# Ssm Analysis

> Purpose

- Skill: `45ck/ssm-analysis` (Agent Skill)
- Install (CLI): `npx skillmds@latest add 45ck/ssm-analysis`
- Raw SKILL.md: https://api.skillmd.com/api/skills/45ck/ssm-analysis/raw
- Safety review: pending
- Works with: Claude Code, Claude.ai, OpenAI Codex
- Category: Coding & Dev Tools
- Author: 45ck (https://skillmd.com/u/45ck)
- Updated: 2026-09-17
- Page: https://skillmd.com/skills/45ck/ssm-analysis

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## Purpose
Apply Soft Systems Methodology for ambiguous, multi-perspective, sociotechnical problems.

## Use when
- the situation is messy and contested
- conventional requirements framing is too narrow
- worldview, ownership, and environmental constraints matter heavily

## Inputs
- project or problem context
- goals and constraints
- known stakeholders, systems, and documents
- level of formality required

## Procedure
1. Describe the messy situation without forcing premature structure.
2. Produce a rich-picture-oriented summary or prompt.
3. Identify relevant purposeful activity systems.
4. Perform CATWOE for the most relevant systems.
5. Write root definitions.
6. Produce conceptual activity models.
7. Compare conceptual models to the real world.
8. Recommend feasible, desirable changes and open tensions.

## Outputs
- messy-situation summary
- rich picture prompt/spec
- CATWOE tables
- root definitions
- conceptual activity model notes
- intervention options

## Guardrails
- Explicitly separate fact, inference, and assumption.
- Prefer evidence-backed conclusions over polished speculation.
- Where conflict exists, record it rather than smoothing it away.
- Produce artifacts that can be inspected, edited, and reused.

## Completion criteria
- deliverable pack exists
- tradeoffs are explicit
- unknowns are logged
- next decisions are obvious