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The impact of contingency factors on validation of problem structuring methods

Author

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  • D Champion

    (Loughborough University)

  • J M Wilson

    (Loughborough University)

Abstract

Although much has been written about validating Decision support systems and other ‘hard’ OR models, less has been written about validating ‘soft’ OR models. This article seeks to determine which contingency factors known to influence DSS validation are also important factors influencing problem structuring methods (PSM) validation. In addition, after consultation with PSM experts other contingency factors influencing PSM validation are proposed. Evidence from these PSM experts concerning the levels of influence of these factors is used to support proposals for a contingency approach to PSM validation.

Suggested Citation

  • D Champion & J M Wilson, 2010. "The impact of contingency factors on validation of problem structuring methods," Journal of the Operational Research Society, Palgrave Macmillan;The OR Society, vol. 61(9), pages 1420-1431, September.
  • Handle: RePEc:pal:jorsoc:v:61:y:2010:i:9:d:10.1057_jors.2009.94
    DOI: 10.1057/jors.2009.94
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Cited by:

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    4. 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.
    5. Midgley, Gerald & Cavana, Robert Y. & Brocklesby, John & Foote, Jeff L. & Wood, David R.R. & Ahuriri-Driscoll, Annabel, 2013. "Towards a new framework for evaluating systemic problem structuring methods," European Journal of Operational Research, Elsevier, vol. 229(1), pages 143-154.
    6. Gregory, Amanda J. & Atkins, Jonathan P. & Midgley, Gerald & Hodgson, Anthony M., 2020. "Stakeholder identification and engagement in problem structuring interventions," European Journal of Operational Research, Elsevier, vol. 283(1), pages 321-340.
    7. 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.
    8. Shaw, Duncan & Smith, Chris M. & Scully, Judy, 2017. "Why did Brexit happen? Using causal mapping to analyse secondary, longitudinal data," European Journal of Operational Research, Elsevier, vol. 263(3), pages 1019-1032.
    9. Simon Bell & Sami Mahroum & Nasser Yassin, 2017. "Towards understanding problem structuring and groups with triple task methodology ‘e’," Journal of the Operational Research Society, Palgrave Macmillan;The OR Society, vol. 68(2), pages 192-206, February.
    10. Annielli A R Cunha & Danielle C Morais, 2016. "Analysing the use of cognitive maps in an experiment on a group decision process," Journal of the Operational Research Society, Palgrave Macmillan;The OR Society, vol. 67(12), pages 1459-1468, December.
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