QUERY Factors related to success of SD (SD6841)

[SDMAIL Jack Harich]

Posted by  Jack Harich <jack at thwink.org>


Jim Thompson wrote on Feb 11, 2007: 

"My thesis research reviews several 
consulting engagements in which SD was the prominent problem-solving 
methodology. However, the causes and solutions suggested by SD did not 
make immediate sense to the persons charged with solving the problem.

Extraordinary claims require extraordinary evidence. In some 
engagements this observation was respected by making ever more detailed 
SD models, for the most part producing disappointment and 
disillusionment with the methodology. In those engagements in which the 
SD-generated insight was supported by other analytics, organizational 
satisfaction with results and the likelihood of implementing an 
SD-generated solution was much higher."

This appears to be a rich source of the factors affecting the 
success/failure of SD, as applied to practical, pressing problems. Is 
this or related research available? How current and relevant is it?

This sort of thing may be particularly pertinent as the list moves into 
a long, serious effort on how to develop "a vision and strategy for the 
next 50 years," as Jim Lyneis mentions in his recent message to SD 
Society members.

Jack Harich
Posted by  Jack Harich <jack at thwink.org>
posting date  Sun, 30 Mar 2008 10:55:27 -0400