Week 5

Question 1

What is hard properties in systems

Answer 1

Elements within a system that can be defined, measured or assessed in an objective way

Question 2

What is soft properties in systems

Answer 2

Imprecise; matters of subjective opinion and individuals values; open to interpretation

Question 3

Why are organisational systems soft systems?

Answer 3

Their purpose is open to interpretation depending the view of the stakeholder

Question 4

Give an example of the basics of soft system methodology?

Answer 4

Breaks down organisations into human activity subsystems (people, technology, process, attitudes)

Question 5

What are rich pictures?

Answer 5

Widely used communication tool between the systems analyst and stakeholder groups

Question 6

What is CATWOE

Answer 6

Clients - customers who benefit from the out put

Actors - who carries out the activity

Transformation - the process/change within the subsystem

Worldview - how the system is perceived

Owner - to whom the subsystem is answerable

Environment - the context in which the subsystem operates