scholarly journals Soft systems methodology for performance measurement in the Uganda water sector

Water Policy ◽  
2008 ◽  
Vol 10 (3) ◽  
pp. 273-284 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sam Kayaga
Keyword(s):  
Developing Countries ◽  
Performance Measurement ◽  
Institutional Environment ◽  
Soft Systems Methodology ◽  
Problem Situation ◽  
Systems Methodology ◽  
Soft Systems ◽  
Measurement Systems ◽  
Measurement Framework ◽  
Performance Measurement Systems

Water and sanitation services in developing countries are delivered in an extremely complex institutional environment, characterised by “soft” problems, that is problems with significant political and social components whose “what” and “how” cannot be defined early in the intervention process. A problem situation common in developing countries depicting “soft” characteristics is how to improve the effectiveness and efficacy of existing performance measurement systems to track the progress towards achievement of water/sanitation-related Millennium Development Goals (MDGs). Such problem situations are better handled using soft systems methodology (SSM), a methodology recommended by Professor Checkland and his research colleagues at Lancaster University, UK. In 2003, SSM was applied in an intervention that aimed to improve performance measurement systems in the Uganda water/sanitation sector. Through strong participation of the key stakeholders, a team of researchers with their local counterparts in Uganda developed and field tested a performance measurement framework. According to an evaluation by the international donor community, policy makers and managers in the sector, the past three annual water/sanitation sector performance reports compiled using the performance measurement framework have depicted a progressive qualitative improvement.

scholarly journals PERFORMANCE MEASUREMENT SYSTEMS IN THE CONTEXT OF NEW PUBLIC MANAGEMENT: EVIDENCE FROM AUSTRALIAN PUBLIC SECTOR AND POLICY IMPLICATIONS FOR DEVELOPING COUNTRIES

2017 ◽  
Vol 12 (1) ◽  
pp. 7-19
Author(s):  
Anup Chowdhury ◽  
Nikhil Chandra Shil
Keyword(s):  
Developing Countries ◽  
Public Sector ◽  
Performance Measurement ◽  
Public Management ◽  
New Public Management ◽  
Policy Implications ◽  
Measurement Systems ◽  
New Public ◽  
Performance Measurement Systems

This research explored in depth the evolution of performance measurement systems in the context of new public management initiatives in Australian public sector. A governmental department in the Australian Capital Territory was selected for the purpose of the exploration. The qualitative research approach was adopted and data was collected following case study tradition. The main data sources were archival official documents and interviews. In addition, the researchers used direct observation to supplement and corroborate the archival documents and interview data. The empirical evidence presented in this research supports the fact that the selected Australian government department has implemented performance measurement systems in the line of new public management to illustrate the department’s commitment to efficiency and accountability. The research undertaken was in-depth, using a case study and though generalization is not possible from this single case study, the findings may be expected to add knowledge to existing literature and provide some important lessons for other public sector entities of the developing countries who are interested in adopting performance measurement systems as their control devices. Keywords: public sector, performance measurement systems, new public management, developing countries, Australia.

scholarly journals Change and improvement 50 years in the making: a scoping review of the use of soft systems methodology in healthcare

2020 ◽  
Vol 20 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Hanna Augustsson ◽  
Kate Churruca ◽  
Jeffrey Braithwaite
Keyword(s):  
Scoping Review ◽  
Assessment Tool ◽  
Soft Systems Methodology ◽  
Local Context ◽  
Problem Situation ◽  
Systems Methodology ◽  
Soft Systems ◽  
Problem Situations ◽  
Healthcare Settings

