A systemic framework based on Soft OR approaches to support teamwork strategy: An aviation manufacturer Brazilian company case

Abstract

The paper reports on the application of a combination of Operational Research (OR) approaches to a real-world case of re-designing the strategy of a department management team, in an aircraft manufacturing organization in Brazil. We combine approaches from 'Soft' OR Problem Structuring Methods in a multi-methodological framework arguing that this helps to discuss, develop and implement a new departmental strategy. The proposed framework uses elements of Soft Systems Methodology; Strategic Options Development and Analysis to understand and structure the situation; Value-Focused Thinking to define the means and objectives; and ValueFocused Brainstorming to highlight the potential solutions. We conceptualize a four-phased systemic framework linking elements of the above four 'Soft' OR approaches and apply it to a real-world case in a department where a new team leader was appointed with the specific brief to improve the departmental strategy and its performance in general. Findings suggest that combining the approaches into a framework encourages trust and participation from stakeholders which, in practice, is translated into an improved strategy for the organization. A reflection on the multi-methodological approach is proposed. Conclusions and points for further research are suggested.

Soft situational strategic planning (SSSP): A method and case study of its application in a Brazilian municipality

“…Both academics researchers and practitioners may make their own contributions to further refinement. The paper is a healthy addition to the current OR/MS research in which a number of systemic methodologies have been adapted and adopted on both sides of the Atlantic (Hindle and Franco, 2009, Franco and Hämäläinen, 2016a, Castellini et al, 2017, Abuabara et al, 2017, Franco and Hämäläinen, 2016b.…”

“…To enhance the operational research practice, we tested and applied the proposed model in a case study in a Brazilian municipality. This application contributes to the increasing repository of multi-methodological operational research and management science (Henao and Franco, 2016, Franco and Lord, 2011, Abuabara et al, 2017, Pollack, 2009. This proposed synthesis aims to be more than just an amalgamation of the three methods.…”

A Systemic Framework to Evaluate Student Satisfaction in Latin American Universities under the COVID-19 Pandemic

“…In our experience of practicing multimethodology using systems thinking principles, see [50][51][52], one way of facilitating those is to assemble a multi-disciplinarily team. This project has been the product of a multidisciplinary effort: One author is fully conversant on soft approaches and systems thinking practice [51][52][53]; one is expert in education [54]; other one is fairly familiar with applications of systems thinking in sustainability and public policy [55]; other in statistical analysis [56]; and international education formed the rest of the team. On reflection, at end of our exercise, the authors who were not familiar with systems thinking saw the benefits that this can bring and felt that they have acquired a useful tool to tackle complexity in future projects.…”

Whither is problem structuring methods (PSMs)?

“…However, when one looks at the references relating to the section on PSMs, then one is struck by the dates of the references, with the most recent being 2014. Likewise, in the literature review of Abuabara et al (2017), its most recent papers cited in the sections relating to SSM and SODA, are 2009. Indeed, a cursory scan of papers published in JORS over the last 10 years suggests that PSMs are off interest to fewer and fewer researchers.…”