The impact of contingency factors on validation of problem structuring methods

Although much has been written about validating Decision support systems and other ‘hard’ OR models, less has been written about validating ‘soft’ OR models. This article seeks to determine which contingency factors known to influence DSS validation are also important factors influencing problem structuring methods (PSM) validation. In addition, after consultation with PSM experts other contingency factors influencing PSM validation are proposed. Evidence from these PSM experts concerning the levels of influence of these factors is used to support proposals for a contingency approach to PSM validation.