Soft Systems Methodology (SSM) - Final
Exam Model Answers
Exam 1: Hybrid Education System
a) Define the current situation
The hybrid education system at Istanbul University – Cerrahpaşa was implemented during
the spring semester as a combination of online and face-to-face lectures. While this
approach provided significant flexibility for both students and faculty, it also introduced
several challenges.
Positive aspects:
- Flexibility for students to attend classes from various locations
- Time savings (no commuting)
- Access to diverse online resources
Challenges:
- Lack of clarity on which lectures would be online vs. face-to-face
- Unequal access to technology (internet connectivity problems)
- Decreased student motivation in online settings
- Inconsistent teaching quality between online and in-person formats
- Technical difficulties (platform outages, poor audio/video)
- Engagement and interaction issues in online lectures
Stakeholders include students, faculty members, university administration, IT staff, and
external accreditation bodies.
b) CATWOE analysis
C (Customers): Students, faculty members, university administration, future employers
A (Actors): Faculty members, IT support staff, course coordinators
T (Transformation process): Transformation of fragmented and inconsistent educational
experiences into an integrated, accessible, and effective learning environment
W (Weltanschauung): A flexible, inclusive, and well-structured hybrid education system will
lead to better learning outcomes and student satisfaction
O (Owners): University administration, Council of Higher Education (YÖK)
E (Environment): Technological infrastructure, national education regulations, post-
pandemic health guidelines, digital literacy of both faculty and students
c) Root Definition and What / How / Why
Root Definition:
A university-owned and operated system to deliver hybrid education, by integrating online
learning platforms and face-to-face teaching methods, in order to provide flexible, inclusive,
and effective learning opportunities for all students.
What: Deliver an integrated hybrid education system
How: By combining online platforms with face-to-face classroom instruction and leveraging
IT support and faculty engagement
Why: To enhance the quality of education, provide flexibility, and ensure accessibility for all
students
d) Conceptual Model, Rich Picture, Feasible and Desirable Changes
Rich Picture: A visual showing students, faculty, IT staff, management, online platforms,
classrooms, communication gaps, and challenges.
Conceptual Model (Activities):
1. Design a clear hybrid education policy
2. Train faculty members
3. Provide IT support to students
4. Deliver lectures
5. Monitor participation and performance
6. Collect feedback
7. Improve system
Feasible and Desirable Changes:
- Clear course delivery formats
- Better IT support
- Faculty training
- Enhanced online interaction
- Student access support
Comparison and Required Actions:
Current System vs. Conceptual Model table highlighting improvements.
Exam 2: Post-Earthquake Renovation and Education System
a) CATWOE analysis
C (Customers): Students, faculty members, university management, Ministry of Education,
future employers
A (Actors): Contractors, administration, faculty, IT staff
T (Transformation): Disrupted education → Safe, sustainable learning environment
W (Weltanschauung): A flexible education system ensures continuity despite infrastructure
problems
O (Owners): University management, YÖK, local government
E (Environment): Renovation delays, pandemic, technology capacity, budget
b) Root Definition and What / How / Why
Root Definition:
A university-managed system to deliver quality education despite building renovations, by
utilizing distance learning platforms and temporary alternative spaces, in order to ensure
uninterrupted student learning.
What: Deliver education despite renovations
How: Distance learning + temporary spaces
Why: Ensure educational continuity and quality
c) Conceptual Model, Rich Picture, Feasible and Desirable Changes
Rich Picture: Damaged buildings, renovation teams, distance education, stakeholders,
communication gaps.
Conceptual Model:
1. Monitor renovation progress
2. Evaluate online education
3. Identify temporary spaces
4. Adjust academic calendar
5. Faculty training
6. IT support
7. Monitor participation
8. Feedback collection
Changes:
- Strengthen online platforms
- Develop contingency plans
- Clear communication
- Mental health support
- Temporary spaces
Required Actions:
Transparent communication, IT investment, faculty development, contingency planning.
Exam 3: Turkey’s Response to Covid-19 Pandemic
a) Define the current situation
Since March 10, 2020, Turkey has implemented regulations to manage Covid-19, including
lockdowns, curfews, mask mandates, school closures, and vaccinations.
Challenges:
- Public trust fluctuation
- Enforcement difficulties
- Vaccine hesitancy
- Misinformation
- Balancing health and economy
- Healthcare system capacity
Stakeholders: Government agencies, healthcare workers, citizens, businesses, media.
b) CATWOE analysis
C (Customers): Citizens, healthcare workers, businesses, educators
A (Actors): Government agencies, healthcare workers, police, media
T (Transformation): Pandemic → Managed public health situation
W (Weltanschauung): Public health system essential to reduce harm
O (Owners): Government, Ministry of Health
E (Environment): Virus mutations, vaccine supply, behavior, media
c) Root Definition and What / How / Why
Root Definition:
A government-managed system to combat Covid-19 by implementing public health
measures and vaccination programs, to reduce infections and protect health.
What: Manage pandemic response
How: Regulations, healthcare mobilization, communication
Why: Safeguard health and economy
d) Conceptual Model, Rich Picture, Feasible and Desirable Changes
Rich Picture: Government, healthcare system, citizens, police, businesses, media, virus
trends.
Conceptual Model:
1. Monitor infection rates
2. Update regulations
3. Run vaccination
4. Enforce measures
5. Public campaigns
6. Address hesitancy
7. Support healthcare
8. International cooperation
9. Balance economy/health
10. Counter misinformation
Changes:
- Transparent communication
- Counter misinformation
- Outreach to hesitant groups
- Mental health programs
- Economic relief
Actions:
Public briefings, partnerships, vaccine expansion, mental health services, targeted relief,
localized policies.
SSM Answer Outline
a) Define the current situation:
- What is happening?
- Who are the stakeholders?
- Problems and opportunities?
b) CATWOE:
C: Customers
A: Actors
T: Transformation
W: Weltanschauung
O: Owners
E: Environment
c) Root Definition (What / How / Why):
Format: A [owner]-managed system to do X, by Y, in order to Z.
d) Conceptual Model & Rich Picture:
- Rich Picture: Stakeholders, relationships, barriers
- Conceptual Model: 6-10 activities (verbs!)
- Feasible/Desirable Changes
- Comparison table
- Required Actions
