SATM 5.3 The Development of Applied Systems Thinking

Jackson and Keys (1984, Towards a system of systems methodologies, J. Opl. Res. Soc. 35:473.) sought to provide a "system of systems methodologies" - an alternative framework that would serve a similar purpose to Burrell and Morgan's grid in organizational analysis (1979, Sociological Paradigms and Organizational Analysis. Heinemann, London.) but would be more suited to the language, concerns and internal development of the management and systems science. It was designed to related different systems methodologies to each other on the basis of the assumptions they made about the nature of problem situations or "problem-contexts." In fulfilling this role the system of systems methodologies (SOSM) had an important impact on the establishment of pluralism as an element in critical systems thinking. In order to understand this we need to consider the two axes upon which the SOSM is constructed (see Figure 5.2)

SATM 5.2 The Systems Movement

The use of systems ideas in the "problem-solving" mode is worthy of recognition as an independent endeavor fo first ranking important in systems thinking. A contemporary map of the systems movement, based upon this revision of Checkland's guidelines; must therefore show three initial distinctions, as in Figure 5.1.

SATM 5.1 Introduction of Applied Systems Thinking

Inevitably the discussion is in terms of systems methodology. Methodology look at the principles behind the use of models, methods, tools and techniques to provide understanding and, usually in the case of systems thinking, to bring about change.

SATM 2.3 Methodology, Theory, and Practice

We can establish some further important distinctions if we consider the relationships between the concepts of methodology, theory and practice. A good starting point is Checkland's summary of the elements he sees as necessary in any piece of research (Checkland and Holwell, 1998, Information, Systems and Information Systems, Wiley, Chichester.) In Figure 2.1 we see three such elements.