Socio-Technical Toolbox
Compare the Hard and Soft Business Systems Analysis and Design Methodologies.
In the last few decades, the mechanism and description of the socio technical tools have been supported by the analysts in the implementation of different methodologies like Effective Technical and Human Implementation of Computer Supported Systems (ETHICS), Object Oriented Analysis and Design (OOAD), and Soft System Methodologies (Avison, and Fitzgerald, 2003). These socio-technical literatures have explained the contextual analysis of business information system emphasising human and technical dependency of the organization in the current organizational environment of an evolving nature. Many researchers have been emphasised the need of business information system which addresses the whole context in which the work system of an IT organization is designed, implemented and maintained for the business purpose of the organization for a long term (Hoffer, 2012). In this report the nature and characteristics of different business information systems is evaluated critically about the problems associated with these systems and their organizational context as well. Some of the major and contemporary methodologies that are used to solve organization problems have been demonstrated. And also different issues and problems associated with these methodologies is analysed and evaluated critically. This will help the organization to understand these business information systems thoroughly and make them to implement these systems more efficiently. In Health care industry there are some core business processes that can make or break the organization or company. In order to ensure that these processes work well all the time, IT plays the role of the essential force to do so.
Socio-Technical Toolbox
This toolbox deals with 30 templates that are organizes in 8 different themes which support the implementation or application of these Socio-Technical tools in the practice of business systems analysis. These themes are neither to be implemented all at a time nor in a particular pre-defined order (Wang, et al, 2009). The systematic and deep understanding of the problematic situation and the reason of the engagement are the major factors that decide the number and order of these themes to be implemented. These themes are as following
- System change analysis
- System structure definition
- System perspective
- System action
- System purpose
- System priorities
- Desirable system
- System for evaluation and engagement
System change analysis
Given report summarises the themes as an analysis of the problematic situation of the current work system, needs for the future of the system, and potential outcomes in terms of the benefits of the new system (Laudon, and Laudon, 2016). Different questions arising related to the need of change in the system are analysed along with the future requirements as well as the beneficial outcomes of the new system.
Key Themes in the Socio-Technical Toolbox
System structure definition
Identification of key tasks, objectives, needed information, and information related to the coordination of these tasks is dealt in this particular theme according to the given research report on the socio-technical toolbox. The main aim of the themes is outlining the key objectives which require exploration of different questions such as purpose of the system change, functions and responsibilities associated with the new system, and its relevance of the new system. After identifying this information, tasks are to be specified and must be carried out to achieve the desired change in the system. The quality of task identification and their effectiveness all depends on the quality of the information provided.
System purpose
Report discussed this theme as a diagnosis of the efficient needs that can be introduced while looking for the alternatives. These alternatives are discussed to make a change in the design of system differentiating them from the standard expected or designed systems. These variances are of two types such as, operating variances and key variances. These variances cover three different categories of the issues as following
- Issues within a particular system of interest
- Issues between the system internal like, between two different work systems of the organization, or between the department of interest and the rest of the departments of the organization.
- Issues between the system and the external systems like issues between the system and the external systems such as external agencies or stakeholders (Rahimi, Vimarlund, and Timpka, 2009).
System perspectives
This theme aims to analyse the future changes that have the potential to enhance the efficiency or effectiveness of the system for the coming five years. This complete analysis is carried out by focussing on existing technologies, regulatory, organizational and economic trends and impact of such implementations which may have not been discussed in the industry before this.
System priorities
The whole discussion about this theme given in the report can be summarised as an analysis of the new designed system to specify the efficiency and need of job satisfaction and other social goals of the organization. Priorities are discussed to make a re-design attempt in order to correct the priority sequence of the outcomes. This analysis motivates the organization to re-design its new system considering the priority sequence of the outcomes which may influence the organization or its business.
Desirable system
Report states that this theme considers the new design of the system using different ways of organizing different human activities in order to create an effective system that can enhance the efficiency and job satisfaction. Sometimes, this re-designing of the new system can be done using the priorities and their significance. This doesn’t require any additional technical analysis.
System action
This theme consist all the preparations of the detailed design of the work system according to the selected organization and the technical options available. Focus of the theme is to create an effective system best suitable for the organization.
Methodologies for Business System Analysis and Design
System for evaluation and engagement
Report suggests that this particular theme includes the implementation of the diagnosed analysis, benefits realised by the management, and evaluation and a reflective element in order to enhance the efficiency and job satisfaction.
