Friday July 30, 2010
Business Analysis using Soft Systems Methodology
Problem solving and priority setting
Workshop Outline
Overview
Soft Systems Methodology (SSM) enables managers and those involved in the delivery of a service to examine and improve their ways of working. It has a long track record in tackling complex, people-centred problems.
SSM is particularly effective when:
- there is no clear agreement on what the problem is
- the business requirements are unclear
- there are conflicting interests
- changes in business processes or organizational structure are likely
This workshop is designed for participants who need to resolve problems, set priorities and identify information requirements and benefits. The methodology provides a set of principles and tools that support solving the 'real-world' problems faced by organizations.
This workshop can be readily adapted to address any problem situation facing an organization.
Objectives
After the workshop participants will be able to:
- Apply SSM
- Analyse problem situations and identify high priority activities
- Lead in-house stakeholder groups through problem analysis
- Conduct analysis of key work processes within the organization
- Produce material for consultation documents
- Gain group understanding of the purpose and nature of a problem and its potential solutions
- Use a methodology for capturing information requirements and potential benefits
Who should attend
The event is suitable for the individual, team or department that wants a highly effective tool (with an emphasis on thoroughness and speed) for analysing the problems facing their organization. No prior analytical experience is required.
Content
Introduction to the Soft Systems Methodology
- SSM principles
- SSM as an analytical process
- SSM techniques
- Soft systems monitor, control and success criteria
- Benefits of using SSM
- SSM lessons learned
Applying SSM to a problem situation
- Define the problem situation
- Assess different viewpoints
- Select processes to be analysed
- Create models of processes
- Define performance criteria of process
- Develop models by building a picture of how information is used in activities
- Seek accommodations between different viewpoints
- Consider solution options
- Agree solutions and how to proceed
Approach
The three-day workshop is a mixture of consultant input and practical sessions.
Practical sessions will focus on applying SSM to real-world situations. Participants are encouraged to bring business issues that they are facing within their organization so that they can be explored and solutions proposed within the workshop.
No previous knowledge of SSM is required.
This workshop can be run as part of an in-house corporate programme and is one of a series on process design and programme management that can be tailered to suit participants.
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