Soft Systems Methodology to Aid Group Interactions in Scenario Writing: The Case of ICICI Prudential Mutual Funds

Abstract

This paper aims to prove the usefulness of decision scenarios complemented by Soft Systems Methodology with reference to ICICI Prudential for Kashmir, India. The work is based on reflections derived of Literature Review chapter on a PhD Thesis on Scenario Planning for ICICI. Research shows that to reach widely accepted decisions consensus is required of anyone working on scenario decisions. However, although much has been said about scenarios being capable to preparing organizations for several equally plausible futures and of the capability of SSM to help teams reach consensus, few studies attempt to link scenario writing with SSM, and none in banking and consumer investment. Part 1 of the study asserts the validity of scenario planning while Part 2 provides an account of SSM. Subsequently, Part 3 links the two through a real-life group decision scenario exercise merging scenarios with SSM to assert the validity and applicability of this combined technique in strategic management implementation practise.

Keywords

• Soft Systems Methodology, Team Building, Strategy, Scenario Planning, Decision Making