What is the Soft Systems Methodology? 

The Soft Systems Methodology (SSM), developed by Peter Checkland, is a qualitative technique that applies Systems Thinking to non-systemic situations. 

This approach is best used in problem situations that have a high social, political and human activity component. 

What are the Steps in the Soft Systems Methodology?

The following are steps in the Soft System Methodology: 

• Investigate the unstructured problem.
• Express the problem situation through "Rich Pictures”, which capture as much information as possible relating to the problem situation - including, boundaries, structure, information flows, communication channels, and human activity system. 
• Identify Root Definitions of relevant systems. There are six elements that make a well formulated root definition. They are summed up in the acronym CATWOE:
  • Customer. Everyone who may gain benefits from a system is considered as a customer of the system. 
  • Actor. The actors transform inputs into outputs and they perform the activities defined in the system.
  • Transformation process. This is shown as the conversion of inputs to outputs.
  • Weltanschauung. The German expression for world view. This world view makes the transformation process meaningful in context.
  • Owner. Every system has some proprietor, who has the power to start up and shut down the system (power of veto).
  • Environmental constraints. These are external elements that must be considered. These constraints include organizational policies as well as legal and ethical matters.
• Conceptual models.
• Formal system concept.
• Other system thinking.
• Compare the Conceptual Models with Rich Pictures
• Feasible, desirable changes.
• Action to improve the problem situation.