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  "release": "0.35",
  "citation": "Taylor, B. P. (2026). Practice: Soft Systems Methodology: build a model that follows its purpose. The Necessary Tangle, release 0.35. https://transduction.systems/entries/practice_lab_soft_systems/",
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    "description": "Move from a messy situation through purposeful perspectives to a logically defensible activity model and comparison. A compact SSM rehearsal. The stages organise learning here; they are not a claim that SSM is a mandatory linear project sequence. An activity model is an inquiry device, not a description of what the organisation really is.",
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    "summary": "Move from a messy situation through purposeful perspectives to a logically defensible activity model and comparison. A compact SSM rehearsal. The stages organise learning here; they are not a claim that SSM is a mandatory linear project sequence. An activity model is an inquiry device, not a description of what the organisation really is.",
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    "why_it_matters": "A concrete rehearsal with a fictional case, explicit outputs and a way to inspect the result.",
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      "Mechanical correctness is distinct from judgement in an open situation.",
      "Training-case application is distinct from competent organisational practice."
    ],
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    "dependent_subsequents": [],
    "practice_connections": [
      "Make a rich picture of the situation.",
      "Write two relevant root definitions using PQR.",
      "Check the resident definition with CATWOE.",
      "Build the minimum activity model for the resident definition.",
      "Compare the model with the case and propose one accommodation."
    ],
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    "context_and_lineage": "Original educational resource, 7 September 2026.",
    "editorial_note": "Prepared with AI assistance. Publication authorised by Benjamin P Taylor. No independent specialist review or source-provider endorsement is claimed.",
    "last_researched": "2026-09-07",
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    {
      "id": "src_practice_lab_soft_systems",
      "title": "Soft Systems Methodology: build a model that follows its purpose",
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      "url": "https://transduction.systems/systems-thinking/practice/soft-systems/",
      "date": "2026-09-07",
      "notes": "Original fictional exercise. A compact SSM rehearsal. The stages organise learning here; they are not a claim that SSM is a mandatory linear project sequence. An activity model is an inquiry device, not a description of what the organisation really is.",
      "creators": [
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      ],
      "doi": "",
      "isbn": "",
      "publisher": "The Necessary Tangle",
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      "archived_url": "",
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    {
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      "url": "https://www.open.edu/openlearn/science-maths-technology/systems-engineering-challenging-complexity/content-section-3.9",
      "date": "2026-09-07",
      "notes": "The stage pages were inspected, including root definitions and activity models. This is an adapted teaching account, not a complete self-marking SSM course. Use: Read stages 3-5 beside your own root definition, activity model and comparison table. Use this pack's case and checks to test your construction.",
      "creators": [],
      "doi": "",
      "isbn": "",
      "publisher": "www.open.edu",
      "licence": "External source terms; linked, not reproduced",
      "archived_url": "",
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      "review_status": "specific_access_and_content_limit_recorded",
      "last_checked": "2026-09-07",
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      "id": "src_practice_external_ou_maps",
      "title": "OU: drawing systems maps, SAQ 3 and Activities 19-22",
      "source_type": "public_learning_resource",
      "quality_tier": "A",
      "access": "public",
      "url": "https://www.open.edu/openlearn/digital-computing/managing-complexity-a-systems-approach-introduction/content-section-9.3",
      "date": "2026-09-07",
      "notes": "Tasks, defective maps, answer text and worked revisions inspected. Historic Child Support Agency case, not current policy guidance. Use: Attempt SAQ 3 before opening its answer. Draw your own map for Activities 19-22, then compare the author's choices. Different justified boundaries need not match the example.",
      "creators": [],
      "doi": "",
      "isbn": "",
      "publisher": "www.open.edu",
      "licence": "External source terms; linked, not reproduced",
      "archived_url": "",
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      "review_status": "specific_access_and_content_limit_recorded",
      "last_checked": "2026-09-07",
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      "source_type": "public_learning_resource",
      "quality_tier": "A",
      "access": "public",
      "url": "https://www.systemspractice.org/courses/systems-practice",
      "date": "2026-09-07",
      "notes": "Public listings inspected for VSM, SSM, CSH, SD, Patterns of Strategy, Mosaic and systems laws. Paid exercises and marking were not accessed. Use: Choose the named introduction or core module matching your method. Check current price, access arrangements and feedback provision before paying.",
      "creators": [],
      "doi": "",
      "isbn": "",
      "publisher": "www.systemspractice.org",
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      "last_checked": "2026-09-07",
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      "id": "src_systems_methods_practice_pack",
      "title": "Systemic systems methods practice for systems practice (alpha)",
      "source_type": "practice_resource",
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      "url": "https://transduction.systems/systems-thinking/practice/",
      "date": "2026-09-07",
      "notes": "Alpha version. The original teaching material has not had independent specialist pedagogical review. These exercises support technical learning; they do not establish professional competence or accreditation.",
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  "evidence_locators": [],
  "reuse_note": "Preserve source attribution, scope, and review status. Source documents and evidence excerpts are excluded."
}