C/C/20. A case study of the CONFIRM failure from a soft systems methodology viewpoint

This essay begins with a précis of the case study – a description of the CONFIRM implementation, together with a rich picture with commentary. Then a list of issues and tasks are detailed, with explanation of why these have been selected as important. This is followed by a critical analysis about the limitations and competences of the analyses to date. The second part of this essay lists relevant systems of the CONFIRM project and one relevant system examined to provide insights into the problem scenario. A root definition with CATWOE analysis and comments is given, together with a conceptual model of the relevant system. A comparison of the conceptual model with the real world is illustrated in the rich picture leading to identification of items for the agenda of discussion. From this a proposal is drafted to the Steering Committee of the Consortium suggesting how the situation can be corrected so the CONFIRM project can continue and be completed. Then a report on Soft Systems Methodology is presented, with a discussion on any methodology that may be used to complement and address the limitations of SSM.