and desires, the study aims to formulate suggestions for improving communication and interaction through the platform. The study adopts an interpretivist stance and is built upon an inductive qualitative approach. Firstly, users’ perceptions are solicited through semi-structured interviews and the collected data are analyzed through the thematic analysis method. Subsequently, the study adopts Soft Systems Methodology (SSM) to capture the complexity of the situation, derived from the different worldviews of instructors and students in their association with Open eClass and emerge suggestions for improvements. The results indicate that Open eClass is used to facilitate instructors convey material and information to students, while neither meaningful communication and interaction nor collaboration is performed adequately through the platform. However, the users have expressed a positive disposition towards utilizing these capabilities of the platform, as they recognize their fundamental importance to learning, especially during an economic crisis which constraints the physical presence of many students in classes. Therefore, the study proposes three, accommodating to all, systemically desirable and culturally feasible changes that could improve the situation, mainly based on pedagogy. Overall, this research contributes to existing knowledge about the usage of LMS regarding interaction and communication in a blended learning environment by providing a holistic view on users’ perceptions and identifying changes capable to bring about improvements.
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Kočí, Jakub. "Unie studentů VŠE ze systémového pohledu." Master's thesis, Vysoká škola ekonomická v Praze, 2014. http://www.nusl.cz/ntk/nusl-193563.
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The aim of this diploma thesis is the preparation and foundation of the Students' Union of the University of Economics in Prague, which is done by Soft systems methodology. In order to achieve this aim, the thesis elaborates a theory of student organizations and student unions in the Czech Republic. It also compares a set of rules governing student organizations at chosen Czech universities with chosen foreign universities. The result of this comparison is that chosen foreign universities have more systematic policies towards their student organizations. The research part of this thesis contains Analysis two (social) and Analysis three (political) from the Soft systems methodology. The results of the research contains defined set of roles, norms, values and a distribution of power in the environment of student organizations at University of Economics. Practical part of the thesis brings two complete learning cycles of the Soft systems methodology including root definitions, CATWOE and models of purposeful activity. Based on these two learning cycles, the thesis defines the general limits of Soft system methodology for the foundation of student union at Czech universities.
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Tamtam, Abdurrzzag Giuma A. "A Framework for Exploring Information Systems Quality Perspectives." Doctoral thesis, Vysoké učení technické v Brně. Fakulta elektrotechniky a komunikačních technologií, 2008. http://www.nusl.cz/ntk/nusl-233430.
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Záměrem předložené disertační práce je porozumět tomu, jak investoři v konkrétním společenském kontextu vnímají význam kvality informačních systémů. Ze studia literatury zabývající se přístupy a rámci hodnocení kvality informačních systémů vyplývá, že tato kvalita je obecně hodnocena z hlediska striktního přístupu. V této práci je ukázáno, že kvalitu informačního systému lze smysluplně pochopit použitím interpretačního paradigmatu a že kvalita informačního systému je definována společensky a ovlivňována kontextem tohoto systému. Studie byla zahájena průzkumem dvaceti libyjských organizací. Podrobnější data byla získána z případové studie dvou vybraných libyjských organizací působících ve veřejném sektoru. Při empirické analýze nashromážděných dat bylo využito rámce mnohočetné perspektivy, který zahrnuje hlediska teorie strukturalizace, pojem mnohočetných perspektiv a metodologii měkkých systémů. V práci se dospělo ke zjištění, že: a) kvalita informačních systémů je pojata šíře, než je tomu u tradiční definice kvality, b) mnohočetné perspektivy kvality informačních systémů jsou ovlivněny opakovanou interakcí mezi investorem a institucionálními vlastnostmi kontextu informačního systému a že c) rozdílné hodnoty v kulturním prostředí a vnějším kontextu ovlivňují rozsah působnosti investora a interakce v kontextu informačního systému. Ze závěru práce vyplývá, že společenská skladba mnohočetných perspektiv kvality informačního systému je ovlivněna strukturalizačními procesy mezi investory a vlastnostmi v kontextu informačního systému.
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Singh, Bhanu Pratap. "KNOWLEDGE-GUIDED METHODOLOGY FOR SOFT IP ANALYSIS." Case Western Reserve University School of Graduate Studies / OhioLINK, 2015. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=case1409326533.
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Winter, Mark C. "Management, managing & managing projects : towards an extended soft system methodology." Thesis, Lancaster University, 2002. http://ethos.bl.uk/OrderDetails.do?uin=uk.bl.ethos.275436.
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Wu, Qinglong. "A SOFT-COMPUTING BASED SYSTEM LEVEL DESIGN SPACE EXPLORATION METHODOLOGY FOR SYSTEM-ON-CHIP DESIGNS." Diss., The University of Arizona, 2009. http://hdl.handle.net/10150/146065.
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This dissertation presents a novel intelligent embedded multi-objective multiple design space exploration methodology (IMODE) to support fast early system level System-on-Chip (SoC) design space exploration in order to improve design productivity and quality. The IMODE methodology uses two soft-computing technologies - a Pareto multi-objective genetic algorithm and a fuzzy logic system at their respective advantages to effectively and efficiently explore multiple large design spaces and make intelligent design decisions. The design space search process is guided by the Pareto multi-objective genetic algorithm to heuristically cover large design spaces and the design decision is performed by the fuzzy logic system based decision making engine which introduces another layer of computation intelligence on top of the intelligent design space search process. The IMODE methodology is unique and more comprehensive than many other existing SoC design space exploration methodologies in that design space exploration and decision making are two separated but still interdependent processes, and all heterogeneous design space explorations - computation/core exploration, communication architecture exploration, and physical design exploration, are integrated into a single SoC exploration flow and covered with a unified methodology which can significantly improve methodology continuity.
