Workshop 1

The workshop 1 took place on October 30th, 2019.

This unit represents the start of your food systems journey. You will learn what is meant by the term ‘food system’, as well as many of the challenges and opportunities there are when considering the food system as a whole.

Using a soft systems methods technique, you will learn how to capture and debate different interdisciplinary perspectives on food as a starting point for further interventions.

Workshop learning outcomes

• Have applied and used a soft systems method (SSM) to examine a big issue or challenge in the food system
• Critically evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of the SSM approach
• Worked in a multidisciplinary team
• Reflected on the process, benefits and possible drawbacks of this sort of teamwork

Some background

‘Soft Systems Methodology’ (SSM) is one of the major systems thinking methodology developed by Peter Checkland.  It is an approach that has been developed to deal with the complex and messy problems of the types that have been outlined in this unit. It is a way of thinking holistically and helps us see the relationships and connections that we may otherwise miss. 

The two system mapping methods taught in Units 1 & 2 – the rich picture and BATWOVE, are used in SSM early on in the process to help structure thinking around the problem situation.  It is beyond the scope of this unit to teach SSM.  However, if you are interested, you can find out more about it from the reading list in Unit 2.