An holistic approach to the management of information systems development - A view using a soft systems approach and multiple viewpoints

This paper argues that only a systems-based approach to information systems development is likely to cover all the recognized problem issues reported in the literature. It is then shown that software development can be charac terized by the structure of the Soft Systems Methodology, so that this meth odology acts as a metaphor for the process of information systems developme nt. The structure of this methodology can be seen at lower levels of the de velopment process, and so the model generated here is seen as recursive. Fu rther, information systems development is seen as an unstructured business problem that can be characterized by the Multiple Viewpoint approach. The c onnections between this approach and the methodology are identified. Finall y, the unifying link between these approaches and all forms of action resea rch is identified.