Task 4: Methodologies and tools for solving complex problems: soft systems, dialogue mapping, IBIS, satisficing

Whereas traditional/simple problems can be solved with knowledge from one discipline, occur within one societal sector, and involve only one actor, complex problems occur

across multiple scientific disciplines and societal sectors, involve multiple actors and stake-

holders, and can be seen as a web of problems. Complex problems are inherently “wicked”. 

This means that the problem is difficult or impossible to solve because of four main reasons: incomplete or contradictory knowledge, the number of people and opinions involved, large economic burden, and the interconnected nature of these problems with other problems.

Solving complex problems involves making tough decisions and decision makers face

ambiguity,uncertainty, and conflict. They can no longer follow a single claim about the

nature of the problem at hand and its solution, but instead have to consider several problem

perspectives, and search for solutions accordingly.

The decision makers therefore can use different methodologies and tools to solve these complex problems:

• Dialogue mapping:- This is used in a group meeting to create a shared map of the conversation. The tool captures the key questions, ideas, and arguments, recording them in a network like map for everyone in the meeting to see.

• Satisficing:- This is a decision making strategy or cognitive heuristic that entails searching through the available alternatives until an acceptability threshold is met. It aims for a satisfactory or adequate result, rather than the optimal solution.

• MindMiester:- An online mind mapping software that allows its users to visualize their thinking. It allows for real-time brainstorming sessions between an unlimited number of users. 

I will consider one of the group work project we did of implementing an EHR software in a doctor's practice, using compendium dialogue mapping. 

As shown above we had three approaches of installing the EHR software:

• Do it ourselves
• Hire consultants
• Co-develop, i.e. using a mix of both internal and external staff

Through the discussion we were able to list all the pros and cons of each approach and we finally chose the one with more pros - Co-develop. 

Advantages of dialogue mapping

• The software can be used offline
• The contributions of each participants are acknowledged in the map, and it can be seen how they relate to others. 
• The group is able to see where the discussion is coming from and where it is heading to and thus able to correct if an error occurs.
• The map is visual and creates a collaborative mode and increases a shared understanding of the problem.
• Since the map captures the thinking process of the group, it is easier to update who was not in the meeting by simply viewing the map. 

Lessons learnt

One idea led to another idea.

The information was captured in real-time and enabled every member of the group to stay on the same page.

using the software made the group meeting more organized and interesting as everyone felt part of it.

References:

http://eight2late.wordpress.com/category/dialogue-mapping/

http://cognexus.org/dmforwp2.pdf
http://pictureitsolved.com/resources/practices/dialogue-mapping/
file:///C:/Users/tmuiruri/Downloads/Common%20Ground,%20Complex%20Problems%20and%20Decision%20Making.pdf

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Gloria Siluka