‘Soft’ systems thinking and information systems: a framework for client‐led design

Information Systems Journal - Tập 4 Số 2 - Trang 117-127 - 1994
Frank Stowell1, Daune West1
1Department of Computing and Information Systems, University of Paisley, Paisley PA1 2BE, UK

Tóm tắt

Abstract. Since the mid‐1980s there has been a growing interest in the application of soft systems methodology (SSM) to the information systems design process. This interest has resulted from attempts to overcome the recognized deficiencies of conventional computer systems analysis methods and techniques. A particular problem which has received attention over the past 5 years is the epistemological and operational differences between the investigative process of the pre‐design stage and the technological specification. We suggest that this argument is somewhat unproductive and advocate a necessary rethinking about the nature of information systems and the use of technology to support their activities. A re‐evaluation of the way that we set about designing computer‐based information systems suggests that many of the problems of conventional systems analysis methods may be alleviated by an approach that allows the ‘client’, or ‘user’, to have a greater control over the identification, specification and development of their information system(s). The authors' belief in this course of action has led to the development of client‐led design as an underpinning philosophy for user participation in the design of computer‐based information systems. Client‐led design draws upon and develops concepts and tools from ‘interpretive’, or ‘soft’, systems thinking and, in particular, can be seen as providing a framework for the type of subjective inquiry that Checkland & Scholes (1990) referred to as ‘ideal‐type’ mode 2 SSM. This paper is related to the papers published in the Journal of Information Systems (Vol. 3, No. 3), which was a special edition to illustrate the influence of ‘soft’ systems thinking upon information systems design and development.

Từ khóa


Tài liệu tham khảo

Avison D.E., 1990, Multiview, an Exploration into Information system Development

10.1093/comjnl/30.1.2

Burrell G., 1979, Sociological Paradigms for Organisational Analysis

Checkland P.B., 1986, Soft systems as process: a reply to M.C. Jackson, Journal of Applied Systems Analysis, 9, 37

Checkland P.B., 1992, SSM and information system design: history and some current issues, Systemist, 14, 90

Checkland P., 1990, Soft Systems Methodology in Action

Doyle K., 1991, Systems thinking, systems practice: dangerous liaisons, Systemist, 13, 28

Finkelstein C., 1989, An Introduction to Information Engineering

Jackson M.C., 1982, The nature of ‘soft’ systems thinking: the work of Churchman, Ackoff and Checkland, Journal of Applied Systems Analysis, 9, 17

10.1007/978-1-4899-2632-6

McDermid D.C., 1990, Software Engineering for Information Systems

10.1111/j.1365-2575.1991.tb00025.x

Miles R.K., 1985, Computer systems analysis: the constraint of the hard systems paradigm, Journal of Applied Systems Analysis, 12, 55

Mingers J., 1984, Subjectivism and soft systems methodology—a critique, Journal of Applied Systems analysis, 11, 85

Mumford E., 1979, Computer Systems in Work Design—The ETHICS Method

Naughton J., 1979, Functionalism and systems research: a comment, Journal of Applied Systems Analysis, 6, 69

Prevost P., 1976, Soft’ systems methodology, functionalism and the social sciences, Journal of Applied Systems Analysis, 5, 65

Prior R., 1990, Deriving data flow diagrams from ‘soft systems’ conceptual model, Systemist, 12, 65

Sawyer K., 1991, Linking SSM to DFDs: the two epistemological differences, Systemist, 13, 76

Stowell F.A.(1935)Experiences with SSM and data analysis.Information Technology Training 48–50.

10.1007/978-1-4613-0845-4_25

10.1111/j.1365-2575.1991.tb00035.x

Stowell F.A., 1992, SSM as a vehicle for client‐led design of information systems: utilizing ‘ideal‐type’ mode 2, Systemist, 14, 99

Stowell F.A., 1994, Client‐led Design: A Systemic Approach to Information System Development

Vickers G., 1965, The Art of Judgement. A Study in Policy Making

10.1111/j.1365-2575.1992.tb00065.x

Wilson B., 1984, Systems: Concepts, Methodologies and Applications

10.1111/j.1365-2575.1992.tb00078.x

Thông tin
Thông tin xuất bản

Information Systems Journal

Tập 4 Số 2

117-127

Thông tin tác giả