Stage 7: Implement changes

Finally, the agreed changes are implemented.

Like the hard systems approach, soft systems methodology is not seen as a ‘one pass’ procedure, but as a learning process. Iteration is a feature of the methodology's application. Learning is achieved in both approaches by the use of models, although soft systems has subsequently been enhanced to include a specific analysis of the culture and politics of the problem situation, as shown in Figure 38. This is important if changes are to be culturally feasible and politically acceptable. Combining these two approaches in soft systems leaves us with a picture of it as a learning system, as shown in Figure 39.

Figure 38 Cultural aspects within the soft systems approach

Figure 39 Soft systems methodology as a learning process