Problem Structuring Methods

Problem Structuring Methods are a family of methods that apply modelling approaches to address messy or wicked problems faced by the managers of organisations.

They seek to alleviate or improve situations characterised by uncertainty, conflict and complexity.

Although the family of methods was described in Jonathan Rosenhead's 1989 book, Rational Analysis for A Problematic World, the special interest group does not limit itself to the approaches described there.

It embraces all other cognate interpretative model building approaches and decision science tools aimed at supporting groups in working through problems.

The aims of the PSM Special Interest Group are to provide a forum which increases the understanding and practical use of PSMs amongst interested members of the broad OR community.

It allows specialist PSM practitioners to explore the connections between PSMs and other MS/OR approaches and examines the applicability of software to supporting PSM practice.

The group also promotes the exchange of experiences of teaching PSMs within higher education, of training in the use of PSMs in industry, commerce and government and supports the work of research students exploring PSM themes.

Committee Details

Name
Role
Martin Parr Chair
Rachel Bennet Committee Member
Sharon Young Committee Member
Christina Phillips Committee Member

Future Events

ORS Annual Conference OR68: From Data to Decisions

8–10 September 2026
University of Nottingham, United Kingdom

 

For those working with Problem Structuring Methods, OR68 offers a space to explore how complex, messy situations are framed before analysis begins. The conference brings together practitioners and researchers to share participatory, facilitative, and systems-oriented approaches that help clarify objectives, surface assumptions, and support better decisions in uncertain and contested settings.

Book Here

 
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