Identifying the requirements for a tool to support the adoption of SSM within business systems analysis and design

Abstract

SSM has been used successfully in a number of varied and complex problem areas throughout industry (Checkland & Scholes 1990). However, the flexibility which the method advocates can also be perceived as lacking structure, particularly to those with hard systems backgrounds such as business systems analysts (Oakes 1994). This coupled with its perceived complexity can intimate non SSM users who may not adopt the methodology due to a lack of confidence (Mingers & Taylor 1992). The SSM research community has been debating whether tool support can address some of the problems mentioned (Avison, Golder & Shah 1992). This report considers the requirements of a tools to support the adoption of SSM by computing oriented users.