Abstract Introduction Improving the quality of healthcare has proven to be a challenging task despite longstanding efforts. Approaches to improvements that consider the strong influence of local context as well as stakeholders’ differing views on the situation are warranted. Soft systems methodology (SSM) includes contextual and multi-perspectival features. However, the way SSM has been applied and the outcomes of using SSM to stimulate productive change in healthcare have not been sufficiently investigated. Aim This scoping review aimed to examine and map the use and outcomes of SSM in healthcare settings. Method The review was based on Arksey and O’Malley’s framework. We searched six academic databases to January 2019 for peer-reviewed journal articles in English. We also reviewed reference lists of included citations. Articles were included if they were empirical studies focused on the application of SSM in a healthcare setting. Two reviewers conducted the abstract review and one reviewer conducted the full-text review and extracted data on study characteristics, ways of applying SSM and the outcomes of SSM initiatives. Study quality was assessed using Hawker’s Quality Assessment Tool. Result A total of 49 studies were included in the final review. SSM had been used in a range of healthcare settings and for a variety of problem situations. The results revealed an inconsistent use of SSM including departing from Checkland’s original vision, applying different tools and involving stakeholders idiosyncratically. The quality of included studies varied and reporting of how SSM had been applied was sometimes inadequate. SSM had most often been used to understand a problem situation and to suggest potential improvements to the situation but to a lesser extent to implement and evaluate these improvements. Conclusion SSM is flexible and applicable to a range of problem situations in healthcare settings. However, better reporting of how SSM has been applied as well as evaluation of different types of outcomes, including implementation and intervention outcomes, is needed in order to appreciate more fully the utility and contribution of SSM in healthcare.

Semantic modeling for education of library and information sciences in Iran, based on Soft Systems Methodology

IFLA Journal ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 46 (3) ◽  
pp. 271-289
Author(s):  
Amir Hessam Radfar ◽  
Fatima Fahimnia ◽  
Mohammad Reza Esmaeili ◽  
Moluk al-Sadat Beheshti
Keyword(s):  
Science Education ◽  
Conceptual Model ◽  
Information Science ◽  
Soft Systems Methodology ◽  
Library And Information Science ◽  
Problem Situation ◽  
Semantic Model ◽  
Systems Methodology ◽  
Soft Systems ◽  
Rich Picture

Reviewing the recently published texts in the field of library and information science education indicates some fundamental problems in this pedagogic process. According to different factors dealing with the process, confronting the challenges is considered as complex issues. Therefore, in this research Soft Systems Methodology, an action research method, was chosen to propose a comprehensive model to solve the mentioned problems. Based on the Checkland seven proposed stages, the problem situation was identified, and then it was expressed in the form of a rich picture. Driving root definitions and the CATWOE model were cleared to accomplish the conceptual model. Comparison of the conceptual model to the real world, also proposing feasible and desired changes are the fifth and sixth stages of the research. Finally, taking action to improve the current situation in the field of LIS education finished the procedure. Utilizing the steps of Soft Systems Methodology, this research draws the rich picture illustrating the process of LIS education and its issues dealing with the related ecosystem. Accordingly, the final model consisting of three ontologies was attained. To validate the semantic model, Cohen’s kappa coefficient was calculated. The model, approved by high level of expert agreement, not only can be an appropriate solution for the problems involved in library and information science education in Iran, but also can be considered as a pattern for future researches in designation and implementation of a semantic model of education in other disciplines.

scholarly journals An integrated logistics performance measurement system for logistics management

2017 ◽  
Author(s):  
◽  
Liqian Wu
Keyword(s):  
Decision Making ◽  
Performance Measurement ◽  
Performance Measures ◽  
Measurement System ◽  
Performance Measurement System ◽  
Multi Criteria Decision Making ◽  
Measurement Systems ◽  
Measurement Framework ◽  
Performance Measurement Systems ◽  
Integrated Logistics

