Systems analysis methodology

A systems analysis methodology is developed and applied in cases where decision-makers, at the initial stage, lack sufficient information about a problem situation to select a method for its formalized representation, create a mathematical model, or apply one of the new modeling approaches that combine qualitative and quantitative techniques.

In such cases, it can be helpful to represent the object as a system, organize a collective decision-making process involving specialists from various fields of knowledge, use different formalized modeling methods and methods for activating expert intuition, and change methods as understanding of the object or situation deepens.

To organize such a process, it is necessary to define a sequence of stages, recommend methods for their execution, and provide for the possibility of returning to previous stages if needed. Such a sequence of specifically identified and ordered stages, along with recommended methods and techniques for their implementation, constitutes the structure of a systems analysis methodology.

By analyzing classical systems analysis methodologies, one can see that all methodologies, in one form or another, include the following stages:

• problem identification and goal setting;
• development of alternatives and decision-making models;
• evaluation of alternatives, finding a solution, and its implementation;
• assessment of the effectiveness of solutions and the consequences of their implementation;
• designing an organization to achieve the goals.

Literature:

• Volkova V.N., Denisov A.A. Fundamentals of Systems Theory and Systems Analysis. - St. Petersburg: SPbSTU Publishing House, 2004.
• Volkova V.N., Denisov A.A. Methods for Organizing Complex Expert Assessments. - St. Petersburg: SPbSTU Publishing House, 2004.
• Volkova V.N., Denisov A.A., Temnikov E.F. Methods of Formalized Representation of Systems. - St. Petersburg: SPbSTU Publishing House, 1993.

See also

• Classical Systems Analysis Methodologies
• Formalization of System Models
• Mathematical Modeling