There are various methodologies that have been used within the organisation while implementing and making changes to the Information system that is present there. Each of these changes is made according to the requirements of the firm. There are three basic socio-technical methodologies namely Software system methodology (SSM), Effective Technical and Human Implementation of Computer based systems (ETHICS), Object-oriented analysis and design.
First is Software system methodology is an approach that utilised by the company for organisational process modelling (Business process modelling) and it can be utilised for solving the general problems as well as in the change management. The basic use of SSM in the analysis of situations that are complex in nature where there are divergent views associated with the problem definition. It is highly helpful in solving the problems that are soft in nature (Birch, 2003). For example, it can be used for enhancing the quality of health service delivery. It assists firms in the situations where the actual problems are hard to define. In such situations the soft systems are used an interrogative device which will enable debate among the concerned parties. There is a seven stage representation of SSM. The stages are:
- Penetrating into situation that is understood to be problematic.
- Express the situation of the problem.
- Make basic definitions of relevant systems of activity that are purpose based.
- Making system’s conceptual models described in the basic definition.
- Build parallel models with situations in real world.
- Describe likely alterations that are both feasible and practical.
- Taking actions for improving the situation that is problematic.
Second methodology that can be used in this regards is ETHICS. It is a structured design approach that covers administrative, organisational as well as quality of working life factors. It was developed through technically efficient social characteristics which lead to greater job satisfaction as well as enhanced quality of working life. This is a method in which the systems require the technology that is attached with social and organisational factors. It also developed through action research which helps in enhancing the job satisfaction as well as enhancing the quality of working life. This is because the new systems need to fit closely with organisational and social factors. It also helps achieving the objectives of the mission. It distinguishes between easy and difficult to adopt changes. Redesigning of job is a part of the whole process. ETHICS is linked with management of change and plays major role in influencing the design of their work situation (Daft, 2009). This also considers the fact that the new system might create problems related with finance and human like routinisation, deskilling, high staff turnover etc.
Hard System Thinking
Third methodology is the Object-oriented analysis and design. It is a common and widely used approach for evaluating and designing system, application or business by using object-oriented programming as well as taking use of visual modelling all across the development life cycles. It also helps in fostering appropriate shareholder communication and product quality. It is conducted in an incremental and iterative manner. This model gets refined and evolved continuously driven by major factors such as business value and risks.
All the three system analysis and redesign methods are used for the purpose of understanding the changes that are possible in the organisation at the same time checking the issues that can arise in the business process.
Since the business environment has changed hence it has become possible to analyse and redesign the systems as per the requirements. This part highlights the business system analysis and design methodologies.
Hard system thinking suggests that every larger system can be disintegrated into the smaller sub-systems. This thinking suggests systems that are having clear objective and well elaborated goals. It is beneficial for making of the solution that would help in achieving these objectives. It depicts a model that is having a detailed objective and these objectives can be stated in quantitative terms which help in the development of mathematical models (McNurlin, Sprague & Bui, 2009).
In soft systems thinking acts as a strategy where the situations that are complex can be analysed. At the same time it also checks acceptable improvements that can be made to counter the system (Richer, 2018). The basic idea to this thinking is to achieve quality systems that can be attained through a multistage process of gathering data, definition, evaluation etc. It is basically connected with the SSM. It is a different point of view attached with problematic situations faced by the company.
It is difficult to describe the issues in the soft thinking. This is because the definition of the problem is not simple or straightforward rather it is itself problematic. Problems are considered to be as the psychological and social construct which can be understood as the outcome of naming and framing. It differentiates itself from the view that is common and work begins when there is an established need. The issues are also hard to define because of the fact that individual’s perception regarding the world might vary and their preferences may also vary. Every stakeholder may frame the problems as per their views.
Soft Systems Thinking
There is a very close relationship between the hard and soft issues and the methodologies that are used while adopting the systems. The SSM very clearly defines the problems that are related to the soft thinking process (Catthoor, et. al., 2013). This can be understood by the fact that SSM helps in solving the problems that are complex in nature especially the ones that are related to the soft thinking process. SSM aims to gather data, analyse on it, debate about it, at the same time giving descriptive definition of the problem which directly or indirectly helps in finding solutions to the problem. Strength includes being highly practical, giving solutions that are realistic in nature. Weaknesses include being a difficult approach to adopt and not easier understanding.
