[DSRP Evidence](https://dsrpevidence.org/)

# The Formal System Model: Understanding and Preventing Information Systems Project Failures

Peters G, Fortune J, White D, 2023, Journal of Systems Thinking 3(1):1-21 — Systems Science

Patterns: [Systems](https://dsrpevidence.org/pattern/systems), [Relationships](https://dsrpevidence.org/pattern/relationships)

## In short

Explains the Formal System Model, a systems tool for understanding and preventing failures in information systems projects.

## What they found (results)

Critical Success Factors map fully onto the FSM, and a previously unpublished study shows the model reviewing an organization's past, current, and planned activities.

## What they set out to do (purpose)

A chapter on the Formal System Model — a model of a robust, purposeful system against which actual or potential failure situations can be compared — including a project-specific version for information systems.

## Abstract

Use of systems thinking to understand failures has been a well-established practice for many years and with this has come the development of systems techniques and methods specifically for that purpose. One of the best known of these is the Formal System Model (FSM). It is a model of a robust system that is capable of purposeful activity without failure against which a systems representation of an actual or potential failures situation can be compared. This chapter explains the elements and interrelationships within the FSM and techniques that have been associated with its application. It then reports on a major program of work to develop a project-specific version of the FSM and shows the very full extent to which Critical Success Factors can be mapped onto the FSM and surveys of project managers. A hitherto unpublished study then demonstrates application of the FSM in order to review an organization’s past, current and planned activities. Finally the chapter draws conclusions from the work reported.

These researchers were not testing DSRP. The finding is theirs; the correspondence to DSRP is drawn by this site.

[Source](https://doi.org/10.54120/jost.0000010)