How SSM deals with complexity

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Abstract
Soft Systems Methodology (SSM) has been developed to deal with change made to improve problem situations. This methodological process is investigated in this paper and the investigation is related to the classification of complexity types given by Flood in this issue. The three types - i e, classical complexity, psychological complexity, and metaphysical complexity - are related to the three types of Weltanschauungen found in the process of SSM. The recognition of a complexity syndrome and the need to adopt a methodology as a way of handling that syndrome is noted. The paper concludes by arguing that the doubly systemic nature of SSM needs to be explicitly managed in order to utilise SSM fully as a way of handling complexity in problem situations.

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