System Engineering and Productivity

System Engineering and Productivity

Introduction to a Systematic Multi-Methodology for Prioritizing Implementable Strategies in the Organization

Articles in Press

Document Type : Research Paper

Author
Mansoureh Zarezadeh
Assistant Professor, Department of Management, Ale-Taha Institute of Higher Education, Tehran, Iran
10.22034/sep.2025.2065824.1354
Abstract
The increasing complexities and organizational changes in the upcoming era inevitably direct researchers towards deeper contemplation of systemic methodologies and their application to address emerging issues. This article employs Soft Systems Methodology (SSM) to enhance System Dynamics (SD) in solving complex organizational issues, aiming to further leverage the capabilities of this combined approach in scenario planning and futures studies, particularly in the strategic domain. To evaluate the proposed combined methodology in practice, it was applied to better implement and prioritize strategies at the Statistical Center of Iran as a case study. Initially, the conceptual model of the employee motivation system (identified as the priority strategy) was outlined by various stakeholders using SSM. Subsequently, a causal loop diagram was extracted, and after modeling, testing, and implementing the model under different scenarios, the prioritization of operational strategies to improve the employee motivation system was conducted. Thus, by simultaneously combining both methods, SSM’s ability to engage stakeholders with diverse worldviews was harnessed to create a broader picture of strategies and to cultivate a strategic culture, while SD’s strengths in scenario planning were utilized for better implementation and prioritization of strategies in the relevant organization. This research aims to clarify the steps of the combined methodology in a way that can be applicable and beneficial for strategy development in other organizations, especially public organizations.

Highlights

  • Integration the two methodologies of SSM and SD from soft and hard approaches to solve strategic issues in the organization
  • Applying the combined system methodology in a case study to development strategies.
  • Using the advantages of the two approaches and helping to prioritizing implementable functional strategies in Organizations

Keywords
System Dynamics
Soft Systems Methodology (SSM)
Prioritization Strategies
Employee Motivation
Subjects

Copyright © Mansoureh Zarezadeh

 

License

This article is released under the Creative Commons Attribution (CC BY 4.0) license. Anyone is free to copy, share, translate, and adapt this article for any purpose, whether commercial or non-commercial, as long as proper citation is given to the authors and original publication.

