Hard systems
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[edit] Hard systems thinking
Hard systems is a title sometimes used to differentiate between different types of systems problems. While Soft systems thinking treats all problems as ill-defined or not easily quantified, Hard systems approaches (Systems analysis (structured methods), Operations research and so on) assume that:
- the problems associated with such systems are well-defined
- they have a single, optimum solution
- a scientific approach to problem-solving will work well
- technical factors will tend to predominate
[edit] Methodology
In hard systems approaches (or Structured Systems Analysis and Design Methodology (SSADM)), rigid techniques and procedures to provide unambiguous solutions to well-defined data and processing problems, focused on computer implementations.
In Soft systems methodology (SSM), a "toolbox" of techniques can be used at the discretion of the analyst, focused on improvements to organisational problems
[edit] Systems Thinking
According to Peter Checkland, ‘Systems Thinking’ is composed of two complementary processes:
- Systems analysis
- Systems Synthesis
Checkland draws attention to these two alternative paradigms to explain the nature and significance of Systems Thinking:
Paradigm 1 - the world is considered to be systemic and is studied systematically
Paradigm 2 - the world is problematic (I.e. it admits to many different interpretations and we study it systemically
Paradigm 1 reflects the notion of Hard Systems Thinking
Paradigm 2 reflects the notion of Soft Systems Thinking
Hard Systems Thinking can be characterised as having an objective or end to be achieved, and a system can be engineered to achieve the stated objective.
Soft Systems Thinking can be characterised as having a desirable end, but the means to achieve it and the actual outcome are not easily quantified.
[edit] Developments in Hard Systems Thinking
Began to emerge as a distinct philosophy in the 1950s