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Henckel, Svante. "Från föreställningar till relevanta system : Linköpings universitetsbibliotek analyseras med hjälp av Soft Systems Methodology." Thesis, Högskolan i Borås, Institutionen Biblioteks- och informationsvetenskap / Bibliotekshögskolan, 1996. http://urn.kb.se/resolve?urn=urn:nbn:se:hb:diva-17763.
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The background to this thesis is the impact of information technology on libraries and librarywork. If information technology causes changes in the tasks and work of libraries, thenlibrary organisations should also change. It is important to engage and inform the staff if suchchanges are to succeed. This thesis investigates the notions about library tasks and librarywork among eight "middle-managers" at Linkopings universitetsbibliotek.The investigation is based on interviews and then analysed with Soft Systems Methodology(SSM). By identifying the "Weltanschauung" of the staff, the thesis tries to create logicallydesirable and culturally feasible models of systems relevant to the situation at Linkopingsuniversitetsbibliotek. Based on the interviews, this thesis proposes two such models.The first model aims to make the library users competent to seek, find and evaluate their owninformation. The aim of the second model is to make library work more efficient by gettingthe staff to see themselves as parts of a process instead of isolated functions.
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De, Meij Garcia-Montoya Luisa Fernanda. "Systematic narratives : a study of an information system for the Colombian coffee industry." Thesis, University of Lincoln, 1997. http://ethos.bl.uk/OrderDetails.do?uin=uk.bl.ethos.387701.
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Hedlund, Johan, and Joel Lundberg. "Intressentanalys & kravhantering inom agil metod : med stöd av soft systems methodology." Thesis, Luleå tekniska universitet, Digitala tjänster och system, 2020. http://urn.kb.se/resolve?urn=urn:nbn:se:ltu:diva-79556.
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This study explores stakeholder analysis and requirements engineering within an agile project at a system development company requesting a case management system. Stakeholder analysis is commonly explored in traditional project planning studies, such as the waterfall model. In agile projects, on the other hand, it is not common to have a project-planning phase or to carry out a stakeholder analysis, often due to that a stakeholder analysis entail a long and extensive documentation. Our study explores how Soft Systems Methodology can be used in an agile project-planning phase as well as how rich pictures from the SSM support requirements engineering. The study is based on an agile method in which the project-planning phase is expected to deliver a product log, and hence a requirements list. Requirements are collected, modelled and validated together with users in the form of user stories where role, goals and purpose are expressed in a sentence. Stakeholders and roles are identified and analyzed using methods in Soft Systems Methodology, like "finding-out" analyses. The result is then presented in so called rich pictures of the current situation and in a future desired situation. The data collection is carried out together with informants at the case company in the form of observations and semi-structured interviews. The result of the study indicates how rich pictures from SSM can support the start-up of an agile project.<br>Denna studie utforskar intressentanalys och kravinsamling inom ett agilt projekt på ett systemutvecklingsföretag som efterfrågar ett ärendehanteringssystem. Intressentanalyser är vanligt förekommande och utforskade i traditionella förstudier så som enligt vattenfallsmodellen. I agila projekt är det däremot vanligt att en förstudie inte utförs eller att förstudien inte innehåller en intressentanalys, ofta på grund av att intressentanalyser innebär lång och omfattande dokumentation. Vår studie utforskar hur Soft Systems Methodology kan användas i en agil förstudie samt hur rika bilder från SSM stöttar kravhantering. Studien utgår från an agil metod där förstudien förväntas leverera en produktlogg, där studiens fysiska bidrag blir en kravlista. Krav samlas in, modelleras samt valideras tillsammans med användare i formen av användarhistorier där roll, mål och syfte uttrycks i en mening. Intressenter och roller identifieras och analyseras med hjälp av metoder inom Soft Systems Methodology, som exempelvis ”finding out”-analys. Resultatet presenteras därefter i så kallade rika bilder över nuvarande situation samt i en framtida önskad situation. Datainsamlingen görs tillsammans med informanter på ett fallföretag i form av observationer och semistrukturerade intervjuer. Utfallet av studien visar hur den rika bilden från SSM kan stödja uppstarten av ett agilt projekt.
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Eshtehardi, Shahbeik Mahsa. "Enable citizens to monitor and protect the environment using Web 2.0 tools." Thesis, Linnéuniversitetet, Institutionen för datavetenskap, fysik och matematik, DFM, 2012. http://urn.kb.se/resolve?urn=urn:nbn:se:lnu:diva-19839.
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Although information systems have had a great impact on environmental information, they can still influence how the environment is protected through the use of new technology. In this study, it was revealed that while the majority of people, including citizens, environmental experts and related civil servants are active and collaborate in this domain, they are still concerned about it. While information is found to be a key player, it is necessary to find a system that can lead it from the source to the proper destination. Consequently this study investigates how environmental information can be shared and more easily accessed. Different actors in the system create the opportunity to have more holistic view of the problem at hand. Soft systems methodology inspires me to draw requirements of different groups of actors, represent diverse conceptual models of their desired system and eventually examine a proposed information system. The study characterises a framework for employing Web 2.0 technology to facilitate the collaboration and coordination of environmental information with the goal of protecting the environment.
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Delbridge, Rachel. "The application of soft systems methodology to library management system design : a case study of a law firm." Thesis, Manchester Metropolitan University, 2003. http://ethos.bl.uk/OrderDetails.do?uin=uk.bl.ethos.289624.
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Hindle, Giles Anthony. "Developing a systemic textual analysis method based on the human activity system modelling language of soft systems methodology." Thesis, University of Lincoln, 2003. http://ethos.bl.uk/OrderDetails.do?uin=uk.bl.ethos.400869.
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Vat, Kam Hou. "REALSpace AKE : an appreciative knowledge environment architected through soft systems methodology and scenario-based design." Thesis, University of Macau, 2011. http://umaclib3.umac.mo/record=b2492481.
