3089. Rational thinking and learning in small, exciting wicked projects using systems methodologies
Invited abstract in session WA-61: Behavioural lessons from OR use in the lab and field, stream Behavioural OR.
Wednesday, 8:30-10:00Room: Maurice Keyworth G.31
Authors (first author is the speaker)
| 1. | Julian de Villez
|
| University of Hertfordshire |
Abstract
This paper describes the application of soft systems thinking or Soft OR (Operational Research) when dealing with small but complex, challenging, time and resource constrained, qualitative business and management research studies, when seen in their true light, as “wicked projects”. It will demonstrate the power, flexibility and effectiveness of these approaches, and their potential for improved learning, changing mental models and enhancing reasoning capabilities for all involved, enabling greater procedural rationality and procedural justice, and thus outcomes and decision making with greater holistic integrity. It helps answer the research question: Is Soft OR as suitable a research methods approach for inexperienced researchers on smaller scale projects, tackling wicked problems, as it is for fully resourced, experienced researcher-led larger interventions? This paper focuses on a set of thirty-two wide ranging studies undertaken by mostly part-time postgraduate students on professional Business and Management related degrees, who are managers in their full-time roles. Systems methodologies and Soft OR have been employed successfully over a period of 20 years by the author, as a collaborative supervisor. They have proved very suitable methods for structuring the project, gathering data, carrying out rigorous analysis and enabling clear, unbiased and rational thinking. They provide even the inexperienced researcher with a fully informed holistic approach.
Keywords
- Behavioural OR
- Soft OR
Status: accepted
Back to the list of papers