Soft Systems Methodology

A problem solving approach to systems development devised by PeterCheckland at Lancaster University. Seen to be suited to 'soft' problems. A soft problem being one which may not have an obvious or clearly defined solution.

The ideas of SSM were set forth in his book 'Systems Thinking, Systems Practice' (ISBN:0471986062).

From the book:

In a systems typology four kinds of system are required: natural, designed physical, designed abstract, and human activity systems.

External links

http://sern.ucalgary.ca/courses/seng/613/F97/grp4/ssmfinal.html
http://www-mmd.eng.cam.ac.uk/people/ahr/dstools/control/softsm.htm