Rethinking Soft OR interventions: Models as boundary objects

Abstract

Citation: FRANCO, L.A., 2013 Abstract: In this paper I draw on research on the role of objects in cross-disciplinary problem solving collaboration to make a case for the conceptualisation of models as potential boundary objects. Such conceptualisation highlights the possibility that the models used in Soft OR interventions perform three roles with specific effects: transfer to develop a shared language, translation to develop shared meanings, and transformation to develop common interests. If these roles are carried out effectively, models enable those involved to traverse the syntactic, semantic and pragmatic boundaries encountered when tackling a problem situation of mutual concern, and help create new knowledge that has consequences for action. I illustrate these roles and associated effects via two empirical case vignettes drawn from an ongoing action research programme studying the impact of Soft OR interventions. Building on the insights generated by the case vignettes, I develop an analytical framework that articulates the dynamics of knowledge creation within Soft OR interventions. The framework can shed new light on a core aspect of Soft OR practice, especially with regards to the impact of models on the possibilities for action they can afford to those involved. I conclude with a discussion of the prescriptive value of the framework for research into the evaluation of Soft OR interventions, and its implications for the conduct of Soft OR practice.

“What’s the evidence?”—Towards more empirical evaluations of the impact of OR interventions in healthcare

“…We will often be able to develop programme theories based on our understanding of OR methods and the context in which they will be applied, but theoretical approaches from other disciplines also offer a rich repertoire for building programme theories for OR interventions. Activity theory (Leroy White et al, 2016), the concept of boundary objects (Franco, 2013), the mangle of practice framework (Ormerod, 2014) and single and doubleloop learning (Monks et al, 2014) have all been used for this purpose, albeit not in healthcare OR. Drawing on theory from the social sciences forms a key aspect of the Behavioural OR research agenda (Becker, 2016;Brocklesby, 2016).…”

Integrating uncertainty of preferences and predictions in decision models: An application to regional wastewater planning

“…The alignment of decision methods to the problem characteristics and requirements is decisive. The methods can range from mostly discursive (e.g., Dominguez et al 2011;Franco 2013), to the use of quantitative prediction models and discussion among stakeholders (e.g., Starkl et al 2009;Gregory et al 2012), to the speci�ication of quantitative prediction and preference models as in this study (and, e.g., Zheng et al 2016;Scholten et al 2017).…”

The Value Paradox of Problem Structuring Methods

“…One of the most notable and intriguing recent developments in understanding OR processes is the increased interest in the detailed understanding of how real-time practices are carried out and the relation between OR practices and the organizing process (Franco, 2013;White, 2009;White, Burger, & Yearworth, 2016). While there has always been an interest in the process of OR (Keys, 1989(Keys, , 1998Keys & Midgley, 2002), there is renewed interest in practice that can thus be interpreted as an attempt to re-ground what is actually done by the OR practitioner in the doing of OR, and how those doing it make sense of it in practice.…”

“…This is in light of the continuing attempt at closing the gap between practice-driven reflections of what OR people do in their practice and academic theory-driven theorizing about it. Central to this understanding is the long-standing interest in the idea that practice constitutes the site of organization and that organizational phenomena transpire through and are effects of, interconnected practices-a 'socio-materiality' (Franco, 2013;White et al, 2016). Thus, the basic concern is 'the pattern of social and material practices of organising ordered across space and time' (Giddens, 1984, p. 2).…”