An Application of Soft Systems Methodology in the Sugar Industry

Abstract

This research describes and analyses a methodological approach, known as Soft Systems Methodology (SSM). SSM was applied in the sugar industry, which is characterized by diverse stakeholders who have multiple and often competing objectives. SSM is a methodology that was developed in response to the limitations of the systems engineering approach. It uses a flexible, yet organized process to bring about action to improve problematical situations. A qualitative research approach was used. Interviews and SSM workshops were held with growers and the miller, and other stakeholders. Interviews were conducted with the focus on identifying the goals of the various stakeholders in the mill area, and how communication, trust, and overall efficiency were perceived by the stakeholder groups, on their own and as a whole. Data were analyzed using thematic analysis. Purposeful activity models were created after an analysis of the interview transcripts, and rich pictures were constructed by stakeholders in a SSM workshop. Stakeholders were invited to a second SSM workshop where they were presented with SSM tools that were constructed. Participants then chose to work on a model and engaged in debate about how the model compared to the real world, and considered how to take action to bring about improvement. The research illustrated the value of applying SSM in the sugar industry by bringing together diverse stakeholders to identify and address the multiple perspectives held about the overlapping problems. Through the SSM process, various problematic aspects of the sugar industry were uncovered and presented to stakeholders to bring about action. SSM facilitated the identification of the various objectives that the stakeholder groups were individually pursuing, and also created space for discussions into how to jointly create a desired future that could benefit all stakeholders. This collaborative methodology enabled meaningful and systemic interaction between the researcher and participants, by providing an opportunity for respondents to share their multiple and valid perspectives about the problems, challenges and opportunities in the mill area. Through the use of the SSM tools, further insight was gained into the roles, goals, values, power, and culture of the study context.