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
See also AnalysingTheProblemDomain