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Warren, Scott Joseph. "A Multi-Methodology Study of the Historic Impact of Soft Systems Methodology and Its Associated Data Visualization Approach in the Context of Operations and Business Strategy." Thesis, University of North Texas, 2018. https://digital.library.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metadc1404615/.
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The purpose of this three-essay dissertation was to expand knowledge and theory regarding soft systems methodologies (SSMs) and data visualization approaches in business, engineering, and other social sciences. The first essay depicts a bibliometric analysis study of the historic impacts of SSM from 1980-2018 on business, engineering, and other social sciences fields. This study found 285 articles that described or employed SSM for research and included outcomes such as top SSM authors, author citation impacts, common dissemination outlets, time-bound distribution of publications, and other relevant findings. This study provided a picture of who, what, why, when, and where SSM has had the greatest impact on academic thought and practice. The second essay presents research on the academic impact of Systemigrams, an associated data visualization approach, finding examples of conceptual or research development that employed Systemigrams to depict complex problem situations. Recommendations for improvement of designing these data visualizations to increase their field use resulted from this study. The final essay leverages a selection of the articles as use cases to produce a grounded theory study to identify phenomena that arose from the use of SSM for operations and firm strategy research. This study identified two broad themes including (i) scope, structure, and process challenges and (ii) performance and evaluation limitations. These themes were explained by six patterns that emerged from the publications. Each produced change recommendations for SSM process, practice, and reporting to support its continued viability and adoption in business and operations research.
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Larsen, Åse, and Tove Mantzakanis. "System Usability : a case study at the County Council of Blekinge." Thesis, Blekinge Tekniska Högskola, Institutionen för programvaruteknik och datavetenskap, 2003. http://urn.kb.se/resolve?urn=urn:nbn:se:bth-1602.
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The human factor constitutes a major element in the interaction with computers and computer systems. Responding to cognitive, social and organisational issues, the user of a system becomes an important part in system design, which earlier was paid very little attention to. These are the basics in the field of Human Computer Interaction (HCI) developed in order to enhance computer system usability. The theoretical framework applied our thesis is thus based on the principles of Human Computer Interaction. This thesis includes a case study at the e-commerce project at the County Council of Blekinge. We have chosen to focus on system development, technical and organisational approach within the e-commerce project. Our research is based on project documentation, literature and interviews with users of the system. The conclusion of our thesis shows that system usability is achieved within the system development and organisational approach. Within the technical approach verification of system usability cannot be made.<br>Den mänskliga faktorn utgör ett viktigt element vid interaktionen mellan datorer och datorsystem. Sett utifrån ett kognitivt, socialt och organisatoriskt perspektiv utgör användarna därför en mycket viktig del av system design, vilket tidigare inte alltid uppmärksammats. Detta är grunden i Human Computer Interaction HCI, en vetenskap som har vuxit fram för att förbättra system användarvänlighet. I vår rapport har vi baserat vårt teoretiska ramverk på principer från HCI. Vår uppsats inkluderar en fallstudie av ett e-handelsprojekt som drivs av Landstinget Blekinge. Vi har studerat hur man involverat användarna i projektet och systemets implementering från ett systemutvecklings, tekniskt samt organisatoriskt perspektiv. Vår undersökning är baserad på projektdokumentation, litteratur och intervjuer av projektledare samt systemets användare. Vår slutsats visar att man genom projektet uppnått användarvänlighet från ett systemutvecklings samt organisatoriskt perspektiv. Användarvänlighet från ett tekniskt perspektiv kan däremot inte verifieras.
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Medeiros, Mirna de Lima. "Indicações geográficas, turismo e desenvolvimento territorial: uma análise sistêmica da indicação de procedência do queijo minas artesanal do Serro." Universidade de São Paulo, 2015. http://www.teses.usp.br/teses/disponiveis/96/96132/tde-04012016-135644/.
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Indicações Geográficas (IG) são institutos da propriedade intelectual aplicáveis a bens e serviços que se caracterizam pelo local de onde são originados (coletados, produzidos ou fabricados), envolvendo questões ambientais, históricas e socioculturais particulares. Segundo a normatização brasileira, podem ser de dois tipos: indicações de procedência (IP) ou denominações de origem (DO). Às IGs são atribuídas diversas vantagens entre as quais destacam-se seu uso co0mo instrumento de proteção legal (do produtor e do consumidor); como instrumento mercadológico de diferenciação e incremento de valor ao produto registrado e a produtos relacionados; como mecanismo de preservação (do patrimônio natural, cultural e histórico, tangível e intangível); e como mecanismo de desenvolvimento social e econômico. Nesse último sentido, o desenvolvimento do Turismo aparece muitas vezes como atividade emergente. A essa atividade é atribuída capacidade de amplificação de questões tais como a geração de emprego e renda e permanência da população no meio rural; de reforço à indicação geográfica; ou ainda como desencadeador do interesse pela obtenção da IG. As indicações geográficas são colocadas como políticas públicas de proteção intelectual que visam o desenvolvimento sustentável, mas há que se considerar as complexas relações e pluralidade de atores existentes nos sistemas territoriais decorrentes de sua propositura. Assim sendo, o presente trabalho se propôs a analisar o sistema territorial conformado pela implementação de uma indicação geográfica. A proposta se realizou por meio do estudo de caso de uma região que possui indicação de procedência de queijo (Região do Serro, em Minas Gerais) com uma abordagem sistêmica embasada na soft system methodology (SSM). Tal metodologia se mostrou a mais indicada para compreensão de sistemas complexos dotados de diversos atores e inter-relações, como o objeto em tela. O esforço de pesquisa pode ser considerado exploratório-descritivo de viés quanti-qualitativo. A coleta de dados envolveu análise documental; observação direta em duas visitas à região; entrevistas (com 14 sujeitos); e questionário (com 103 respostas válidas). A análise se deu preponderantemente por meio de análise de conteúdo e estatística descritiva. Houve o uso dos softwares N-vivo, na análise de conteúdo e triangulação de dados, e Visio, na construção de figura rica. O seu marco teórico principal é o de Políticas Públicas e Desenvolvimento Territorial, mas a proposta se faz transdisciplinar na medida em que engloba também questões de Direito, Turismo, entre outras. O sistema territorial conformado pela implementação do registro de IG é particular a cada caso. O do Serro se caracterizou pela participação de instancias locais, regionais, federais e internacionais. Os resultados obtidos indicam que o registro de indicação de procedência, por si só, não gera todos os aspectos do desenvolvimento territorial preconizados pela proposta de IGs. Há, entretanto, alguns elementos do desenvolvimento territorial que podem ter sido estimulados durante o processo de obtenção do registro. São aspectos do capital: humano, físico-econômico e social. Com relação ao uso turístico, verificou-se atitude favorável a atividades relacionadas ao queijo, bem como a existência de seu consumo durante e após a visita, contudo há desconhecimento quanto à IG. Por fim, percebe-se potencial (tanto para o produto em si, quanto para outros setores tais como o turismo) ante a eminente implementação do uso do registro já obtido.