1THE ART OF MODELLING IN SSM

Within Soft Systems Methodology (SSM) we are advised to improve our understanding of the real world by making models of it. To a minimum these models comprise the art of producing a coherent model of root definition, CATWOE, and activities. The art of producing activity models, and especially the formulation and use of root definitions and criteria in community pharmacy practice in The Netherlands is discussed here. In the present SSM literature, little attention was paid to descriptions of what was problematic in terms of formulation of root definition and criteria in practice. We concluded that root definitions should be made measurable in the modelling process in order to improve their quality. This also provides a proper link between root definition and criteria 3xE: linking X to efficacy, linking Y to efficacy on a lower level, and linking Z to effectiveness. The formulation of criteria can be improved by using norms, the measures of performance with which a certain activity, set of activities or model can be judged, and monitor instruments, to visualize to what extent the norm has been achieved. Finally, the monitor activity should comprise both reality judgements and value judgements and the control action should consist of instrumental judgements