IDEAS home Printed from https://ideas.repec.org/a/bla/srbeha/v39y2022i2p200-217.html
   My bibliography  Save this article

Combined soft system methodology and agent‐based simulation for multi‐methodological modelling

Author

Listed:
  • Alireza Moumivand
  • Adel Azar
  • Abbas Toloie Eshlaghy

Abstract

The primary aim of this paper is to explore theoretical and practical aspects of the soft system methodology (SSM) and simulation combination as a multi‐paradigm multi‐methodology approach through action research. The important theoretical findings from a systematic literature review show that previously published researches have mainly applied SSM to structure contents of messy problems and for model building. We identified two types of combination designs: (i) simulation enhancement and (ii) mixed methods. To further investigate the practical aspects of combined methodologies, we apply SSM in the conception phase of agent‐based modelling to an Iranian upstream oil and gas company. We show that a combined model offers the following advantages: It (i) improves our understanding of the problem, (ii) reflects upon the modelling process, (iii) provides learning for interveners and (iv) enables the proposition of technically sound, systematically feasible and culturally desirable agreed solutions for improving the situation.

Suggested Citation

  • Alireza Moumivand & Adel Azar & Abbas Toloie Eshlaghy, 2022. "Combined soft system methodology and agent‐based simulation for multi‐methodological modelling," Systems Research and Behavioral Science, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 39(2), pages 200-217, March.
    • Handle: RePEc:bla:srbeha:v:39:y:2022:i:2:p:200-217
    DOI: 10.1002/sres.2802
    as

    Download full text from publisher

    File URL: https://doi.org/10.1002/sres.2802
    Download Restriction: no
    File URL: https://libkey.io/10.1002/sres.2802?utm_source=ideas
    LibKey link: if access is restricted and if your library uses this service, LibKey will redirect you to where you can use your library subscription to access this item
    ---><---

    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Kotiadis, K. & Tako, A.A., 2018. "Facilitated post-model coding in discrete event simulation (DES): A case study in healthcare," European Journal of Operational Research, Elsevier, vol. 266(3), pages 1120-1133.
    2. Howick, Susan & Ackermann, Fran, 2011. "Mixing OR methods in practice: Past, present and future directions," European Journal of Operational Research, Elsevier, vol. 215(3), pages 503-511, December.
    3. K Kotiadis & A A Tako & C Vasilakis, 2014. "A participative and facilitative conceptual modelling framework for discrete event simulation studies in healthcare," Journal of the Operational Research Society, Palgrave Macmillan;The OR Society, vol. 65(2), pages 197-213, February.
    4. Lane, David C. & Oliva, Rogelio, 1998. "The greater whole: Towards a synthesis of system dynamics and soft systems methodology," European Journal of Operational Research, Elsevier, vol. 107(1), pages 214-235, May.
    5. M C Jackson, 2009. "Fifty years of systems thinking for management," Journal of the Operational Research Society, Palgrave Macmillan;The OR Society, vol. 60(1), pages 24-32, May.
    6. I Munro & J Mingers, 2002. "The use of multimethodology in practice—results of a survey of practitioners," Journal of the Operational Research Society, Palgrave Macmillan;The OR Society, vol. 53(4), pages 369-378, April.
    7. J H Powell & N Mustafee, 2017. "Widening requirements capture with soft methods: an investigation of hybrid M&S studies in health care," Journal of the Operational Research Society, Palgrave Macmillan;The OR Society, vol. 68(10), pages 1211-1222, October.
    8. Collins Ameyaw & Hans Wilhelm Alfen, 2018. "Two Strands Model of the Soft System Methodology Analysis of Private Sector Investment in Power Generation Sector in Ghana," Systemic Practice and Action Research, Springer, vol. 31(4), pages 395-419, August.
    9. Payam Hanafizadeh & Mohammad Mehrabioun, 2018. "Application of SSM in tackling problematical situations from academicians’ viewpoints," Systemic Practice and Action Research, Springer, vol. 31(2), pages 179-220, April.
    10. G A Hindle & L A Franco, 2009. "Combining problem structuring methods to conduct applied research: a mixed methods approach to studying fitness-to-drive in the UK," Journal of the Operational Research Society, Palgrave Macmillan;The OR Society, vol. 60(12), pages 1637-1648, December.
    11. S Robinson, 2008. "Conceptual modelling for simulation Part II: a framework for conceptual modelling," Journal of the Operational Research Society, Palgrave Macmillan;The OR Society, vol. 59(3), pages 291-304, March.
    12. S Robinson, 2008. "Conceptual modelling for simulation Part I: definition and requirements," Journal of the Operational Research Society, Palgrave Macmillan;The OR Society, vol. 59(3), pages 278-290, March.
    13. Glayse Ferreira Perroni da Silva & Ana Lúcia Pegetti & Maria Teresa Piacesi & Mischel Carmen Neyra Belderrain & Níssia Carvalho Rosa Bergiante, 2020. "Dynamic modeling of an early warning system for natural disasters," Systems Research and Behavioral Science, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 37(2), pages 292-314, March.
    14. Mingers, John & Brocklesby, John, 1997. "Multimethodology: Towards a framework for mixing methodologies," Omega, Elsevier, vol. 25(5), pages 489-509, October.
    15. Tako, Antuela A. & Kotiadis, Kathy, 2015. "PartiSim: A multi-methodology framework to support facilitated simulation modelling in healthcare," European Journal of Operational Research, Elsevier, vol. 244(2), pages 555-564.
    16. Amin Vahidi & Alireza Aliahmadi, 2019. "Describing the Necessity of Multi-Methodological Approach for Viable System Model: Case Study of Viable System Model and System Dynamics Multi-Methodology," Systemic Practice and Action Research, Springer, vol. 32(1), pages 13-37, February.
    17. B Lehaney & S A Clarke & R J Paul, 1999. "A case of an intervention in an outpatients department," Journal of the Operational Research Society, Palgrave Macmillan;The OR Society, vol. 50(9), pages 877-891, September.
    18. Mingers, John & Rosenhead, Jonathan, 2004. "Problem structuring methods in action," European Journal of Operational Research, Elsevier, vol. 152(3), pages 530-554, February.
    19. K Kotiadis & J Mingers, 2006. "Combining PSMs with hard OR methods: the philosophical and practical challenges," Journal of the Operational Research Society, Palgrave Macmillan;The OR Society, vol. 57(7), pages 856-867, July.
    Full references (including those not matched with items on IDEAS)