In the 1980's there was a revolution that changed the nature of traditional performance measurement systems. Since then there has been an explosion in the number of scholars and practitioners seeking new and better ways of measuring organizational performance. Performance measurement systems (PMS) specialized for logistics management caught attention much later when more enterprises began to focus on logistics to reduce operational cost and increase profits. Meanwhile, there are more demands on logistics performance measurement systems (LPMSs). The role of an LPMS is beyond monitoring logistics performance, but also to provide logistics improvement suggestions, resolve trade-offs between different logistics activities and so on. To design an LPMS, this thesis addresses the following four objectives: 1) review the evolution of performance measurement systems (PMS) for logistics since 2000; 2) determine the requirements for the design an ILPMS; 3) propose an ILPMS that satisfies these requirements; and 4) apply the ILPMS to a case study. The ILPMS consists of three components: 1) a hybrid performance measurement framework, combining a hierarchical and process-based structure, to facilitate developing logistics performance measures and metrics; 2) different strategies for developing logistics performance measures and logistics activity metrics; 3) a hybrid multi-criteria decision making methodology, analytic network process (ANP) and decision-making trial and evaluation laboratory (DEMATEL), to prioritize performance measures and metrics for managerial purposes. The ILPMS developed illustrates the procedures to establish a logistics performance measurement system for a manufacturing company. The results from the ILPMS provide effective feedback for performance management process and suggestions about performance improvement for managers. Keywords: integrated logistics performance measurement framework (ILPMS), performance measures/metrics, multi-criteria decision making methodology (MCDM)

Soft Systems Methodology (SSM) as an Interdisciplinary Approach

2017 ◽  
pp. 243-257
Author(s):  
Rahma Al-Kharousi ◽  
Nabhan Harith Al-Harrasi ◽  
Naeema H. Jabur ◽  
Abdelmajed Bouazza
Keyword(s):  
Interdisciplinary Approach ◽  
Soft Systems Methodology ◽  
Problem Situation ◽  
Complex Situation ◽  
Systems Methodology ◽  
Soft Systems ◽  
Homogeneous Groups ◽  
Real World Problem ◽  
Definition Of ◽  
Tools And Techniques

Soft Systems Methodology (SSM) provides an inquiry process for taking a systemic view of a problem situation, incorporating elements of intervention, social and political analysis, and then understanding of the real-world problem situation. The holistic view embodied by SSM facilitated capture of the relationships, procedures, attitudes, culture and structure of each participating organizations through thematic analysis and developing rich pictures. Furthermore, the use of SSM enabled creation of homogeneous groups of actors and system owners to go through different intervention processes. This chapter aims mainly to introduce SSM as interdisciplinary approach that can be applied in complex situation and deal effectively with different viewpoints about the definition of the problem. In the current research, reflection on the use of SSM in adoption of Web 2.0 applications in Omani academic libraries is reported. It focuses on contributions of SSM in enhancing knowledge and practice of participants and researchers through different stages of SSM. This study approves that SSM is a methodology rather than a method. A set of tools and techniques can be adapted to investigate the problematical situation and deal with complexity and different perspectives of organizational people. In this research, SSM is described by participants as a learning process that not only define the problem but also improve the situation.

scholarly journals THE APPROACH OF SOFT SYSTEMS METHODOLOGY FOR SYSTEM ONLINE MANAGEMENT CONSULTANT CONSTRUCTION

2020 ◽  
Vol 1 (3) ◽  
pp. 353-360
Author(s):  
An An Anisarida ◽  
Syapril Janizar ◽  
Gary Raya Prima
Keyword(s):  
Human Activity ◽  
Management System ◽  
Soft Systems Methodology ◽  
Problem Situation ◽  
Systems Methodology ◽  
Soft Systems ◽  
Internal Governance ◽  
Management Consultant ◽  
Verification Problem ◽  
Online Management

Consultant as a service provider konstrukusi in order to realize its goal to ensure public safety and create a comfort environment of the construction need to organize a system of internal governance of the company. Governance is translated into the stages of the stages in the implementation of Construction Services. Soft Systems Methodology is the methodology suitable to assist the consultant planner. This methodology can explain their purpose and then designing the system of human activity to achieve these goals. The stages that exist in the methodology of SSM consists of 7 stages that starts from the verification problem situation that is not structured through the design of the system of human activity which are expected to help improve the situation. Think the system is a field transdisiplin that appears as a response to the limitations of a technical approach in the process of reduction to solve a certain problem which in this case is attempted to be applied through the SSM as a method in the application of the online management system (OMS) consultant planner construction. Using the approach of Soft Systems Methodology, manufacturing management system online (CSO) will more fully describe the problems that occurred previously.

