The SM3 model was created to position my research and provide a template from which to identify gaps in my work. This is a preliminary description of the model prior to publishing it. This page will be refined as the project progresses.

The starting point is based on Heideggers' "throwness", whereby the individual (people) is thrown into the world (environment). To overcome a hostile environment, people create structures (family, groups, organisations, governments, etc) with which they interact. Interactions are shown as dotted lines and included a return flow of information. People interact with structures causing a return flow of information and vice versa. Structures require resources to operate (financial, raw materials, assets, etc). Tools are the technology artifacts, including digital technology, supported by the resources and used to further the organisation. Organisations operate through processes that make use of the technology and tools and in turn are influenced by the tools. At the same time, processes and tools rely on people for their operation. For optimal operation people require skills.

Each of the six constructs influences the others and creates variables that are (partially) controllable. The part beyond the internal oval is not controllable within the system and is at the mercy of the environment. Nevertheless, over time the controllable system exerts pressure on the uncontrollable environment leading to more control. This is shown as action in the diagram. Without action (or with misplaced actions), entropy sets in, and the control over variables will be weakened and may become uncontrollable. Consequently, actions need to be planned which requires one or more objectives that are measured by outcomes. Both the objectives and outcomes must be outside of the controllable system to counteract entropy.

The interactions of people, skills, processes, and structure are viewed as social actions. while the interactions of tools, technology, and resources on people and structure are material.

Time in the model is viewed as a progression from past to future. Each time frame can be observed as a slice but each variable must be considered on a continuum between time slices.

Application of the SM3 Model

The model can be applied at multiple levels, micro, or macro. It has guided me in working with individuals (for example, visually impaired people) and with organisations. Objectives and outcomes are considered to be on an axis that allows pivoting. Whereas an accountant may focus on resources a business process practitioner will focus on processes and a human resource manager will focus on people. Activists will take the focus from the environment and typically focus on the structuer.

Copyright 2022 -- For further information or for feedback you are welcome to contact me at mgarbutt@uwc.ac.za