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The interplay of theory and practice in the ongoing development of soft systems thinking: An illustration and case study from sports management

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Abstract

Soft systems thinking is explored from the perspective of the interplay of systems theory and systems practice. The paper explores the interplay at a microlevel through the description and analysis of a case study. The paper illustrates that there are both technical and social dimensions to systems practice as well as an ongoing interplay of thinking (about the project) and action (in the situation). Indeed there is need to regard systems practice as a complex “sociotechnical” process and to use methodological frameworks as a basis for analyzing practice. This process of analysis is illustrated.

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  1. The Management School, The University of Lancaster, LA1 4YX, Bailrigg, Lancaster, England

    Paul Ledington

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  1. Paul Ledington
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Ledington, P. The interplay of theory and practice in the ongoing development of soft systems thinking: An illustration and case study from sports management. Systems Practice 2, 29–45 (1989). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01061616

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01061616

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