    Most related items

    These are the items that most often cite the same works as this one and are cited by the same works as this one.
    1. Harper, Alison & Mustafee, Navonil & Yearworth, Mike, 2021. "Facets of trust in simulation studies," European Journal of Operational Research, Elsevier, vol. 289(1), pages 197-213.
    2. Alexandre de A. Gomes Júnior & Vanessa B. Schramm, 2022. "Problem Structuring Methods: A Review of Advances Over the Last Decade," Systemic Practice and Action Research, Springer, vol. 35(1), pages 55-88, February.
    3. Small, Adrian & Wainwright, David, 2018. "Privacy and security of electronic patient records – Tailoring multimethodology to explore the socio-political problems associated with Role Based Access Control systems," European Journal of Operational Research, Elsevier, vol. 265(1), pages 344-360.
    4. Yearworth, Mike & White, Leroy, 2013. "The uses of qualitative data in multimethodology: Developing causal loop diagrams during the coding process," European Journal of Operational Research, Elsevier, vol. 231(1), pages 151-161.
    5. Henao, Felipe & Franco, L. Alberto, 2016. "Unpacking multimethodology: Impacts of a community development intervention," European Journal of Operational Research, Elsevier, vol. 253(3), pages 681-696.
    6. Guillaume Lamé & Oualid Jouini & Julie Stal-Le Cardinal, 2020. "Combining Soft Systems Methodology, Ethnographic Observation and Discrete-Event Simulation: A Case Study in Cancer Care," Post-Print hal-02095031, HAL.
    7. Tako, Antuela A. & Kotiadis, Kathy, 2015. "PartiSim: A multi-methodology framework to support facilitated simulation modelling in healthcare," European Journal of Operational Research, Elsevier, vol. 244(2), pages 555-564.
    8. Zichong Lyu & Dirk Pons & Yilei Zhang & Zuzhen Ji, 2022. "Minimum Viable Model (MVM) Methodology for Integration of Agile Methods into Operational Simulation of Logistics," Logistics, MDPI, vol. 6(2), pages 1-28, June.
    9. Small, Adrian & Wainwright, David, 2014. "SSM and technology management: Developing multimethodology through practice," European Journal of Operational Research, Elsevier, vol. 233(3), pages 660-673.
    10. Pessôa, Leonardo Antonio Monteiro & Lins, Marcos Pereira Estellita & da Silva, Angela Cristina Moreira & Fiszman, Roberto, 2015. "Integrating soft and hard operational research to improve surgical centre management at a university hospital," European Journal of Operational Research, Elsevier, vol. 245(3), pages 851-861.
    11. Martin Comis & Catherine Cleophas & Christina Büsing, 2021. "Patients, primary care, and policy: Agent-based simulation modeling for health care decision support," Health Care Management Science, Springer, vol. 24(4), pages 799-826, December.
    12. K Kotiadis & J Mingers, 2006. "Combining PSMs with hard OR methods: the philosophical and practical challenges," Journal of the Operational Research Society, Palgrave Macmillan;The OR Society, vol. 57(7), pages 856-867, July.
    13. Zlatanović, Dejana, 2015. "Combined Use of Systems Methodologies in Creative Managing the Problem Situations: Key Features, Benefits and Challenges," Proceedings of the ENTRENOVA - ENTerprise REsearch InNOVAtion Conference (2015), Kotor, Montengero, in: Proceedings of the ENTRENOVA - ENTerprise REsearch InNOVAtion Conference, Kotor, Montengero, 10-11 September 2015, pages 19-26, IRENET - Society for Advancing Innovation and Research in Economy, Zagreb.
