Free Paper on Analyzing Differences: HSM vs. SSM in Data Development and Information Engineering

Differences between the Assumptions Underlying HSM and SSM

The Hard System Methodology encompasses a well-defined approach that demonstrates to the system developers the issues to be handled. For instance, the steps taken in information gathering are well-defined, providing a clear picture of the solution at the end of the process. It relies on formal techniques and procedures that help arrive at the exact solution to problems (Boškovic, 2018). As such, HSM can be useful in forecasting, project management, and designing virtual resource management systems. It is useful in the state's functions because it is concerned with how best it can select the right option and tests it for development and analysis. SSM mainly focuses on addressing emergent problems aimed at organizational improvement. However, adopting the approach to solving the problem does not yield an exact solution due to the environment's unpredictability (Boškovic, 2018). SSM is not structured and fails to give a specific model for a solution because it is randomized. In light of SSM's undefined nature, it fails to give a detailed description of the information needed and the skills necessary for the information system analysis. SSM mainly uses models to help users understand the system and share informed ideas.

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HSM offers the solution to specific problems, but also assesses the potential for future development. On the contrary, SSM aims to provide solutions to problems that have varied solutions and unpredictable patterns. Due to the lack of an exact model, SSM is mainly used by information system analysts to be more conversant about a given system (Frajtová, 2020). As such, SSM is preferred in addressing issues that involve human activities, and when challenges in the organization are specific. it is preferred in the latter situations because it tackles systems that are hard to address. SSM works well in situations where people are involved because they are to be approached differently. It mainly creates organizations and people to learn and cannot assure a specific outcome, as in HSM. However, both SSM and HSM are used in complex situations to help develop solutions. They both have steps that guide information analysts on how to analyze the problem and develop solutions.

How will the differences between HSM and SSM impact the overall effort of database development?

The analysis of the database differs typically between organizations depending on their database needs. Knowledge of the database needs is what informs the decision on the methodology to be used in database design and outcome. Significant considerations that are made regarding the use of HSM and SSM depend on the underlying costs and an in-depth understanding of the databases (Boškovic, 2018). Also, the impact of SSM and HSM on data development primarily depends on organizations' database needs. As such, the data design needs will help stakeholders such as system developers to determine the methodology that will be used and the final result. During data designing, the analysis of the problem is done, and the components that will be needed. In line with the above, both HSM and SSM will adopt different approaches in the designing phase, leading to different results.

In data designing, issues to be addressed are not exact, and therefore the database needs to consider crucial aspects such as social factors. SSM can be vital at this stage because it helps the system developers improve the system in line with the organization's needs (Frajtová, 2020). Equally, HSM is also essential in helping system developers identify the flow controls used by the database. Data implementation must be preceded by clear identification of the database needs. As such, HSM will be implemented after the needs of the organization are identified.

Discuss The Implication Of The Differences Between HSM And SSM In The Process Of Information Engineering.

The database solutions of an organization dictate the nonfunctional needs affecting the success of both HSM and SSM. HSM's role regarding information engineering is to identify alternative solutions that generate models that can be used by the system developers (Boškovic, 2018). SSM is concerned with the evaluation of fragmented solutions to help analysts understand and address the problem. Thus HSM is mainly used to define the problem and suggest a possible solution that relies on users' feedback. However, both HSM and SSM are similar in information engineering because they both identify conditions, elements, and dimensions associated with the system and the methods to be used in quantitative analysis.

Is There Any Impact On Data Identification And Acquisition That Comes From Choosing HSM Vs. SSM?

SSM and HSM have a significant impact on achieving the objectives of the data that needs to be collected. The system modeling process that will be chosen will determine the type of software, hardware, and testing methods used during data collection (Frajtová, 2020). Moreover, the approach taken in collecting data has a significant impact on addressing the problem. Generally, several issues in data identification and acquisition determine the accuracy of the data results.

Discuss the Process Of Conversion Of Data Into Information and Knowledge as HSM and SSM Model It.

The process of data conversion in hard systems management involves observing all the issues needed to transform data. The transformation process begins with the identification of the methods that will be used. The options that exist are suggested in the prototyping stage, which involves getting feedback and reviewing information that needs to be transformed (Boškovic, 2018). The next stage is the transfer of data from the control system, producing information used in the last phase of providing a solution. In SSM, the process is unstructured, and therefore the procedure is based on semantic rules. Thus, the main difference is mainly the method used in the data conversion process. In HSM, an analytic approach is used, while in SSM, a contextual approach is used. However, they both involved a step-by-step process, which depends on the data conversion process's cognitive and analytical ability. I believe SSM provides a better data conversion process because the process aids in problem-solving.

What Are Some of the Possible Differences between the Conceptual Data Models (E.G., ERD) Produced By HSM vs. SSM?

The conceptual data models produced by HSM are based on the assumption that a version represents a component of the real world. Thus, models produced by HSM are an abstraction of the real world. The versions are made to provide the best solution because they look at one aspect of the situation and work on providing a solution to it (Checkland, P., & Poulter, 2020). On the contrary, SSM models are designed to enable system users to understand their background and participate in the conversation on feasible activity. Therefore, unlike the HSM models, SSM designs can check, comprehend, and clarify a situation. Generally, the SSM versions are intellectual and approach a situation in different ways.

Which Conceptual Model Will Be Easier To Convert Into A Logical/Implementation Model (E.G., Normalized ERD)?

Normalized ERP will be easier to convert into implementation models and real-world objects different from others used. The ERP can allow for data storage in one central place, improving accessibility to information by information system users (Checkland & Poulter, 2020).

The Difference In Terms Of the Information That Could Be Provided To the Decision-Maker by an IS That Was Created Using HSM, and an IS That Was Created Using SSM

The difference in the information between IS produced by HSM or SSM can exist or not exist because HSM information supplied will originate from used computer resources. Simultaneously, in the case of SSM, it will depend on the understanding of the user's information system (Checkland & Poulter, 2020). In line with the above, the nature of the information will undoubtedly vary because of the manufacturer's different perspectives regarding the information system. Conversely, differences can fail to exist because there is a similarity in some of the elements of two IS. For instance, each of the methods can adopt a different technique to a scenario. However, it can coincidentally happen in such a way that both techniques are located in the same structure of the information system hence yielding the same results.

References

Boškovic, A. (2018). Combined Use of Soft Systems Methodology and Complexity Methodology: the Example of Corporate Social Responsibility. Teme-Casopis za Društvene Nauke, 42(2), 419-440. http://teme2.junis.ni.ac.rs/index.php/TEME/article/download/637/287

Checkland, P., & Poulter, J. (2020). Soft Systems Methodology. Systems Approaches to Making Change: A Practical Guide, 201-253. doi:10.1007/978-1-4471-7472-1_5

Frajtová, V. (2020). Is crisis management and its tools based on systems methodology?. International Journal of Applied Systemic Studies, 9(1), 45-57.https://www.inderscienceonline.com/doi/abs/10.1504/IJASS.2020.108666