GeoDesign Knowledge Portal

Soft Systems Methodology

This well-tested approach -- often identified as an inquiring and learning proces -- provides a framework for tackling complex organizational and social problems that typically resist easy or quick definition (Checkland and Scholes 1999, Wilson and Morren 1990) A key to problem definition, according to Soft Systems practitioners, is in fact to resist the idea of identifying a problem, for problems do not exist independently of human beings: they are constructs of concerned minds, defined by worldviews. Instead, they suggest, seek to identify an overall situation. With a situation—a somewhat open-ended concept—identified and described, shared perceptions, persuasion, and debate are more likely to lead to improvements than is grappling with a closed problem definition. (Checkland and Scholes 1999, Wilson and Morren 1990)

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References

IntroductionGeodesign Problem TypesPlanning/Decision ContextPlanning And Spatial Decision ProcessMethods And Techniques
methods and techniques; methodology
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