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Two Strands Model of the Soft System Methodology Analysis of Private Sector Investment in Power Generation Sector in Ghana

Author

Listed:
  • Collins Ameyaw

    (Bauhaus-University
    Kumasi Technical University)

  • Hans Wilhelm Alfen

    (Bauhaus-University)

Abstract

The paper analyses the causes of low private sector investment (PSI) in power generation (PG) infrastructure in Ghana. Series of interviews and stakeholders’ workshops were employed for data collection and validation of findings. The Two Strands Model of the Soft Systems Methodology (SSM) was adopted to define and resolve the problem situation. However, the SSM approach manifested some inherent weaknesses in the areas of the listing and selecting the relevant sector concerns and designing the human activity systems. Consequently, Systems Thinking tool, Causal Loop Diagram was introduced to scientifically identify the fundamental causes of the limited PSI in PG. The paper, therefore, proposes some methodological improvements in the SSM in this regard. Human activity models as well as guidelines were developed to address the fundamental causes of the sparse private investment in PG in Ghana.

Suggested Citation

  • Collins Ameyaw & Hans Wilhelm Alfen, 2018. "Two Strands Model of the Soft System Methodology Analysis of Private Sector Investment in Power Generation Sector in Ghana," Systemic Practice and Action Research, Springer, vol. 31(4), pages 395-419, August.
    • Handle: RePEc:spr:syspar:v:31:y:2018:i:4:d:10.1007_s11213-017-9434-7
    DOI: 10.1007/s11213-017-9434-7
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Jay W. Forrester, 1968. "Industrial Dynamics--After the First Decade," Management Science, INFORMS, vol. 14(7), pages 398-415, March.
    2. Anab Kidwai & Anupam Saraph, 2016. "Use of Archetypal Structures in Urban Dynamics," Systemic Practice and Action Research, Springer, vol. 29(6), pages 583-595, December.
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    Cited by:

    1. Alireza Moumivand & Adel Azar & Abbas Toloie Eshlaghy, 2022. "Combined soft system methodology and agent‐based simulation for multi‐methodological modelling," Systems Research and Behavioral Science, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 39(2), pages 200-217, March.
    2. Alexandre de A. Gomes Júnior & Vanessa B. Schramm, 2022. "Problem Structuring Methods: A Review of Advances Over the Last Decade," Systemic Practice and Action Research, Springer, vol. 35(1), pages 55-88, February.
    3. Ryan Armstrong & Guillermo Jiménez, 2022. "Micro-Skills for Learning Soft Systems Methodology? Challenges and Opportunities in an Undergraduate Dissertation Project," Systemic Practice and Action Research, Springer, vol. 35(6), pages 831-853, December.

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