Soft OR and Problem Structuring Methods Stream


Strategic Options Development and Analysis (SODA) is a popular tool for solving messy problems.

11:00 - 12:00 | Thursday 17 September 2020

Problem Structuring Methods (PSMs) are commonly used by OR Consultants to help their clients. This session, delivered by the founders of SODA and authors of a recent SODA review, promises to deliver a thoughtful and detailed look into SODA and other PSMs.

Whether you're a seasoned practitioner or new to soft OR and PSMs, this session will ensure your PSM knowledge remains cutting-edge.

Talk:

The practice of SODA methodologies then and now

We bring together the founders and prolific users of Strategic Options Development and Analysis (SODA); Fran Ackermann and Colin Eden, with the writers of a recent review of SODA use in practice across multiple disciplines; Alberto Paucar-Caceres and Leila Abuabara.

The session will consist of a review of the methods by Colin and Fran, then a summary of the review by Alberto and Leila, followed by a discussion on the 'use and abuse' of the methods contained within SODA. The session should prove particularly useful to those who use PSMs and soft OR in their everyday practice, and to anyone who studies PSMs and soft OR in general.

Presenters:

Meet the expert speakers for the Soft OR and Problem Structuring Methods Stream:

Fran Ackermann, 
John Curtin Distinguished Professor, Curtin Business School

Colin Eden, 
Strathclyde Business School

Alberto Paucar-Caceres, 
Chair of Management Systems, Manchester Metropolitan University Business School

Leila Abuabara, 
Universidade Federal de São Paulo (UNIFESP) Brazil

Organisers & Chairs:

Martin Parr - 
Christina Phillips - 

Join the Problem Structuring Methods group

The aims of the PSM Special Interest Group are to provide a forum which increases the understanding and practical use of PSMs amongst interested members of the broad OR community. It allows specialist PSM practitioners to explore the connections between PSMs and other MS/OR approaches and examines the applicability of software to supporting PSM practice.

Join here