Critique of Soft Modeling Approaches - Essay Example

RITIQUЕ ОF SОFT МОDЕLLING АРРRОАСHЕS University Student Id Course Date Critique of soft Modeling Approaches Introduction Soft modeling approaches have proved to be important in analyzing situations and solving complex problems. Organizations are making use of soft approaches in the process of handling messy situations with the aim of getting the best solution. The management of organizations has become complex due to the constant change that has been taking place in various industries. The business environment in many industries has become competitive making soft modeling approach important in the process of obtaining the best solution. Making the right decisions in the complex situations can be important in the course of achieving the set objectives in the industry (Connell, 2001). Organizations have been looking for the best approaches that can be employed in the course of managing complex situations in organizations. The traditional approaches have failed to provide the necessary solutions to the various challenges that have been taking place in organizations. Soft modeling approaches Soft systems are primarily geared towards exploring the problematic situations that exist in organizations arising because of human activity. The systems work by reducing the mess in a way that can help the situation to be modeled mathematically using systems. The use of soft systems involves learning from different people who are directly engaged in the situation. The interpretive approach is influenced by benefits associated with appreciative systems. The ideas of the soft approach have been transferred into practical methodology from the systems theory commonly known as soft systems methodology. The systems analysts apply their craft to the complex problems that are associated with the organizational change (Shaw, Ackermann, and Eden, 2002). Soft modeling approaches have been commonly used due to their benefits in encouraging the investigators to view the organizations using the cultural perspective. The organizations that have been using traditional structures can now embrace the use of soft systems in making the necessary changes in the organizational operations. Effective change can be achieved through improving the working practices with the aim of adopting the best operations. The use of the soft systems helps in aligning the organizational operations with the organizational culture that is geared towards achieving the set objectives. In any organization, the stakeholders are interested in knowing the possible solutions that are available to improve the company performance. It is through the use of soft modeling approaches that the stakeholders can easily understand the problem and look for the best solution to the situation. The transformations in an organization can be achieved through using soft systems to achieving the necessary changes. The soft modeling approaches have been used in many organizations in the process of developing the necessary conceptual models aimed at identifying patterns that are associated with knowledge activities. The methodology of the soft systems came into existence as a result of research which was conducted by the University of Lancaster as an approach to solving their management problems. The University discovered that this approach stumbled out all the management problems during the first step of defining the problem (Rose, 2002). The soft modeling approach usually settles down the business problems since various stakeholders have different views concerning the components of this system as well as its purpose. Moreover, the soft system methodology was more as compared to any other kind of process since it comprised of a set of tools which included; the conceptual model, formal systems model and also the rich picture. The set of tools for this methodology were made so as to assist the users in solving their business problems. The soft system has facilitated the development of learning, and also it fosters the appreciation of a problem situation which exists between groups of stakeholders. Importantly, this methodology creates a framework in which various situations of the social problems can be tackled. However, there are usually two major modes that are found within this methodology which are; the activities of the real world and the system thinking concerning the real world. The initial work under the soft system is mostly interviewed as well as meeting so as to fully understand about a problem situation (van, Schinkel and Rozier, 2007). Furthermore, the problem situations are usually represented through rich pictures, even though the system thinking makes use of the hierarchy concepts and also the emergent properties in the process of identifying systems which are relevant. System analysts have been playing an important role in the process analyzing the systems needed in an organization to achieve the set objectives. They first analyze the situations surrounding the different business environments that are important for understanding the system requirements. The system analysts have the role of helping the managers in designing and implementing the necessary system that can assist in achieving the set objectives. The tools help analysts in implementing formal systems, conceptual model, and CATWOE. Assumptions 1. Under the methodology of the soft systems, the problems do not exist without human beings, since the situation problems are always defined by the world view of every individual. 2. The methodology of the soft system is usually based on the assumption that, problems that are interrelated are always equivalent to the problem situations which are multiple. 3. The soft system methodology is also based on the axiom that the world views always comprises of different interpretations concerning the world by every person, and the interpretation is usually valid. 