Four methods, one answer?
We used four systems methods, so the recommendation has four times the support.
The case
A fictional improvement team makes a rich picture, a purposeful activity model, a stock-flow model, and a boundary critique. It then treats every arrow as a causal link and merges them into a master diagram. People who disagree with the preferred purpose disappear from the summary.
Try it before reading on
Select two methods. Write the distinct question each addresses, the output passed between them, and an assumption that must be tested at the transition.
Use paper or your own notes. Keep the first answer as well as any revision.
Compare your reasoning
An activity model can help ask what would be necessary for a stated purpose. It does not establish observed causal behaviour. A stock-flow model requires definitions, quantities, timing, and tested assumptions that an activity model cannot supply by itself. A boundary critique can expose whose purpose and evidence were excluded. Keep disagreement visible rather than treating a merged diagram as corroboration.
When could the claim be defensible?
Different methods can strengthen an inquiry when they address complementary questions and expose weaknesses in one another. Counting methods alone tells us little about the resulting evidence.
Change the conditions
The causal model predicts improvement, but the participation work reveals that a group bears the cost. Which result cancels the other?
Compare the changed case
Neither automatically cancels the other. Revisit the purpose, distribution of effects, assumptions, and authority to decide. Predictive adequacy and legitimacy answer different questions.
Follow the specific connection
Multi-methodology: justify the move from one method to another
A basic methodological design exercise. There is no universal correct sequence. The checks concern fit, assumptions and transitions, not allegiance to one classification of methods.
Soft Systems Methodology: build a model that follows its purpose
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.
Source routes and reading limits
The methodological route below uses the existing practice pack's checked resource descriptions. This release does not claim fresh reading of the external works.
SCiO: Mosaic, multi-methodology, CONAN and INFORMED
Use for orientation and source discovery. It is not a free self-check workbook; use the original exercises here.
Existing check: Method descriptions and linked talks/books inspected. Provider claims about success rates are not adopted by this pack.
SCiO competency framework resource guide (PDF)
Further reading for each framework row, including the separate references associated with transposing theory.
Existing check: Public sharing confirmed; approach and theory bibliography inspected. The presence of a reference does not establish that it contains self-check exercises.
OU: soft systems approach, stages 1-7
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.
Existing check: The stage pages were inspected, including root definitions and activity models. This is an adapted teaching account, not a complete self-marking SSM course.
OU: drawing systems maps, SAQ 3 and Activities 19-22
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.
Existing check: Tasks, defective maps, answer text and worked revisions inspected. Historic Child Support Agency case, not current policy guidance.
Take one revision away
Write the claim you can now support, the assumption you changed, and the observation or decision still needed. Do not turn the worked comparison into a compulsory answer where the question admits alternatives.
Choose another claim · Print all task sheets · Download the cases and route record