<br>Geographical indications (GI) are intellectual property institutions applicable to assets and services characterized by their place of origin (gathered, produced, or manufactured) and involve specific environmental, historical and socio-cultural issues. According to the Brazilian regulations, they are divided into two types: indication of origin and designation of origin. Several advantages are attributed to the GIs such as their use as a tool for legal protection (for both producer and consumer), as market tool for differentiation and unlocking value of registered and related products, as a mechanism of preservation (of natural, cultural and historical assets, both tangible and intangible), and as mechanism of social and economic development. In the latter meaning, the development of Tourism often figures as an emerging activity, to which is attributed the capability of intensifying issues such as generation of jobs and income, and the permanence of the rural population, the capability of reinforcing the geographical indications, or as factor to foster the interest in obtaining the GI. The geographical indications are set as public policies of intellectual protection aimed at sustainable development; however, it is important to consider the complex relations and variety of players existing in the territorial system resulting from their proposition. In this manner, the present work seeks to analyze the territorial system formed by the implementation of a geographical indication. The proposed research is to be fulfilled by means of the case study of a region with a cheese indication of origin (Serro, Minas Gerais), with a systemic, soft system methodology-based approach. This methodology proved the most indicated to understand complex systems which present multi-players and inter-relations, such as the object in perspective. These are exploratory-descriptive, quantitative and qualitative-biased research efforts. Data gathering involved document analysis, direct observation during visits to the studied region, interview (with 14 subjects), and questionnaire (that obtained 103 valid responses). The analysis was predominantly done by means of content analysis and descriptive statistics. The N-Vivo software was used in the content analysis and data triangulation, and the Visio software was used in the rich figure construction. Its main theoretical background is Public Policies and Territorial Development, although the proposal is interdisciplinary since it also includes subjects regarding Law and Tourism, among other. The territorial system formed by the implementation of a geographical indication is particular to each case. The one of Serro is characterized by the participation of local, regional, federal and international instances. The obtained results indicate that the registration of indication of origin on its own it is not enough to generate all the aspects of territorial development attributed to the GIs\' proposal. There are some elements of the territorial development that might have been stimulated by the registration process. They refer to aspects of human, economic and social capitals. Concerning touristic use of the GI, we found favorable attitude to activities related to cheese, also the existence of consumption, during and after the visit, although there is a lack of knowledge about the GI. Moreover potential (to the product and to other sectors as Tourism) is perceived in the present context of seeking for use of the registry obtained
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Chan, Eric Wai Leung, and eric_wl_chan@yahoo com hk. "Knowledge Management (KM) Using Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) System." RMIT University. Property, Construction and Project Management, 2009. http://adt.lib.rmit.edu.au/adt/public/adt-VIT20091021.121704.
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The construction industry has long been criticized as being not advance enough to use information communication technology (ICT) and slow to adopt knowledge management (KM). This research demonstrates how using an effective and efficient ICT systems can improve KM, and that an enterprise resource planning (ERP) system can be one tools to help improve KM. An ERP system is also a powerful tool to help integrate business processes which has particular use in the construction industry. The principle objective of this research was to explore the drivers and inhibiters that determined successful adoption and use of an ERP system at its actual implementation stage. Secondly, it aimed to identify successful factors of a partnering strategy and its integration into the ERP system. The third objective was to investigate the appropriate leadership style that influenced the ERP system and the partnering strategy, and to identify the impact of culture on the leadership style. The research was conducted within the context of a Hong Kong construction organization. This research makes a contribution in two spheres: PM and the construction industry. The first implication for PM theory is to illustrate how knowledge has been efficiently managed within a construction organization by using ICT/ERP.
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Bunch, Martin. "An Adaptive Ecosystem Approach to Rehabillitation and Management of the Cooum River Environmental System in Chennai, India." Thesis, University of Waterloo, 2000. http://hdl.handle.net/10012/993.
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This research investigates the application of an adaptive ecosystem approach to the problem of the Cooum River and environs in Chennai (formerly Madras), India. The Cooum River is an extremely polluted urban stream that flows into the Bay of Bengal through the heart of Chennai, India's fourth largest metropolis. During the dry (non-monsoon) season, the upper reaches of the river are dry and flow in the river may be attributed primarily to the production of sewage by the city's population. The river is essentially a foul-smelling open sewer.
Complexity of the problem is due as much to human factors (population growth, poverty, uncontrolled urban development, jurisdictional conflicts, modes of behaviour of the citizenry, and institutional culture) as to physical characteristics of the system (flat topography, tidal action, blockage of the river mouth by sand bar formation, and monsoon flooding). Uncertainty in the situation is both structural (regarding main processes and activities in the system and the nature of relationships among the various actors and elements), and parametric (having to do with scarcity, poor quality and restricted access to data).
