Soft Systems Methodology: a 30-year retrospection

Finding better ways of coping with the complexity of human affairs is not an easy task. Due to its very nature, dealing with these problems requires flexibility and understanding to reach the best possible solution. This work grew out of the failure of established methods of systems engineering to adequately address and solve increasingly complex situations. The aim here is to provide a mature account of soft systems methodology (SSM) showing how it can offer the best possible ways of finding practical solutions that will benefit all those involved. Among the topics covered SSM and how it can be applied to different contexts; SSM in the creation of information systems; learning through the use of SSM in action; SSM in an organizational change program; using SSM in the national health service and civil service arena; and the practical applications of SSM in industry.