Editing Soft systems methodology (section)

===Seven stages (1981)===
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Soft systems methodology (SSM) is a powerful tool that is utilised to analyse very complex organisational and systemic problems, that do not have an obvious solution. The methodology incorporates seven steps to come up with a viable solution for the problem defined. The seven steps are;
# Enter situation in which a problem situation(s) have been identified
# Address the issue at hand
# Formulate root definitions of relevant systems of purposeful activity
# Build conceptual models of the systems named in the root definitions : This methodology comes into place from raising concerns/ capturing problems within an organisation and looking into ways how it can be solved. Defining the root definition also describes the root purpose of a system.
# The comparison stage: The systems thinker is to compare the perceived conceptual models against an intuitive perception of a real-world situation or scenario. Checkland defines this stage as the comparison of Stage 4 with Stage 2, formally, "Comparison of 4 with 2". Parts of the problem situation analysed in Stage 2 are to be examined alongside the conceptual model(s) created in Stage 4, this helps to achieve a "complete" comparison.
# Problems identified should be accompanied now by feasible and desirable changes that will distinctly help the problem situation based in the system given. Human activity systems and other  aspects of the system should be considered so that soft systems thinking, and Mumford's needs can  be achieved with the potential changes. These potential changes should not be acted on until step 7  but they should be feasible enough to act upon to improve the problem situation.
# Take action to improve the problem situation