EURO 2024 Copenhagen
Abstract Submission

EURO-Online login

4010. The philosophical, theoretical and methodological development of a PSM through Action Research: From the Specific to the Generic

Invited abstract in session MD-13: Methodological Developments in Soft OR and PSMs, stream Soft OR and Problem Structuring Methods.

Monday, 14:30-16:00
Room: 15 (building: 116)

Authors (first author is the speaker)

1. Chris Smith
Management Science and Marketing, University of Manchester

Abstract

This paper considers the development of a Problem Structuring Method (PSM) WASAN over an action research programme and what we can learn about the applicability of PSMs to multiple contexts. The programme focusses on WASAN’s developmental journey from a single use approach, only applicable to a limited context, to a PSM that has generic applicability, that is can be used across multiple problem contexts. The project tracks the changes made to WASAN through 11 Learning Loop cycles across two new problem contexts with five different researchers using the approach to collect and analyse data.
The unit of analysis for the paper is the philosophical, theoretical and methodological development of WASAN, to achieve this the paper focuses on the learning from a second level analysis of the Action Research Programme concerned with what we can learn about PSMs more broadly. Here the focus is the different classes of elements within WASAN which are required for it to be generically applicable, that is applicable to a variety of problem contexts. Here the paper distinguishes between two classes of elements, those which required consistent replication regardless of context; termed methodological elements. Second, those which allow an approach to be applicable to the local context thereby bridging the gap between the problem context and methodology; we term these contextual elements.

Keywords

Status: accepted

Back to the list of papers