Title: Using a systems perspective to design a problem solving process

Authors: C.E. Van Daalen, P.W.G. Bots

Addresses: Faculty of Technology, Policy and Management, Delft University of Technology, P.O. Box 5015, 2600GA Delft, The Netherlands. ' Faculty of Technology, Policy and Management, Delft University of Technology, P.O. Box 5015, 2600GA Delft, The Netherlands

Abstract: Systems approaches to problem solving define how to go about achieving change in a holistic and systematic way. Systems engineering, systems analysis, and soft systems methodology are examples of such approaches. Each approach provides a rational procedure that can be seen as a specific design of a problem solving process. However, certain issues related to the process of problem solving remain implicit, e.g., which stakeholders to involve. These choices can become explicit by looking at the process of problem solving as a system in itself. Such a problem solving system can be designed as any other system. In this system we can recognise: the problem representation(s), the stakeholders involved, their interaction, and how the problem solving system interfaces with the problem situation. This way of looking at a problem solving process can complement the existing approaches by making requirements for the process of problem solving and the resulting design choices explicit.

Keywords: problem solving systems; PSS; systems engineering; systems analysis; policy analysis; soft systems methodology; systems design.

DOI: 10.1504/JDR.2010.035674

Journal of Design Research, 2010 Vol.8 No.4, pp.301 - 316

Published online: 02 Oct 2010 *

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