Soft Systems Methodology

Workshop 7

Week commencing 5th March, 2012

Root definitions

CATWOE

Introduction

Self-managed

Learning

Soft Systems Techniques

• Create one or more root definitions for solutions to the salmonella outbreak situation at Cadbury;

• Complete the CATWOE analysis;

• Verify your root definitions by checking them against the CATWOE analysis.

Introduction

Root definitions

CATWOE

Introduction

Self-managed

Learning

Systems

Thinking

about

Real World

Real World

7 stage model of SSM

Source: Checkland and Poulter (2006)

1. Find out about

problem situation

2. Express the

problem situation

3. Define some issue-

based and primary task

root definitions

relevant to the situation

4. Develop conceptual

models

5. Compare

models and the

real world

6. Define changes

systematically desirable;

culturally feasible

7. Take action to

improve the

problem situation

Introduction

Root definitions

CATWOE

Introduction

Self-managed

Learning

Task 1 - Create one or more root definitions for solutions to the salmonella outbreak situation at Cadbury;

• Complete the table:

Root definitionsRoot Definition Explanation

What the system will do?

How it is to be done?

Why it is being done (its long term aims)?

Root definitions

CATWOE

Introduction

Self-managed

Learning

Task 2 - CATWOEC = CustomersWho is on the receiving end? What problem do they have now? How will they react to what you are proposing? Who are the winners and losers? A = ActorsWho are the actors who will 'do the doing', carrying out your solution? What is the impact on them? How might they react? T = Transformation processWhat is the process for transforming inputs into outputs? What are the inputs? Where do they come from? What are the outputs? Where do they go to? What are all the steps in between? W = World ViewWhat is the bigger picture into which the situation fits? What is the real problem you are working on? What is the wider impact of any solution?O = OwnerWho is the real owner or owners of the process or situation you are changing? Can they help you or stop you? What would cause them to get in your way? What would lead them to help you? E = Environmental constraintsWhat are the broader constraints that act on the situation and your ideas? What are the ethical limits, the laws, financial constraints, limited resources? regulations, and so on? How might these constrain your solution? How can you get around them?

CATWOE

Root definitions

CATWOE

Introduction

Self-managed

Learning

Task 3. Verify your root definitions by checking them against the CATWOE analysis.

• Consider your proposed solutions (root definitions)… Do they fulfil what is required as shown in the CATWOE analysis? If not, you need to update them.

CATWOE

Root definitions

CATWOE

Introduction

Self-managed

Learning

Self-managed learning

• Use the Checkland and Poulter’s (2006) book or Wilson’s (2001) e-book to clarify anything about soft systems.

• Complete the workshop task (if not complete in the class)

• Work on section 2 of your assignment

Self-managed

learning

Root definitions

CATWOE

Introduction

Self-managed

Learning Questions

Answer to task 1

Workshop 7

Week commencing 5th March, 2012

Root definitions

CATWOE

Introduction

Self-managed

Learning

Task 1: Root definitionsT1

• Likely to be more than 1 – one focusing on fixing the problem and one on preventing it form happening again, for example.

Root Definition Explanation

What the system will do? Measure and test the chocolate crumb and other processes continuously in the factory.

How it is to be done? Install rigorous testing system and testing schedule.

Why it is being done (its long term aims)?

To prevent any quality problems and to ensure the quality of all products in the long term.

Root definitions

Root definitions

CATWOE

Introduction

Self-managed

Learning

CATWOE

Customers

• Retailers involved in product recall

• End customers who buy Cadbury products –may/may not have to return products

• End customers who were infected by the salmonella

Actors

• Manager and staff at Marlbrook site

• Managers and HQ staff at Bournville site

• People who designed the new testing procedure

• Judge and jury

• Prosecution and their client (Birmingham City Council)

T2

CATWOE

Root definitions

CATWOE

Introduction

Self-managed

Learning

CATWOE

Transformation Process• Improve the operations to prevent this

situation from happening again.• Deal with the salmonella outbreak, quickly

and effectively. Minimise the impact of the salmonella outbreak on the long-term future of Cadbury.

Weltanschauung• Food Safety laws are in place to protect

consumers from poor hygiene or processes in food preparation

• Companies have an ethical responsibility to protect the health of their customers

T2

CATWOE

Root definitions

CATWOE

Introduction

Self-managed

Learning

CATWOE

Owner

• Todd Stitzer, chief executive of Cadburys

Environment Constraints

• The press will want to cover and publicise the court case.

• The legal system is in place for more court cases.

T2

CATWOE

Root definitions

CATWOE

Introduction

Self-managed

Learning

Verification

• This will depend on the root definitions created by the students.

T3

Verification

Root definitions

CATWOE

Introduction

Self-managed

Learning

Self-managed learning

• Use the Checkland and Poulter’s (2006) book or Wilson’s (2001) e-book to clarify anything about soft systems.

• Complete the workshop task (if not complete in the class)

• Work on section 2 of your assignment

Self-managed

learning

Root definitions

CATWOE

Introduction

Self-managed

Learning Questions