scholarly journals Keeping it pure – a pedagogical case study of teaching soft systems methodology in scenario and policy analysis

2016 ◽  
Vol 2 (2) ◽  
pp. 175-195 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ian Yeoman ◽  
Una McMahon-Beattie ◽  
Carol Wheatley
Keyword(s):  
Scenario Analysis ◽  
Teaching And Learning ◽  
Soft Systems Methodology ◽  
Problem Situation ◽  
Good Teaching ◽  
Systems Methodology ◽  
Soft Systems ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Teaching Tasks ◽  
The Impact

Purpose Soft systems methodology (SSM) is well documented in the academic and management literature. Over the last 40 years, the methodology has come to be adapted depending on the tool users’ skills and experience in order to fit the problem. The purpose of this paper is to demonstrate good teaching and learning practice from a pedagogical perspective. Design/methodology/approach Dr Ian Yeoman of Victoria University of Wellington provides a personal reflection of how the methodology is used in the teaching and learning of TOUR301 Tourism Policy and Planning as a policy and scenario analysis method. Findings The paper articulates the seven stages of SSM from problem situation unstructured, through to Rich Pictures, vision and guiding principles, policy solutions, comparisons, feasibility and implementation stages. The paper uses a series of teaching tasks to breakdown the complexity of the methodology thus guiding students and teachers in how to deploy the methodology in the classroom. Originality/value The value of the paper demonstrates the reflective practice of SSM in action as an exemplar of good practice. The paper clearly articulates the stages of the methodology so students and teachers can adopt this approach in classroom environments following a scaffolding learning approach. The use of teaching tasks throughout the paper helps bring clarity and order thus enabling the teacher to effectively teach the subject and the students to learn. The most significant contribution of this paper is the articulation of good teaching practice in policy and scenario analysis which articulated through four learning lessons: facilitating a learning environment; the impact of visual thinking; political theory; the importance of incremental learning; and problem-based learning and international students.

A SOFT SYSTEMS METHODOLOGY APPROACH TO IMPROVING THE SUPPLY CHAIN OF A CONSTRUCTION PROJECT IN GAUTENG PROVINCE, SOUTH AFRICA

2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (1) ◽  
pp. 86-99
Author(s):  
Lewis Tsuro ◽  
Stan Hardman
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
Supply Chain ◽  
Construction Project ◽  
Soft Systems Methodology ◽  
Project Planning ◽  
Suitable Model ◽  
Senior Managers ◽  
Good Tool ◽  
Systems Methodology ◽  
Soft Systems

The Soft Systems Methodology (SSM) was developed as a set of tools for identifying and making incremental steps to improve situations with poorly defined causes or solutions. The supply chain forms a key process of any construction project; however, on any given construction site, supply chain inefficiencies could arise from many different avenues. Opinions vary, though, on which of these avenues is more important for increasing supply chain efficiencies; whether any problem even exist across the different aspects of the supply chain; as well as what steps should be taken to resolve them. It was therefore studied, here, whether SSM could be employed as a useful tool to systematically apply in the supply chains of a construction project in South Africa, for understanding and targeting the problematic situations that arise. Following thorough cyclical open-ended interviews with 17 workers, supervisors, foremen, site clerks, senior managers, and the CEO of the principal contractor at a new office park construction project in Rosebank, Johannesburg, and a thematic analysis of the data, SSM was performed to understand the existing challenges, and develop a suitable model for improvement. The study found that SSM was a good tool for understanding the ‘messy’ circumstances surrounding the chosen construction project supply chain, as well as actions that could be taken to improve the supply chain’s efficiency on site. The findings add weight to the argument that SSM could be a good tool for project managers to systematically introduce into their project planning regimens

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