1. ¹Manchester Metropolitan University Business School, Manchester, UK
2. ²Andean Institute of Systems (IAS), Lima, Peru

Correspondence: A Paucar-Caceres, Manchester Metropolitan University Business School, Aytoun Building, Aytoun Street, Manchester, M1 3GH, UK. E-mail: a.paucar@mmu.ac.uk; URL: www.business.mmu.ac.uk

Received February 2005; Accepted January 2006; Published online 29 March 2006.

Abstract

The paper argues that by combining some of systems dynamics (SD) and soft systems methodology (SSM) stages, within the intellectual framework proposed by soft systems dynamics methodology (SSDM), a systemic methodology developed by Rodriguez-Ulloa, much can be gained in a systemic intervention when tackling complex social problematic situations. A framework for comparing the ontological, epistemological and methodological principles of SD, SSM and SSDM is proposed and the synthesizing role of SSDM is advanced. SSDM ten stages are briefly outlined and a full account of an application on a small Peruvian enterprise is presented. A reflection on SSDM as a systemic intellectual tool is proposed and conclusions together with points for further research are suggested.