On the other hand ETHICS describes the ethical position of the company while making the changes. This is extremely important in the case when there are larger numbers of problems that arise in the business. It is better for solving the problems that are hard in nature. It can be understood in terms of the fact that there are many people who do understand how to utilise the new installed system. ETHICS helps in describing the whole problem in an elaborated manner then finding the appropriate solution for it (Lancaster, 2018). It also considers the two crucial aspects related with the business, first the job satisfaction and second the financial constraints. Since installation of system will require a change management process that is somehow relative to the impact that is posed by the new system and the influences of system that is unpredictable. Strengths includes providing clear solution, ensuring higher job satisfaction while weaknesses includes being highly quantitative hence takes time for implementation.
Object oriented analysis and design also helps in solving problems that is system and application based. It is more programming based where programs are used for visualising modelling across developmental life cycles. This is helpful for both the type of problems i.e. hard and soft. It is redefined and evolved continuously taking all the factors into consideration. The strengths include being very specific and hence provides solution that is very specific in nature. The weaknesses include clouding of full implications of the format that is followed in it, lack of understanding and too much expectation can be derived (Vasantha, et. al., 2012).
Among the three proposed methodologies, ETHICS and SSM can be very useful this is because of the fact that the problems that are arising in the firm. In this also the ETHICS can be very useful, this is because the nature of the problem that is very unique and becomes complex when it cannot be solved. As it can be seen that there are many employees working under the organisation and it is crucial for the firm to ensure their job satisfaction. Since the changes that are made in the organisation leads to dissatisfaction in the employees hence it is essential that ETHICS must be used. This methodology also helps in managing the organisational change within the firm which is very important in the case of Clinical healthcare. The organisational problems that the cited firm may face can be eliminated by taking use of this methodology. In the larger domain it considers the fact that how much training is necessary in managing the changes. It is also to be understood that there are many people that are believes in knowledge and personal skills. Since the organisation is getting better and better every day hence they also expect that they must get some kind of rewards. Supervisory systems are acceptable and hence adequate support services can be provided to the patients. This methodology also understands the financial constraints that are faced by the organisation when the change in the business environment is too frequent.
Conclusion
The above analysis of the given report concludes that the socio-technical toolbox consists of eight different themes that can be used in any sequence according to the necessity of the organizational situation and its resource availability. This discussion also states that the number of themes required for different system designs for different organizations may differ from one another. There are three methodologies used known as SSM, ETHICS and OOAD. They have a close relationship with hard and soft problems and hence are capable of solving it. EHTICS is the best suitable methodology in regards to the clinical healthcare because of the nature of the problems they are facing
References
Avison, D. and Fitzgerald, G., (2003) Information systems development: methodologies, techniques and tools. McGraw Hill.
Wang, Y., Xiao, J., Suzek, T.O., Zhang, J., Wang, J. and Bryant, S.H., (2009) PubChem: a public information system for analysing bioactivities of small molecules. Nucleic acids research, 37(suppl_2), pp.W623-W633.
Laudon, K.C. and Laudon, J.P., (2016) Management information system. Pearson Education India.
Rahimi, B., Vimarlund, V. and Timpka, T., (2009) Health information system implementation: a qualitative meta-analysis. Journal of medical systems, 33(5), p.359.
Hoffer, J.A., (2012) Modern Systems Analysis and Design, 6/e. Pearson Education India.
Birch, D (2003) ‘Corporate Social Responsibility: Some Key Theoretical Issues and Concepts for
New Ways of Doing Business’, Journal of New Business Ideas and Trends, vol. 1, no. 1, pp. 1-19.Available at: https://ezproxy.lib.swin.edu.au/login?url=https://go.galegroup.com/ps/i.do?id=GALE%7CA238912955&v=2.1&u=swinburne1&it=r&p=AONE&sw=w
Daft, RL (2009), Organisation theory and design, 10th edn, Thomson South Western, Mason Ohio
McNurlin, BC, Sprague, JR. RH & Bui, T (2009), Information systems management in practice,
Catthoor, F., Wuytack, S., de Greef, G.E., Banica, F., Nachtergaele, L. and Vandecappelle, A., (2013). Custom memory management methodology: Exploration of memory organisation for embedded multimedia system design. Springer Science & Business Media.
Vasantha, G.V.A., Roy, R., Lelah, A. and Brissaud, D., (2012). A review of product–service systems design methodologies. Journal of Engineering Design, 23(9), pp.635-659.
Lancaster, (2018) COMPARING SOFT AND HARD OR. [Online]. Available at: https://www.lancaster.ac.uk/users/incism/back2.html
Richer, L. (2018) Working With the Cons of Object Oriented Programming. [Online]. Available at: https://www.brighthub.com/internet/web-development/articles/74166.aspx
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