Description
Book SynopsisPlanning and management is increasingly problematic in the real-world environment of spiralling change and uncertainty. Knowledge is incomplete, values are in dispute and the decisions of others are often unpredictable.
Problem structuring methods (PSMs) are now widely accepted within Operational Research and the systems movement, and have generated an impressive record of high-profile applications. This new edition provides easier access to PSMs. Each of five methods is presented from both a theoretical and a practical perspective. The justification for each approach is explained, and an illustration of applying each method is given in a practical case study. New topics in line with the many advances in the field of problem structuring methods are explored and multimethodology is introduced for the first time.
This book does not peddle methods for optimum solutions, but instead shows you how to facilitate an enriched and fluid decision-making process. Participatory methods
Trade Review
"…I have no hesitation in recommending the text to anyone interested in the current state of theory and practice…" (Systems Research & Behavioural Science, July/August 2002)
Table of Contents
Contributors vii
Preface xiii
Acknowledgements xvii
1 A New Paradigm of Analysis 1
Jonathan Rosenhead and John Mingers
2 SODA – The Principles 21
Colin Eden and Fran Ackermann
3 SODA – Journey Making and Mapping in Practice 43
Fran Ackermann and Colin Eden
4 Soft Systems Methodology 61
Peter Checkland
5 Soft Systems Methodology in Action: Participative Creation of an Information Strategy for an Acute Hospital 91
Peter Checkland
6 The Strategic Choice Approach 115
John Friend
7 Gambling with Frozen Fire? 151
Allen Hickling
8 Robustness Analysis: Keeping Your Options Open 181
Jonathan Rosenhead
9 Robustness to the First Degree 209
Jonathan Rosenhead
10 Drama Theory and Confrontation Analysis 225
Peter Bennett, Jim Bryant and Nigel Howard
11 The M&A Play: Using Drama Theory for Mergers and Acquisitions 249
Nigel Howard
12 An Overview of Related Methods: VSM, System Dynamics, and Decision Analysis 267
John Mingers and Jonathan Rosenhead
13 Multimethodology – Mixing and Matching Methods 289
John Mingers
14 Mixing Methods in Practice 311
Richard Ormerod
15 Diverse Unity: Looking Inward and Outward 337
John Mingers and Jonathan Rosenhead
Index 357