This work has drawn upon methods and techniques of Adaptive Environmental Management and Soft Systems Methodology to operate the ecosystem approach and address the problem. Specifically, this has involved a series of workshops which have brought together planners, researchers, NGOs, and other stakeholders in a participatory process oriented toward problem definition, system identification and conceptualization, determination of objectives for management, and the generation and exploration of management interventions. In addition, a central component of the program has been the development of a loosely-coupled GIS, environmental simulation model, and a decision support module. This is based upon a framework provided by participants in the first workshop in the series, and operationalizes a common understanding of the system.
In addition to generating new insight into the nature of the problem situation, the research has provided a potentially useful tool to planners, managers and researchers in Chennai in the form of a GIS database and decision support system (DSS). Aside from the tool itself, it was found that the process of developing a conceptual model, and attempting to represent this in the DSS has made a significant contribution to understanding of the Cooum system. In particular, this process forced assumptions to be stated explicitly and publically, highlighted areas of uncertainty and led to new understanding in participants' conception of the problem situation. The program of research also provided a much needed forum for open debate and exchange of information which was removed from the restrictive institutional culture of government departments.
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Peng, Chen. "Improve the Method for Requirements Analysis on Commercial Information System." Thesis, Blekinge Tekniska Högskola, Avdelningen för för interaktion och systemdesign, 2005. http://urn.kb.se/resolve?urn=urn:nbn:se:bth-1405.
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This thesis states the tasks of the analyst: communicating with commercial customer to establish their requirements; reframing those requirements by negotiation in order that programmers can understand it to write the codes efficiently. Soft System Methodology (SSM) is an effective approach to identify the situation of the problem. In my thesis, I will improve a new business – oriented method that is called Process Improvement for Strategic Objectives (PISO) with SSM to make PISO have more efficiency and more quality. My first scientific contribution is to find the relationship between SSM and information system, explore how to adopt Soft System Methodology into a commercial information system analysis. Then I will do detailed research regarding how to improve PISO method with SSM.
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Donaires, Omar Sacilotto. "A natureza sistêmica das capacidades dinâmicas: uma abordagem evolutiva à estratégia organizacional." Universidade de São Paulo, 2018. http://www.teses.usp.br/teses/disponiveis/96/96132/tde-20112018-103708/.
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A teoria sobre as capacidades dinâmicas acolhe influências de várias teorias que a antecederam no campo da economia, da teoria das organizações e da estratégia. Em função dessas influências variadas, seu construto central, a capacidade dinâmica, tornou-se complexo e multifacetado. Vários autores especulam acerca da natureza e da evolução das capacidades dinâmicas. A percepção que se tem a partir das definições fornecidas pelos autores seminais é de que a natureza das capacidades dinâmicas é sistêmica e evolutiva. Em particular, é perceptível a afinidade do conceito de capacidades dinâmicas com duas abordagens sistêmicas específicas: o modelo do sistema viável (viable system model, VSM) e a metodologia sistêmica soft (soft systems methodology, SSM). Entretanto, apesar dessa aparente afinidade das capacidades dinâmicas com a visão sistêmica, estudos que relacionem os dois domínios da literatura são muito raros. Praticamente inexistem trabalhos que apliquem o VSM ou a SSM no estudo ou na administração de capacidades dinâmicas. O objetivo desta pesquisa é investigar a natureza e a evolução das capacidades dinâmicas sob uma perspectiva sistêmico-evolutiva. Como descrever a natureza das capacidades dinâmicas segundo uma perspectiva sistêmico-evolutiva? Como operacionalizar uma abordagem de administração evolutiva de capacidades dinâmicas através de metodologias sistêmicas como o VSM e a SSM? Essas são as perguntas que orientam este estudo. Através de revisão narrativa de literatura, a visão de capacidades dinâmicas e as teorias que a influenciaram foram analisadas e relacionadas com a visão sistêmica. Além disso, na falta de artigos que relacionassem os dois domínios da literatura, empreendeu-se uma revisão integrativa de literatura com artigos que tratam sobre a construção, desenvolvimento, evolução, obtenção, manutenção, mobilização e gerenciamento de capacidades dinâmicas. Esses artigos foram submetidos à análise categorial, uma variante da análise de conteúdo, para verificar a ocorrência de temas relacionados ao VSM e à SSM. Como resultado da revisão narrativa, demonstrou-se que a visão de capacidades dinâmicas está intimamente relacionada com a visão sistêmica, inclusive com o VSM e a SSM. Essa relação é uma herança da relação que as teorias que influenciaram a visão de capacidades dinâmicas já possuíam com a visão sistêmica. A revisão integrativa de literatura com análise de conteúdo permitiu concluir que (1) as capacidades dinâmicas têm, de fato, uma natureza evolutiva, (2) a intervenção da administração tem um papel importante na construção e na evolução de capacidades dinâmicas, e (3) essa intervenção pode ocorrer de duas maneiras básicas, que se chamou de evolução por projeto e evolução por aprendizagem, que se relacionou, respectivamente, às abordagens do VSM e da SSM. As descobertas da pesquisa foram sintetizadas em um modelo sistêmico evolutivo de organização que possui múltiplas vistas: um modelo hierárquico de administração de recursos e capacidades, um modelo recursivo de competências, um modelo recursivo de capacidades, um modelo de evolução de capacidades e um modelo de administração evolutiva baseado no VSM e na SSM. A pesquisa oferece uma contribuição teórica, no que diz respeito à compreensão da natureza sistêmica das capacidades dinâmicas. A pesquisa também oferece uma contribuição prática, ao propor a administração evolutiva, operacionalizada através do VSM e da SSM, como uma abordagem para o gerenciamento das capacidades dinâmicas.