Briefly, about ‘prose + structural graphics’ (p+sg)

(c) GS Chandy OPMS General Presentation 2

To use OPMS effectively, we need to explain a small enhancement to the language we

conventionally use: we call this enhancement ‘prose + structural graphics’

The structural graphics clarify and detail the relationships between the elements in a complex

system (which are generally left ambiguous in conventional prose).

(c) GS Chandy OPMS General Presentation 3

“Idea 1 leads to Idea 2” Prose Equivalent

A ‘Language’ to discuss complex issues:A ‘Language’ to discuss complex issues:

‘‘proseprose ++ structural graphicsstructural graphics’ (p+sg)’ (p+sg)

Idea 1Idea 1 Idea 2Idea 2

So what is/are ‘structural graphics’?

…the ideas - and the relationship(s)relationship(s) between

the ideas, shown as meaningful arrow(s)…

Here’s a simple structural Here’s a simple structural graphic:graphic:

=The picture and its translation (along with any other explanation required) constitute ‘‘proseprose ++ structural graphicsstructural graphics’’ (p+sg)

We repeat: the structural graphics clarify and detail the relationships between the elements in a complex

system that are generally left ambiguous in conventional prose.

Structural Graphicleads to

The arrow(s) stand for The arrow(s) stand for specificspecific relationship(s), relationship(s),

e.g.:“leads to” e.g.:“leads to” (in this case)(in this case)

And it is this simple idea that can be built on to enable us to tackle the most complex of problems and issues much more

effectively than can be done when we think and discuss in the conventional way, through ‘prose’

The ideas that people get while they consider or work on issues in the system are precisely those

that should go into the ‘design of the desired system’! Our OPMS process ensures that this

happens as a matter of course.

(c) GS Chandy OPMS General Presentation 4

These structural graphics can come in various shapes and forms, as (very roughly!) illustrated in

the next slides…

A: ‘Informal’ structural graphics

(c) GS Chandy OPMS General Presentation 5

ABC EFG

Informal structural graphics

The meaning of the arrows is crucial for effectively using ‘p+sg’

(c) GS Chandy OPMS General Presentation 6

ABC

EFG

HIJ

These structural graphics have the useful property of helping significantly to clarify the minds of people who use

them!

In each case, the ‘elements’ of the system under consideration may be

shown in boxes or ovals, and the ‘relationships’ between the elements are shown as lines or arrows linking up

the boxes/ovals...

For optimum benefit in problem-solving, the relationships should always be

specified in detail! (as illustrated…)

More informal structural gaphics

Understanding the relationships between elements of the system is key

to truly understanding the system!

“helps accomplish”

“may prevent”/ “hinder”

Try it out… even your informal ‘doodles’ and sketches that you make as structural graphics can significantly enhance your understanding of the systems you live in and work in! (You just need to specify

the relationships clearly!)

(c) GS Chandy OPMS General Presentation 7

These structural graphics, when allied with the conventional prose that you already know

how to use well, constitute a very powerful ‘extension’ to our normal way of thinking and

discussing – we call the combination ‘prose + structural graphics’ (p+sg)

OPMS software will soon be including practical means to enable you to make ‘sketches’ of these structural graphics.

Until such time as our ‘Sketchpad’ modules are ready within OPMS – try out the ‘Free Mind’ and ‘Mind Mapper’ software,

which offer some limited sketching facilities (links are provided here and at section on ‘Structural Graphics’)… these

useful software packages do not provide the full power of ‘OPMS Thinking’, but they are useful for a start.

What we have just shown are the ‘informal’ structural graphics associated with the OPMS. We now show some of the formal structural

graphics associated with OPMS, realised through the Warfield tools for modeling in

complex systems (‘Warfield Graphics’)

Click here for: Warfield Graphics

‘Prose + Structural Graphics’

Click here for Contents Page

(c) GS Chandy OPMS General Presentation 8

One very important type of ‘formal’ (and entirely rigorous) structural graphics is John N. Warfield’s powerful modeling

tool, ‘Interpretive Structural Modeling’ (ISM): it enables us to clarify our

understanding of the structure of the systems under consideration…

Next, we shall illustrate the development of an Interpretive Structural Model as an important step in creating an OPMS

‘Warfield Graphics’‘Formal’ structural graphics =