Introduction to Soft Systems Methodology
Improve project outcomes and resource efficiency through Soft Systems Methodology (SSM).
Why Does this Course Matter:
Projects often fail due to unclear goals, stakeholder conflict, or lack of systems thinking. SSM helps professionals design more purposeful interventions, improve collaboration, and align activities with real-world needs. SSM is especially useful in public services, infrastructure, policy, and other settings where technical and human factors combine.
What Will I Learn:
- Understanding of Soft Systems Methodology (SSM) and how to apply it in practice
- Ability to define project purpose, scope, and outcomes more clearly
- Skills to use models and dialogue tools to align stakeholders and explore different perspectives
- Confidence in designing and managing OR interventions within messy or uncertain environments
- Capacity to plan feasible and desirable actions that are grounded in shared understanding
Course Topics:
- Learn the principles and techniques behind Soft Systems Methodology
- Use case-based exercises to explore practical applications of SSM
- Improve project scoping and planning by engaging multiple perspectives
- Build models that support structured dialogue and agreement on action
- Learn by doing—applying the method to realistic, complex project scenarios
Who is this course for:
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Analysts and consultants in both junior and senior roles managing or supporting projects
- Managers and decision-makers seeking structured methods to plan and evaluate interventions
- Project leaders in public services, systems design, and operational planning
- Academics and researchers interested in the practical application of systems methodologies
- Anyone working in complex environments where defining success is not always straightforward
Related Courses
Prices
- OR Society Member £495 + VAT
- Non-Member £625 + VAT
- Student Member £370 + VAT
- For group booking discounts please contact [email protected]
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Registration
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