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Multimethodology in series and parallel: strategic planning using hard and soft OR

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  • J Pollack

    (University of Technology)

Abstract

This paper examines two distinct ways in which hard and soft operational research (OR) methodologies can be combined, in series and in parallel. Multimethodology in series is acknowledged as the simpler and more common approach. Multimethodology in parallel is identified as having the potential to provide significant benefits to projects in political, changing, or ‘wicked’ contexts that multimethodology in series cannot. Observations regarding these approaches to multimethodology are examined in light of an information systems strategic planning project in the Australian public sector. Two distinct methodologies were combined in the project: soft systems methodology and project management. These methodologies are based on the soft and hard paradigms, respectively. However, findings in this paper have the potential to be transferred to combinations of other hard and soft OR methodologies.

Suggested Citation

  • J Pollack, 2009. "Multimethodology in series and parallel: strategic planning using hard and soft OR," Journal of the Operational Research Society, Palgrave Macmillan;The OR Society, vol. 60(2), pages 156-167, February.
    • Handle: RePEc:pal:jorsoc:v:60:y:2009:i:2:d:10.1057_palgrave.jors.2602538
    DOI: 10.1057/palgrave.jors.2602538
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Cited by:

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    2. Michael C. Jackson, 2020. "Critical systems practice 1: Explore—Starting a multimethodological intervention," Systems Research and Behavioral Science, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 37(5), pages 839-858, September.
    3. S Howick & C Eden, 2011. "Supporting strategic conversations: the significance of a quantitative model building process," Journal of the Operational Research Society, Palgrave Macmillan;The OR Society, vol. 62(5), pages 868-878, May.
    4. Brailsford, Sally C. & Eldabi, Tillal & Kunc, Martin & Mustafee, Navonil & Osorio, Andres F., 2019. "Hybrid simulation modelling in operational research: A state-of-the-art review," European Journal of Operational Research, Elsevier, vol. 278(3), pages 721-737.
    5. 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.
    6. Willis, Graham & Cave, Siôn & Kunc, Martin, 2018. "Strategic workforce planning in healthcare: A multi-methodology approach," European Journal of Operational Research, Elsevier, vol. 267(1), pages 250-263.
    7. Lowe, David & Espinosa, Angela & Yearworth, Mike, 2020. "Constitutive rules for guiding the use of the viable system model: Reflections on practice," European Journal of Operational Research, Elsevier, vol. 287(3), pages 1014-1035.
    8. Zolfagharian, Mohammadreza & Walrave, Bob & Raven, Rob & Romme, A. Georges L., 2019. "Studying transitions: Past, present, and future," Research Policy, Elsevier, vol. 48(9), pages 1-1.
    9. F O'Brien, 2011. "Supporting the strategy process: a survey of UK OR/MS practitioners," Journal of the Operational Research Society, Palgrave Macmillan;The OR Society, vol. 62(5), pages 900-920, May.
    10. 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.
    11. Emma Dean & Mark J. Taylor & Hulya Francis & Paulo Lisboa & Debbie Appleton & Mark Jones, 2017. "A Methodological Framework for Geographic Information Systems Development," Systems Research and Behavioral Science, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 34(6), pages 759-772, November.
    12. 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.
    13. Ricardi S. Adnan & Sonny Harry B. Harmadi & Sudarsono Hardjosoekarto & Nur Muhammaditya, 2023. "Institutional Reconstruction of Promoting and Maintaining the Level of Compliance with Health Protocols in Indonesia during the Pandemic," Systemic Practice and Action Research, Springer, vol. 36(3), pages 377-406, June.
    14. Ana Gabriela Ramírez-Gutiérrez & Pedro Pablo Cardoso-Castro & Ricardo Tejeida-Padilla, 2021. "A Methodological Proposal for the Complementarity of the SSM and the VSM for the Analysis of Viability in Organizations," Systemic Practice and Action Research, Springer, vol. 34(3), pages 331-357, June.
    15. Foote, J. & Midgley, G. & Ahuriri-Driscoll, A. & Hepi, M. & Earl-Goulet, J., 2021. "Systemic evaluation of community environmental management programmes," European Journal of Operational Research, Elsevier, vol. 288(1), pages 207-224.
    16. Franco, L. Alberto & Lord, Ewan, 2011. "Understanding multi-methodology: Evaluating the perceived impact of mixing methods for group budgetary decisions," Omega, Elsevier, vol. 39(3), pages 362-372, June.
    17. Z Zhu, 2011. "After paradim: why mixing-methodology theorising fails and how to make it work again," Journal of the Operational Research Society, Palgrave Macmillan;The OR Society, vol. 62(4), pages 784-798, April.
    18. 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.
    19. M Jackson, 2009. "Managing the tensions created by mixing methods: comments for Eden et al from a critical systems perspective," Journal of the Operational Research Society, Palgrave Macmillan;The OR Society, vol. 60(9), pages 1297-1299, September.
    20. Michael C. Jackson, 2022. "Critical systems practice 3: Intervene—Flexibly executing a multimethodological intervention," Systems Research and Behavioral Science, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 39(6), pages 1014-1023, November.
    21. 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.
    22. Zhichang Zhu, 2022. "Paradigm, specialty, pragmatism: Kuhn's legacy to methodological pluralism," Systems Research and Behavioral Science, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 39(5), pages 895-912, September.
    23. Cronin, Karen & Midgley, Gerald & Jackson, Laurie Skuba, 2014. "Issues Mapping: A problem structuring method for addressing science and technology conflicts," European Journal of Operational Research, Elsevier, vol. 233(1), pages 145-158.
    24. 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.

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