<br>The theory of dynamic capabilities gathers influences from several theories that preceded it in the fields of economics, organizational theory and strategy. Due to these varied influences, its core construct, the dynamic capability, ended up to become complex and multifaceted. Several authors speculate about the nature and the evolution of dynamic capabilities. The perception that we have from the definitions provided by the seminal authors is that the nature of dynamic capabilities is systemic and evolutionary. In particular, it is noticeable the affinity of the dynamic capability concept with two specific systems approaches: the viable system model (VSM) and the soft systems methodology (SSM). However, despite this seemingly affinity of dynamic capabilities with systems approach, studies that relate both realms of the literature are very scarce. There are practically no studies that apply the VSM or SSM in the study or the management of dynamic capabilities. The goal of the present research is to investigate the nature and the evolution of dynamic capabilities under a systemic-evolutionary approach. How to conceive the nature of dynamic capabilities according to a systemic-evolutionary perspective? How to operationalize an evolutionary management approach to dynamic capabilities by using systems methodologies such as the VSM and SSM? These are the questions that drive this research. By means of a narrative literature review, the dynamic capabilities view and the theories that influenced it were analyzed and related with systems thinking. In addition, given the lack of articles that relate both realms of the literature, an integrative literature review was undertaken with articles that address the construction, development, evolution, attainment, maintenance, deployment and management of dynamic capabilities. These articles were submitted to categorical analysis, a variation of content analysis, to verify the occurrence of themes related to the VSM and SSM. As a result of the narrative literature review, we showed that the dynamic capabilities view is closely related to the systems thinking, including to the VSM and SSM. This relation in an inheritance of the relation that the theories that influenced the dynamic capabilities view already had with systems thinking. The integrative literature review with content analysis led to the conclusion that (1) the dynamic capabilities do have an evolutionary nature, (2) the intervention of management has an important role in building and evolving dynamic capabilities, and (3) this intervention can take two basic approaches, that we named evolution by design and evolution by learning, which we respectively related to the approaches of the VSM and SSM. The findings of the research were synthesized in a evolutionary system model of the organization that has several multiple views: a hierarchical model for resources management, a recursive model of competences, a recursive model of capabilities, a capabilities evolution model and a model for evolutionary management based on the VSM and SSM. The research provides a theoretical contribution, which regards the understanding of the systemic nature of dynamic capabilities. The research also provides a practical contribution, as it proposes evolutionary management, operationalized by applying the VSM and SSM, as an approach to the management of the dynamic capabilities.
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Crowe, Peter. "The design of dialogue." Click here to access this resource online, 2008. http://hdl.handle.net/10292/401.
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With the first commitment of the Kyoto Protocol commencing in 2008, many signatory governments have identified bio fuels as a favoured response to the problem of fulfilling their countries' pledges to reduce total greenhouse gas emissions to 1990 levels. Despite the tendency for pressure over climate change to expedite the commercialisation process, detailed evaluation of the claimed benefits, likely efficacy or environmental impact of bio fuels in New Zealand in the form of the Bio fuels Sales Obligation policy (BSO): a mandate place on the Oil Companies to supply a percentage of bio fuel. Systems thinking propound the notion of complex interrelatedness: a pivotal concept in our current understanding of the cumulative effects of greenhouse gas emissions and their relationship to climate change. It also recognizes that the multiple ways in which different stakeholders perceive a contentious question are an integral feature of any problematical situation. By applying systems concepts to qualitative research, Soft Systems Methodology (SSM) is therefore particularly suitable for the analysis of multiple stakeholder discourse in this situation. The present study employs SSM to examine stakeholder opinion through the construction of conceptual models in the form of rich pictures and root definitions. The researcher invited diverse stakeholders to ‘see what they were thinking’ and reflect upon the beliefs and assumptions that informed their views with respect to New Zealand bio fuels development. With reference to official documentation arising from the policy development process and through a series of interviews and a focus group, the research examines perceptions of the consultation process on bio fuels development and its contribution to informed decision-making. The study data indicates that the scope of enquiry tended to be restricted by early presuppositions regarding the consultation process and its desired outcomes, which consequently shifted the focus of consultation the enquiry from an assessment of the desirability of bio fuels to an appraisal of the feasibility of government policy. However inadvertently, communication was distorted. The research examines the basic assumptions that shaped the discourse and enabled already established opinions to prevail. Furthermore, the thesis explores how using SSM to surface tacit assumptions and challenge proposed models of intervention can help improve the reflexivity of discourse and decision-making. By ensuring open communication remains at the centre of discourse, SSM could provide a means of establishing productive conditions for learning and co-creative dialogue. Consequently the study has important implications for how the ‘health’ of public discourse in New Zealand might be sustained when addressing other similarly complex issues.
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Herrera, Alfredo. "Open Source Hardware for Human Development." Thesis, Université d'Ottawa / University of Ottawa, 2015. http://hdl.handle.net/10393/33399.