Atzori, A. S., Balkan, B. A., & Gallo, A. (2023). Feedback thinking in dairy farm management: System dynamics modelling for herd dynamics. Animal, 17(8), 100905. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.animal.2023.100905
Avazpoor, M., Zarei, J., & Alinezhad, E. (2025). Evaluation and prioritization of electricity generation technologies in Iran using a multi-criteria decision-making approach. System Engineering and Productivity. 5(3), 179-198 (In Persian). https://doi.org/10.22034/sep.2025.2063697.1333
Badal, B., & Arquero, M. (2006). Strategic management-problem structuring methods [Doctoral dissertation, Technical University of Denmark]. DTU Research Database.
Barnabe, F. (2011). A system dynamics-based balanced scorecard to support strategic decision making. International Journal of Productivity and Performance Management, 60(5), 446–473. https://doi.org/10.1108/17410401111140383
Barlas, Y. (1996). Formal aspects of model validity and validation in system dynamics. System Dynamics Review: The Journal of the System Dynamics Society, 12(3), 183-210. https://doi.org/10.1002/(SICI)1099-1727(199623)12:3%3C183::AID-SDR103%3E3.0.CO;2-4
Checkland, P. B. (1981). Systems thinking, systems practice. John Wiley & Sons.
Chen, Y., Li, J., Lu, H., & Yan, P. (2021). Coupling system dynamics analysis and risk aversion programming for optimizing the mixed noise-driven shale gas-water supply chains. Journal of Cleaner Production, 278, 123209. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jclepro.2020.123209
Eghbal, F., Ehsanifar, M., Mirhosseini, M., & Mazaheri, H. (2025). Identification and modeling of key factors significant to the financial performance of Iranian construction companies. System Engineering and Productivity, 4(4), 77–94 (In Persian). https://doi.org/10.22034/msb.2024.2034092.1218
Ershadi, M. J., Kianmehr, M., Nabatchian, M., & Dinmohammadi, L. (2024). Designing a productivity assessment model to identify and prioritize influential factors and examine obstacles facing Iranian research organizations. System Engineering and Productivity, 4(2), 31–46 (In Persian). https://doi.org/10.22034/MSB.2024.2019692.1171
Forrester, J. W. (1996). System dynamics and K-12 teachers. Retrieved August, 8, 2008.
Gregory, A. J. (2008). Strategic development in higher education: A critical systems perspective. Systems Research and Behavioral Science: The Official Journal of the International Federation for Systems Research, 25(5), 605-614. https://doi.org/10.1002/sres.950
Gordon, D., Mashayekhi, A. N., Tomoaia‐Cotisel, A., Kim, H., Bahaddin, B., Luna‐Reyes, L. F., & Andersen, D. F. (2024). Developing model‐based storytelling to share systemic insights to the public during the COVID‐19 pandemic. System Dynamics Review, 40(3), e1771. https://doi.org/10.1002/sdr.1771
Habermas, J. (1990). Moral consciousness and communicative action. MIT Press.
Hemmasian Etefagh, M. (2022). Modeling of machinery productivity management based on system dynamics approach. System Engineering and Productivity, 2(1), 107–124 (In Persian). https://doi.org/10.22034/SEP.2022.243407
Howick, S., & Eden, C. (2011). Supporting strategic conversations: the significance of a quantitative model building process. Journal of the Operational Research Society, 62(5), 868-878. https://doi.org/10.1057/jors.2010.103
Ishino, Y., & Kijima, K. (2005). Project management methodology for stimulating strategic communication in Japan. Systems Research and Behavioral Science: The Official Journal of the International Federation for Systems Research, 22(3), 209-221. https://doi.org/10.1002/sres.658
Jackson, M. C. (2011). The multi-methodology debate: A response to Harwood. Journal of the Operational Research Society, 62(4), 811–813. https://doi.org/10.1057/jors.2010.167
Kashanian Monfared, N., Safaie, N., & Hosseininezhad, S. J. (2025). A decision-making model for the problem of designing the layout of medical centers considering uncertainty. System Engineering and Productivity, 5(2), 97–118. https://doi.org/10.22034/sep.2025.2049327.1252
Khalili, S., Saeedi, F., Yousefi, S., & Zandpourasl, M. (2025). Investigating the impact of the “attitude and mindset” component on the success of project managers in the Iranian construction industry. System Engineering and Productivity, 5(1), 1–19 (In Persian). https://doi.org/10.22034/SEP.2025.2046688.1237
Kong, Y., Liu, J., & Chen, J. (2023). Exploring the carbon abatement measures in maritime supply chain: A scenario-based system dynamics approach. International Journal of Production Research, 61(18), 6131–6152. https://doi.org/10.1080/00207543.2022.2088427
Lim, K. F. H. (2008). Enhancing vehicle safety management in training deployments: an application of system dynamics (Doctoral dissertation, Massachusetts Institute of Technology).
Liu, W. B., Meng, W., Mingers, J., Tang, N., & Wang, W. (2012). Developing a performance management system using soft system methodology: A Chinese case study. European Journal of Operational Research, 223(2), 529–540. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ejor.2012.06.029
Mingers, J. (1997). Multi-paradigm multimethodology. In J. Mingers & A. Gill (Eds.), Multimethodology: The theory and practice of combining management science methodologies (pp. 1–20). Wiley.
Mingers, J., & Brocklesby, J. (1997). Multimethodology: Towards a framework for mixing methodologies. Omega, 25(5), 489–509. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0305-0483(97)00018-2
Moghbel Baerz, A., Azar, Z., Jhadivar, A., & Zarezadeh, M. (2021). A Total Systems Intervention Approach to Developing Strategy Implementation Roadmap in Public Organization. Management Research in Iran, 19(2), 1-29 (In Persian).
Moumivand, A., Azar, A., & Toloie Eshlaghy, A. (2022). Combined soft system methodology and agent‐based simulation for multi‐methodological modelling. Systems Research and Behavioral Science, 39(2), 200-217. https://doi.org/10.1002/sres.2802
Oliva, R. (2003). Model calibration as a testing strategy for system dynamics models. European Journal of Operational Research, 151(3), 552-568. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0377-2217(02)00622-7
Reese, S. (2020). Taking the learning organization mainstream and beyond the organizational level: An interview with Peter Senge. The Learning Organization, 27(1), 6–16. https://doi.org/10.1108/TLO-09-2019-0136
Rodríguez-Ulloa, R. A., Montbrun, A., & Martínez-Vicente, S. (2011). Soft system dynamics methodology in action: A study of the problem of citizen insecurity in an Argentinean province. Systemic Practice and Action Research, 24(4), 275–323. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11213-010-9187-z
Rodriguez-Ulloa, R., & Paucar-Caceres, A. (2005). Soft system dynamics methodology (SSDM): Combining soft systems methodology (SSM) and system dynamics (SD). Systemic Practice and Action Research, 18(3), 303–334. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11213-005-4816-7
Rodríguez-Ulloa, R., Martínez-Vicente, S., & Dyner-Rezonzew, I. (2021). Strategic management of Peruvian natural gas using soft system dynamics methodology (SSDM). In World Organization of Systems and Cybernetics Congress (pp. 51–61). Springer International Publishing. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-08195-8_5
Rosenhead, J., & Mingers, J. (2001). Rational analysis for a problematic world revisited. John Wiley & Sons.
Senge, P. M. (1990). The fifth discipline: The art and practice of the learning organization. Random House.
Small, A., & Wainwright, D. (2014). SSM and technology management: Developing multimethodology through practice. European Journal of Operational Research, 233(3), 660–673. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ejor.2013.08.049
Sohrabian, R., &  Ahmadvand, A. M. (2023). Designing and formulating risk response strategies for implementing strategic management using a balanced scorecard in Esfahan Steel Company. System Engineering and Productivity, 2(4), 79–93 (In Persian). https://doi.org/10.22034/SEP.2023.704332
Stamoulis, D. S. (2020). Information systems for the social administration using the soft systems methodology. International Journal of Applied Systemic Studies, 9(1), 1–10. https://doi.org/10.1504/IJASS.2020.108655
Warren, K. (2002). Competitive strategy dynamics. John Wiley & Sons, 19(3), 265–267.  https://doi.org/10.1002/sdr.276
Zarezadeh, M., Ghaderi, S. F., & Tavakoli Moghaddam, R. (2011). Analyzing effects of policy pricing on household energy consumption of country by system approach. Advances in Industrial Engineering, 45(1), 71–81 (In Persian).
System Engineering and Productivity

Articles in Press, Accepted Manuscript
Available Online from 27 September 2025

  • Receive Date 14 July 2025
  • Revise Date 16 September 2025
  • Accept Date 27 September 2025
  • First Publish Date 27 September 2025
  • Publish Date 27 September 2025