Understanding behaviour in problem structuring methods interventions with activity theory

Leroy White, Katharina Burger and Mike Yearworth

European Journal of Operational Research, 2016, vol. 249, issue 3, 983-1004

Abstract: This article argues that OR interventions, particularly problem structuring methods (PSM), are complex events that cannot be understood by conventional methods alone. In this paper an alternative approach is introduced, where the units of analysis are the activity systems constituted by and constitutive of PSM interventions. The paper outlines the main theoretical and methodological concerns that need to be appreciated in studying PSM interventions. The paper then explores activity theory as an approach to study them. A case study describing the use of this approach is provided.

Keywords: Problem structuring methods; Behavioural OR; Activity theory; Collective intentionality (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2016
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Citations: View citations in EconPapers (25)

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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:eee:ejores:v:249:y:2016:i:3:p:983-1004

DOI: 10.1016/j.ejor.2015.07.044

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