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Human Development is not a term used in casual conversation, it describes the current approach used by large aide international development organizations like the United Nations; but most people are familiar with the terms “emergency relief” and “humanitarian intervention”. Emergency relief focuses on providing assistance to save lives, alleviate suffering, or protect populations; while human development uses various societal levers to improve living conditions. The United Nation has been publishing an annual report on human development since 1990 (UNDP 1990), and it is widely recognized as a consistent measure of global living conditions. Development strategies revolve around a transfer of something valuable to an aided population: education, vaccination, fertilizers, etc. In technology-based human development projects, technology artefacts (a medical record computer system, solar electrification systems, irrigation) and related knowledge (education, operation and maintenance instruction) are those valuables being transferred. The benefits of technology are specific to each economy, and dependant on how quickly technology is adapted and integrated in the local economy (Cypher & Dietz 2008). The value of ideas increases to the degree they can be shared with and used by others (Houghton & Sheehan 2000): the more knowledge is diffused and adopted, the greater its value. The success of free and open-source software exemplifies this principle, and a growing number of scholars agree that the model also applies to hardware (Balka et al. 2009; Thompson 2008). This thesis presents research on open source hardware and its knowledge-sharing approach as a means to human development. It presents a model that leverages the collaborative design methodology of open hardware for adoption of artefacts that address pressing “humanitarian technology” needs, for example, in health or education. To achieve this, critical literature reviews on open source and on technology-based human development are first done; the findings from literature are then complemented with the findings from interviews and case studies to model a sustainable deployment strategy for open source use in human development projects. Adopting the human development paradigm defined in the first Human Development Report (“HDR1990”), which aims at three people-centered aspirations: to live a long and healthy life, to be educated and to have access to resources needed for a decent standard of living (UNDP 1990). This thesis research models its deployment strategy using the Soft Systems Methodology (SSM), showing that: (a) open source hardware, like any technology used in development, can magnify effective development programs when used appropriately; (b) Dr. E.F. Schumacher’s appropriate technology principles, and P. Polak’s reinstatement, mesh very well with the open source methodology, as long as required constituents in the aided communities are taken care of (availability of electricity, internet access, technical know-how, etc.); (c) extreme affordability is particularly important for open source hardware, because a sustainable strategy is based on the belief that aided population would want to procure these artifacts if they improve their earning potential; (d) participatory human development practices work well with the open source methodology, but “solutions” must be fully verified before deployment. This document is structured in 5 chapters: introduction, literature review, research strategies, case studies and interviews, and conclusion. The appendix include three articles published on parallel work for the Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers (IEEE) on defining a strategy for the IEEE’s use of opens source technology in their humanitarian activities. This research provides insight into the new topic of open source hardware and its proposed use in the mission critical context of international development; because entrepreneurship is a key enabler to the strategy it describes, I hope the research can support future work on that aspect.
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Oh, Kyung-Mook. "Electronic networks and information services in South Korean universities." Thesis, Loughborough University, 1997. https://dspace.lboro.ac.uk/2134/7426.
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Electronic networking is becoming a familiar tool in higher education and research. Because the cost of telecommunications is decreasing, while the power of electronic networks and related computing resources is increasing, the resources and systems of electronic networks can now be used more easily. Access to the new global system of electronic networking has a great potential for the development of information services in South Korea. The principal aim of the research presented here is to determine what campus-wide and nation-wide information system will enable academic and research institutions in South Korea to share their information resources in an effective and efficient way via high-speed networks. The situation in South Korea has been modelled using Checkland's soft systems methodology. Data have been collected via both questionnaires and interviews, using a stratified sample of six South Korean universities as the main source. The factors at work have been examined, and the implications for the university system and for electronic networking in South Korea are considered.
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Malackanič, Roman. "Analýza komplexného systému firmy." Master's thesis, Vysoká škola ekonomická v Praze, 2014. http://www.nusl.cz/ntk/nusl-193320.
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This diploma thesis focuses on the analysis of a particular soft complex system in the company. This system is a running car service with a determined problem situation. This system and its problem is then evaluated in terms of soft systems methodology, system dynamics and critical systems heuristics. The theoretical section provides concepts to understand the complexity and also individual system approaches. As beneficial of work I consider the practical part, which is aimed to the analysis of complex real-world system using the selected approaches as well as an evaluation of these approaches. Main purpose is to bring comparisons and suggestions for improvement and also a broader view to the system. All of this increases information value of approaches and we are able to deliver more relevant information. Thesis is therefore focused not only to deal with examples from practice but also to extend the selected theories within the system approaches.
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Pařízek, Jan. "Aplikace systémové teorie na proces vývoje webu." Master's thesis, Vysoká škola ekonomická v Praze, 2016. http://www.nusl.cz/ntk/nusl-203863.
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This diploma thesis applies the principles of systemic thinking to the current web design process. It focuses on dealing with the issues related to conflicts and diversity of opinions among individual members of the team working on web design. In the theoretical part, this thesis deals with topic areas and activities relevant for modern approach to web design and the overall role of the user during the design process. In the practical part, the team responsible for web design is viewed as a soft complex system, to which Checklands soft system methodology is applied as a problem-solving tool.
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Gu, Zhenhong. "Approaches to energy efficient building development : studying under Chinese contexts." Licentiate thesis, Stockholm : Industriell ekologi, Kungliga Tekniska högskolan, 2007. http://urn.kb.se/resolve?urn=urn:nbn:se:kth:diva-4534.
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Agiorgitis, Georgios, Mohamed Bennani, Mixalis Drakoularakos, and Paul John McConnon. "Digital Wall : The University’s learning and information space." Thesis, Linnéuniversitetet, Institutionen för informatik (IK), 2017. http://urn.kb.se/resolve?urn=urn:nbn:se:lnu:diva-62472.
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A North American university is engaged in a large transformation project involving the wholeorganisation. Students, Lecturers, departments and additional questions from the shared leadership team are engaging in defining the services offered, in particular from the university library and its associated sub-services. It is an exciting time for the University as it seeks to not only define its services but also how these can be created and consumed.There are many aspects to this re-organisation and many items to be addressed. In this report,we look at the current situation at the University, as well as taking into account the aspirations of the stakeholders. We start by drawing out a Rich Picture, part of Soft System Methodology (SSM) (Checkland, 1981) which we use in order to spot opportunities that are available for further exploration. Much of the information that we use comes from material supplied by the University itself as well as interviews with the Head of Library services and Head of Library IT. We look indepth at how SSM assists in this process of evaluation through its focus on participation and how it may assist us to understand the many different perspectives collected in our research. SSM consequently assists in defining problems with solutions to any areas that have drawn our attention. Following the evaluation of collected data, discussions and our own observations, we identify that a digital wall that is being proposed for the redesigned library presents an opportunity to explore possibilities for exploitation of this technology. Further research on other digital walls such as Brisbane’s Cube (Abdi et al, 2014), and Auraria Library’s Discovery Wall(Burch, 2016) shows some of the uses that these walls have been put to and how the Institutions use them. We then use a number of models to evaluate the data that we collected on digital walls and from the North American University and analyse it in order to inform our thinking. These models can be used independently or collectively to evaluate data from different perspectives. As such we were able to look at problems and solutions from the perspective of many of the actors involved in shaping the future library services. These models and results are discussed in the report. Finally, we take our results and make a number of proposals for the North American University digital wall along with the relevant justifications at the end of this report.<br><p>This is a report in the Informatics course 5IK501 during the school year of 2016/2017.</p>
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Jung, Petr. "Analýza možnosti nabídky případových studií z praxe pro studenty VŠE." Master's thesis, Vysoká škola ekonomická v Praze, 2010. http://www.nusl.cz/ntk/nusl-85155.