4. The methodology also makes an assumption that the solutions to the situation problems in most cases come from the intellectual constructs and that there is no isolation of a problem which exists. 5. The soft system methodology is also based on the axiom that improvements on the problem situations in most cases come in as a result of sharing persuasions as well as perceptions through debates. Therefore, analysts are required to be more interactive rather than being experts. 6. Also, the soft system methodology makes an assumption that the analysts cannot be separated from the situation problem. Distinction existing between hard and soft approaches The management of the human resource is always a primary function of any given organization since individuals are the invaluable asset, which requires being harnessed to further the goals of an organization. However, there are two theories of the Human Resource Management which are contrasting that are taken as approaches to tackling the workforce of a given company (Jackson, 2005). The two contrasting theories are; the soft HRM and the other one is the hard HRM, whereby individuals are always confused by these two theories since they mainly rely on management. Moreover, these two theories usually differentiate the two styles of the HRM, together with their merits and demerits so as to enable managers to choose a style which is appropriate for an organization. However, the human resource management tends to become a vague concept as a result of the views which are conflicting (Rose, 2002). Significantly, the best thing about the both the Hard HRM and the Soft HRM is that they usually admit that the human resources are quite essential for any business to be successful. Furthermore, a given organization always gains competitive advantage as compared to other organizations when it uses the human resources efficiently as well as maintaining their expertise motivated. However, neither of these two approaches to the Human Resource Management performs perfectly as both of them do not represent reality since people may behave in distinct ways and also cannot be grouped like machines. Therefore, it means that a manager for the human resource is required to follow his or her style but taking some points from the two approaches that are from the Hard HRM as well as from the soft HRM (Pidd, 2004). The purpose of the managers to take points from the two approaches is to come up with an effective approach which is appropriate for an organization. Benefits of soft modeling approaches One of the advantages of this methodology of the soft system is that it can be used as a tool by the analysts of improving their understanding concerning a situation problem in their process of investigation. Moreover, this technique assists in the identification of the areas which require some improvement and also the areas that have got various weaknesses, in a situation whereby the hard approaches have not been able to identify. The methodology also helps to come up with solutions for various problem situations. Furthermore, for the problem solving under this methodology to be successful, it heavily relies on the holistic view. Another advantage of the soft systems methodology is that it does not depend on the usage of equipment apart from paper and pen only. Besides, this technique is usually very successful in the process of producing solutions to a given problem situation (Mingers, 2000). Moreover, this methodology can easily make adaptations so as to fit in a particular problem situation. Importantly, under this technique, the values of the customers are greatly considered as compared to other values such as the financial value and also the technical values. Limitations of soft modeling approaches One of the disadvantages of the methodology of the soft systems is that it does not exactly show how a system is constructed. Also, the problem situations are always subjected to changes at any given time. Moreover, as a result of the discussions which are conducted by the key actors, more changes can be made to the problem situation. Another disadvantage of this methodology is that greatly relies on individuals for it to work appropriately. The soft system methodology is time-consuming, and also it requires money as well as experts (Mingers, 2003). Furthermore, various issues which are non-technical are usually taken into account thus making the problem situation to be more complicated. In some cases, various companies view this methodology as always inferior as compared to the other techniques which are used in improving the effectiveness of the organizations. Moreover, a certain goal that is established under this methodology during the root definition may not be realized, hence turning the whole system into a loop that may never accomplish. The contexts suitable for soft modeling approach The contexts that are suitable for using the soft systems include at the problem-solving context. An organization can make use of the soft systems with the aim of analyzing the situation to obtain the most suitable solution. The different stakeholders of the organization can be able to make decisions that are necessary for achieving the set goals. The use of the soft systems involves analyzing the business environment with the aim of developing the strategies that can help in solving the organizational challenge. Complex situations make soft systems suitable as the possible solutions can be easily assessed using the approach. It involves identifying the possible solutions to the complex situation through evaluating the cause of the complexities and the best ways that can be employed in solving the problems. Traditional approaches that have been common in organizations are associated with resulting in the complexities, as they are no able to keep pace with the industry trends (Leddington and Donaldson, 1997). Therefore, soft systems are used in many organizations in the process of managing complexities that exist in organizations. Soft modeling approach has proved to be beneficial in the course of