Abstract
In order to facilitate learning and improve the situation of the small business, action research is being carried out with an independently owned pharmacy in Western Australia (as an example of small business) using the soft systems methodology (SSM) to help determine strategic directions for small business owners. This study is an exercise in rational intervention to support action as well as research. It is concerned about the needs of small business and how small business might be able to better empower themselves by using a constructive framework for information systems planning.
This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution.
Buying options
Tax calculation will be finalised at checkout
Purchases are for personal use only
Learn about institutional subscriptionsPreview
Unable to display preview. Download preview PDF.
References
Atkinson, CJ (1989) Ethics: A Lost Dimension in Soft Systems Practice — Journal of Applied Systems Analysis-Vol 16 pp 43–53
Back, R D (1978) The Practising Accountant in Queensland as an Advisor to Small Firms: Working Paper — Dept of Commerce; James Cook University
Checkland, P (1981) Systems Thinking, Systems Practice — Wiley
Checkland, P (1985) Achieving “Desirable and Feasible” Change: an Application of Soft Systems Methodology—Journal of the Operational Research Society-Vol 36 No 9 pp 821–831
Delone, W H (1988) Determinants of Success for Computer Usage in Small Business-MIS Quarterly — (March ) pp 51–62
Galliers, R D (1984) In Search of a Paradigm for Information Systems Research — Research Methods in Information Systems. Proceedings of the IFIP WG 8.2 Colloquium-Enid Mumford et al ed-, Manchester Business School, 1–3 September pp 281–297
Galliers, R D (1986) Strategic Planning: A Failure of Direction — Business Computing and Communication-July/August, pp 34–38
Galliers, R D (1988) Information Technology Management for Productivity and Strategic Advantage — IFIP TC8 Open Conference, Institute of System Science, National University of Singapore — March 7–8
Johnson, P (1978) Policies Towards Small Firms: Time for Caution? — Lloyds Bank Review-No 129 pp 1–11
Montazemi, Ali R (1988) Factors affecting information satisfaction in the context of the small business environment — MIS Quarterly — (June) pp 239–256
Raymond, Louis (1985) Organisational characteristics and MIS success in the Context of Small Business — MIS Quarterly (March)
Report of the.. (1971) Committee on Small Business (Wiltshire Report) — Canberra: AGPS
Small Business (1989) Development Corporation: The Small Business Handbook, SBDC
Small Business (1990) in Australia: Challenges, Problems and Opportunities: Report by the House of Representatives Standing Committee on Industry, Science and Technology — January 1990 Parliament of the Commonwealth of Australia-Canberra: AGPS
Taylor, L G (1987) Starting and Managing a Small Business:An Australian Guide, TAFE Educational Books
Wilson, Brian (1984) Systems Concepts, Methodologies and Applications — Wiley
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Editor information
Editors and Affiliations
Rights and permissions
Copyright information
© 1991 Springer Science+Business Media New York
About this chapter
Cite this chapter
Travis, J. (1991). Systems Practice: An Application of “Soft” Systems Thinking in the Context of IS Planning for Small Business. In: Jackson, M.C., Mansell, G.J., Flood, R.L., Blackham, R.B., Probert, S.V.E. (eds) Systems Thinking in Europe. Springer, Boston, MA. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4615-3748-9_41
Download citation
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4615-3748-9_41
Publisher Name: Springer, Boston, MA
Print ISBN: 978-1-4613-6669-0
Online ISBN: 978-1-4615-3748-9
eBook Packages: Springer Book Archive