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The thesis is focused on cooperation between academic and corporate sector, especially on participation of companies in classes and courses at universities through involvement of their employees in teaching. The aim of this thesis is to analyze current ways of corporate sector involvement in practical parts of courses and to design proposals for possible improvements to the current practices used at The Faculty of Informatics and Statistics of The University of Economics, Prague. Analysis was conducted by application of Theory of systems (General System Theory), Soft System Methodology and business process modeling (using BPMN). Based on the conclusions of the analysis three alternatives for possible improvement in the field are specified, two of them are recommended for implementation. Alternatives recommended for implementation are described in greater detail including process design and description and specification of requirements for technical, financial and human resources.
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McLucas, Alan Charles Civil Engineering Australian Defence Force Academy UNSW. "An investigation into the integration of qualitative and quantitative techniques for addressing systemic complexity in the context of organisational strategic decision-making." Awarded by:University of New South Wales - Australian Defence Force Academy. School of Civil Engineering, 2001. http://handle.unsw.edu.au/1959.4/38744.
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System dynamics modelling has been used for around 40 years to address complex, systemic, dynamic problems, those often described as wicked. But, system dynamics modelling is not an exact science and arguments about the most suitable techniques to use in which circumstances, continues. The nature of these wicked problems is investigated through a series of case studies where poor situational awareness among stakeholders was identified. This was found to be an underlying cause for management failure, suggesting need for better ways of recognising and managing wicked problem situations. Human cognition is considered both as a limitation and enabler to decision-making in wicked problem environments. Naturalistic and deliberate decision-making are reviewed. The thesis identifies the need for integration of qualitative and quantitative techniques. Case study results and a review of the literature led to identification of a set of principles of method to be applied in an integrated framework, the aim being to develop an improved way of addressing wicked problems. These principles were applied to a series of cases in an action research setting. However, organisational and political barriers were encountered. This limited the exploitation and investigation of cases to varying degrees. In response to a need identified in the literature review and the case studies, a tool is designed to facilitate analysis of multi-factorial, non-linear causality. This unique tool and its use to assist in problem conceptualisation, and as an aid to testing alternate strategies, are demonstrated. Further investigation is needed in relation to the veracity of combining causal influences using this tool and system dynamics, broadly. System dynamics modelling was found to have utility needed to support analysis of wicked problems. However, failure in a particular modelling project occurred when it was found necessary to rely on human judgement in estimating values to be input into the models. This was found to be problematic and unacceptably risky for sponsors of the modelling effort. Finally, this work has also identified that further study is required into: the use of human judgement in decision-making and the validity of system dynamics models that rely on the quantification of human judgement.
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Cheng, Chih-Hsiung, and 鄭志雄. "Develop a Cloud-based Activity Registration System Using Soft System Methodology - An Example of a School Alumni Service." Thesis, 2018. http://ndltd.ncl.edu.tw/handle/d3pb4u.
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碩士<br>崑山科技大學<br>資訊管理研究所<br>106<br>It is not a trivial task to construct a professional information system for most manufacturing industry of small and medium enterprises in Taiwan, because of lack of the professional information engineers and high cost of complementary investment for business operations. Thus, how to guide the users to provide their accurate system needs is a crucial task for system developers in order to save the required manpower and time in developing and revising the developed programs. Typically, it needs to construct an information system for the enterprises considering the triangle balance the three sides of the cost, performance, and stability. However, the projects were generally limited by the investment cost at the first time that ignored the factors including system performance and stability. To resolve the aforementioned problems, this study uses Soft System methodology and ASP.NET platform to develop a Software as a Service level of Cloud Computing for Alumni Activity Registration System. The developed system guides the users involving seven-stage phase in system development, explores user’s requirements with predictive thinking thoughtfully and perform the performance validation by an assessment process. Overall, the system has successfully deployed as a cloud service to assist the management support the online alumni activities.
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Han-ChiFu and 傅翰祺. "Applying Theory of Constraints and Soft System Dynamics methodology in Constructing the Commercial Building Wireless Sensor Network Energy-Saving Management System." Thesis, 2015. http://ndltd.ncl.edu.tw/handle/21322324477086684555.
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博士<br>國立成功大學<br>工業與資訊管理學系<br>103<br>The Wireless Sensor Networks (WSNs) could detect environment and transmit the data to the devices via the wireless network. It enables the environment to be smart and creates pervasive and ubiquitous applications, which gives context-aware and scalable service to end users. While there are many researches interested in WSNs system architecture and related protocol stacks with different applications, the implementation issues on energy management problem, which are multifarious and complicated, require a systematical process analysis to assist the manager in identifying the key problems and to evaluating the effectiveness of the new technique adoption.
This study proposes a systematic process to assist enterprises in analyzing problems for energy consumption in buildings and to implement a WSN-based building energy management system, which attempts to improve the shortcomings of existing energy monitoring system. Soft systems dynamics methodology is used in planning the system implementation and in evaluating the possible benefits before implementing WSNs into the buildings. This study also presents three scenarios to demonstrate the functions of the WSN-based building energy management system. The proposed process could be extended to the new applications which include the application of IoT (Internet of Things) to this domain.