Module overview
This module provides an introduction to problem structuring methods (PSMs): methods which can be used to assist individuals and teams in developing their understanding of the messy problems which are the reality of organisational life. Such methods tend to be qualitative rather than quantitative, and focus on building models, often pictorial or diagrammatic, in which the “wild and wicked” complexity, uncertainty and subjectivity of real problems are represented and “tamed”.
Aims and Objectives
Learning Outcomes
Transferable and Generic Skills
Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:
- participate actively in the facilitation and management of change in organisations.
- use, at a basic level of competence, a variety of problem structuring methods;
- use systems thinking skills;
- use team-work skills;
- use problem structuring and solving skills;
- use qualitative modelling skills;
Subject Specific Intellectual and Research Skills
Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:
- evaluate the suitability of methods for problem structuring and solving and their use within organisations.
Knowledge and Understanding
Having successfully completed this module, you will be able to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of:
- a variety of problem structuring methods and their use within organisations.
Syllabus
- Introduction to problem structuring methods (PSMs).
- Soft systems methodology (SSM).
- Cognitive mapping and strategic options development and analysis (SODA).
- The strategic choice approach (SCA).
- Drama theory and metagame analysis.
- Systems thinking and problem structuring.
Learning and Teaching
Teaching and learning methods
Two hours of lectures per week, supported by one hour of weekly classes.
Type | Hours |
---|---|
Wider reading or practice | 40 |
Lecture | 24 |
Completion of assessment task | 40 |
Revision | 16 |
Tutorial | 10 |
Preparation for scheduled sessions | 20 |
Total study time | 150 |
Resources & Reading list
Textbooks
J. Rosenhead & J. Mingers. (editors) (2001). Rational Analysis for a Problematic World Revisited: Problem Structuring Methods for Complexity, Uncertainty and Conflict. Chichester: Wiley.
Assessment
Formative
This is how we’ll give you feedback as you are learning. It is not a formal test or exam.
Class discussions
- Assessment Type: Formative
- Feedback: Class discussions should provide formative feedback on their understanding of the material of the module.
- Final Assessment: No
- Group Work: No
Summative
This is how we’ll formally assess what you have learned in this module.
Method | Percentage contribution |
---|---|
Examination | 70% |
Case study | 30% |
Referral
This is how we’ll assess you if you don’t meet the criteria to pass this module.
Method | Percentage contribution |
---|---|
Case study | 100% |
Repeat
An internal repeat is where you take all of your modules again, including any you passed. An external repeat is where you only re-take the modules you failed.
Method | Percentage contribution |
---|---|
Examination | 70% |
Case study | 30% |
Repeat Information
Repeat type: Internal & External