How can soft systems methodology help you design better interventions for organisational change?

In my view, no system is perfect which is why we need approaches such as systems thinking to manage complexity and ambiguity. It is important to recognise that systems methodology is a continuous process not a single event.

The general principles and outcomes of SSM are very similar to that of Enterprise-wide Risk Management (ERM). Do you think that SSM can enhance ERM or vice-versa?

SSM strongly influenced my doctoral studies (business and education in partnership from a systems thinking –ST– perspective). I developed a matrix that incorporates SSM & additional ST writings to help unpack the messiness, to capture input, to graph findings, etc. Useful for research as a ST structured repository of readings, further questions.

Wow! This is very powerful. The risk management process starts with Context Setting, which is similar to developing rich pictures. The context setting approach includes a stakeholder analysis to identify sources of risks. The CATWOE framework is something worth exploring.

I find rich pictures a wonderful tool to get under the skin of a complex situation. There's a feeling of shutting down the logical, verbal part of your brain, and slipping into a completely different, non-verbal mode to express what's actually going on. In this way, it's possible to access fresh and sometimes downright curious insights and perspectives, which no amount of ruminating in front of a computer screen would ever reveal.

SSM appears to be well suited for addressing the corporate problems in businesses. Are there any examples of using it to address social problems like fixing the education system? Would government benefit from using the SSM approach?

Of course this is subjective, but I see SSM as relatively accessible and easy to explain / use, when compared with some other systems thinking tools. I also value the structured, straightforward way it supports us to identify and integrate political elements within our analysis of the situation, as this lens is essential to really understand what may be happening under the surface.

The skills and knowledge of the facilitator is extremely important and has a large influence on the outcomes or results produced. The facilitator often needs to have more insights and experiences from other organisations. A facilitator that has worked at various levels (e.g. executive, strategic, operational, project, etc.) in organisations can bring insights and pose the more practical questions to the team.

As per my response to the 1st question, a special ST matrix that comprises SSM along with aboriginal thinking, philosophy, knowledge, personal & community impacts, steps to follow, timeline, governance, resources, purpose(s), & outcome (what "it" looks like)

I'd like to apply SSM approach to social issues such as education. However, I am not clear as to what problem to solve or how SSM can help. Any suggestions would be appreciated.

I have been exposed to SSM through the University of Stellenbosch's Postgraduate Diploma in Futures Studies. The assignment I worked on included consideration of a complex topic where traditional analytical approaches would have been too reductionist. What I liked about the approach is that it is intended as a highly collaborative process that can help to uncover blinspots, connections (showing visually critical nodes) and multiple order consequences.

We are dealing with increasing wicked problems that now more than ever require complex systems thinking methods to provide unidimensional lenses for understanding social challenges. In education I am particularly looking at educational outcomes when intertwined with trauma/violence and food security. In the public sector this would require collaboration between multiple government agencies and the private sector. What does this system look like and which variables drive sustainable change in the system.