Change Management

MBA 6113Unit 7Hard Systems Models of Change

Systems Theory – Back to the Beginning• Change implementation will vary according to its

perceived complexity

• Systems manifest as simple or complex• Aka – difficulties and messes

• Situations of “hard” complexity are likely to be enacted easily• Logic and rationality are dominant

• Situations of “soft” complexity are more challenging (i.e. “messy” situations) and are characterized by high levels of emotional involvement

Hard Systems Model for Change• Three Phases

• The Description Phase

• The Options Phase

• The Implementation Phase

The Description Phase• Situation Summary

• Identify Objectives and Constraints

• Identify Performance Measures

The Options Phase• Generate Options

• Edit Options and Detail Selected Options

• Evaluate Options Against Measures

The Implementation Phase• Develop Implementation Strategies

• Carry Out the Planned Changes