    14. Robert G. Dyson & Frances A. O’Brien & Devan B. Shah, 2021. "Soft OR and Practice: The Contribution of the Founders of Operations Research," Operations Research, INFORMS, vol. 69(3), pages 727-738, May.
    15. David Lowe & Louise Martingale & Mike Yearworth, 2016. "Guiding interventions in a multi-organisational context: combining the Viable System Model and Hierarchical Process Modelling for use as a Problem Structuring Method," Journal of the Operational Research Society, Palgrave Macmillan;The OR Society, vol. 67(12), pages 1481-1495, December.
    16. Ryan Armstrong & Guillermo Jiménez, 2022. "Micro-Skills for Learning Soft Systems Methodology? Challenges and Opportunities in an Undergraduate Dissertation Project," Systemic Practice and Action Research, Springer, vol. 35(6), pages 831-853, December.
    17. Santos, Sérgio P. & Belton, Valerie & Howick, Susan & Pilkington, Martin, 2018. "Measuring organisational performance using a mix of OR methods," Technological Forecasting and Social Change, Elsevier, vol. 131(C), pages 18-30.
    18. Smith, Chris M. & Shaw, Duncan, 2019. "The characteristics of problem structuring methods: A literature review," European Journal of Operational Research, Elsevier, vol. 274(2), pages 403-416.
    19. Etienne Rouwette & Ingrid Bastings & Hans Blokker, 2011. "A Comparison of Group Model Building and Strategic Options Development and Analysis," Group Decision and Negotiation, Springer, vol. 20(6), pages 781-803, November.
    20. E D Adamides & P Mitropoulos & I Giannikos & I Mitropoulos, 2009. "A multi-methodological approach to the development of a regional solid waste management system," Journal of the Operational Research Society, Palgrave Macmillan;The OR Society, vol. 60(6), pages 758-770, June.

    More about this item

    Statistics

    Access and download statistics

    Corrections

    All material on this site has been provided by the respective publishers and authors. You can help correct errors and omissions. When requesting a correction, please mention this item's handle: RePEc:bla:srbeha:v:39:y:2022:i:2:p:200-217. See general information about how to correct material in RePEc.

    If you have authored this item and are not yet registered with RePEc, we encourage you to do it here. This allows to link your profile to this item. It also allows you to accept potential citations to this item that we are uncertain about.

    If CitEc recognized a bibliographic reference but did not link an item in RePEc to it, you can help with this form .

    If you know of missing items citing this one, you can help us creating those links by adding the relevant references in the same way as above, for each refering item. If you are a registered author of this item, you may also want to check the "citations" tab in your RePEc Author Service profile, as there may be some citations waiting for confirmation.

    For technical questions regarding this item, or to correct its authors, title, abstract, bibliographic or download information, contact: Wiley Content Delivery (email available below). General contact details of provider: http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/journal/10.1111/1092-7026 .

    Please note that corrections may take a couple of weeks to filter through the various RePEc services.

    IDEAS is a RePEc service. RePEc uses bibliographic data supplied by the respective publishers.