managing change as it entails developing efficient ways of operating. Change has remained as the primary way of achieving competitive advantages in the market due to the market dynamisms experienced. The tastes of the client have changed with time making it necessary to adopt new ways of doing things. Soft systems are used in the process of responding to the pressures to change through assisting in the implementing change in the organizations. Therefore, the organizations that wish to embrace change can rely on the soft modeling approach to implementing change and remain relevant in the market hence achieving competitive advantages. The dominant modeling model In my organization, the dominant modeling model is the soft system. My organization has been utilizing the modeling model in the process of making sure that it remains relevant in the industry. It is through the adoption of the soft systems that the management has kept adjusting the operations of a firm with the aim of making its products competitive in the market. System analysts consider soft modeling approach as critical for the organizations that operate in changing business environments. The modeling model has been assisting organizations in the process of implementing change (Jackson, 2005). The soft system helps in identifying the change pressures hence taking the necessary steps to implementing the needed change in the organization. The management of my firm has been employing the use of soft systems in the process of managing complex situations. The modeling model is used to analyze the various situations surrounding the complexity with the aim of obtaining the necessary solution to the problem in the organization (Rose, 2002). The complexities are associated with the changes in the market that create the need for product modifications. Besides, the available opportunities can easily be realized through the use of soft systems that help in understanding the business environment. Challenges The majority of the organizations usually face many challenges in their process of adopting the data agility. However, these problems include; tools identification, human resources, process, multi-faceted and also financial challenges. Financial challenge: The adoption of the data agility usually involves the employment of the skilled personnel as well as an important investment in the aspect of technologies and also in the software tools. However, the majority of the companies do not allocate financial resources for utilizing during the adoption of the data agility. Process challenge: The processes which exist are not compatible with the standards which are required for the adoption of the data agility. Therefore, the process of adopting the data agility can take quite a long time in making the existing processes to be compatible. Besides, an assessment is required to be done on the existing processes to identify various changes which are necessary. Furthermore, this challenge is even worse in the organizations where there are several legacy processes. Human resources challenge: Perhaps, this is the biggest problem which usually affects a large number of organizations, since acquiring employees who are capable of adapting to the agile mindset is not simple. However, in most cases, this challenge is mostly faced by big organizations where there are a large number of employees and also legacy processes. Challenges associated with the tools of identification: Every organization is usually required to identify tools which assist it in the process of adopting the data agility. However, the process of choosing the right tools is always based on specific principles. Conclusion Many organizations have opted for the soft modeling approaches with the aim of improving the performance where they are utilized as the alternative approaches for solving complex problems. Soft systems methodology utilizes the systems thinking in an action research geared towards helping in the process of understanding the different perceptions in the minds of clients. It is suitable for handling complex management systems that are aimed at evaluating various options. The soft modeling approaches can be applicable in different domains that can include human resources management, change management, information management systems. References Connell, N 2001, “Evaluating soft OR: some reflections on an apparently 'unsuccessful' implementation using a Soft Systems Methodology (SSM) based approach”, Journal of the Operational Research Society, vol. 52, no. 2, pp. 150-160. Jackson, M. C. 2005, “Beyond problem structuring methods: reinventing the future of OR//MS”, Journal of the Operational Research Society, vol. 57, no. 7, pp. 868-878. Leddington, P. & Donaldson, J. 1997, “Soft OR and management practice: a study of the adoption and use of Soft Systems Methodology”, Journal of the Operational Research Society, vol. 48, no. 2, pp. 229-240. Mingers, J 2003, “A classification of the philosophical assumptions of management science methods”, Journal of the Operational Research Society, vol. 54, no. 6, pp. 559-570. Mingers, J. 2000, “Variety is the spice of life: combining soft and hard OR/MS methods,” International Transactions in Operational Research, vol. 7, no. 6, pp. 673- 691 Pidd, M. 2004, “Contemporary OR/MS in strategy development and policy- making: some reflections,” Journal of the Operational Research Society, vol. 55, no. 8, pp. 791-800 Rose, J. 2002, “Interaction, transformation and information systems development - an extended application of Soft Systems Methodology,” Information Technology & People, vol. 15, no. 3, pp. 242 - 268. Shaw, D, Ackermann, F & Eden, C. 2002, “Approaches to sharing knowledge in group problem structuring”, Journal of the Operational Research Society, vol. 54, no. 9, pp. 936-948. van de Water, H, Schinkel, M & Rozier, R 2007, “Fields of application of SSM: a categorization of publications”, Journal of the Operational Research Society, vol. 58, no. 8, pp. 271-287. Read More