MISM - next workshop topic

The coming MISM workshop topic is on Soft Sysems Thinking and IT.  Students are referred to the following blog article: http://josephho33.blogspot.hk/2012/10/soft-systems-thinking-for-itis.html

Notes

• Theoretical level (soft systems thinking) (affiliated with the subjective/ interpretivist stance)
• Methodological level (soft systems methodologies)
• Techiques level (e.g. rich picture building, conceptual model building, CATWOE analysis)

I will also demonstrate how to use GW e-library: https://portal.gre.ac.uk/cp/home/displaylogin

Reference

Related lecture notes
Note 1

Note 2

Note the difference between purposeful and purposive: http://openlearn.open.ac.uk/mod/oucontent/view.php?id=397869&section=15.3

In Lecture 2, I will review the following article: http://josephho33.blogspot.hk/2012/09/a-concern-coping-methodology-based-on.html

• FC forum on Systems Thinking: https://www.facebook.com/#!/groups/272833847547/
• FC folder on rich picture building: https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10150261845082090.378645.713727089&type=3

Class exercise:

Task 1: Carry out a CATWOE analysis and develop a conceptual model based on the following root definition:

"A face-book based e-learning support system managed by a part-time teacher to enhance the teacher's own students' learning experience in class and, subsequently, to support students' continuous professional development with a mentoring/ coaching approach and on a voluntary basis"

Task 2: construct 1-2 use case diagrams to depict the information system functions required to support such a human activity system


Notes as related to the class exercise

Exercise answer in rough draft:



Customers: part-time students with need of study and continuous professional development support

Actor: part-time teacher who operates the face-book platform on e-learning support

Transformation: students being supported with facebook e-learning become more effective in learning and continuous professional development

Worldview: it is a meaningful activity to support part-time students on their learning with a mentoring and coaching approach

Owner: the part-time teacher who operates the facebook e-learning support platform

Environmental contraints: the e-learning support has to operate on the facebook platform and follow mentoring and coaching thinking; the e-learning support activity is carried out with participation of all involved parties on a voluntary basis