Using soft systems methodology to align community projects with sustainability development in higher education stakeholders' networks in a Brazilian university

The purpose of this paper is to report on the use of the soft systems methodology (SSM) to enhance the role of the higher education institution (HEI) stakeholder's action networks in achieving the sustainable development goals (SDGs). We review the literature on sustainable development in HEIs, in particular the role of stakeholder networks for the implementation of SDGs in HEI. We outline some of the features of SSM as an approach to help make sense of this complexity. CATWOE analysis, a conceptual SSM tool, is applied to a stakeholder's network hosted by a Brazilian university with the purpose of achieving the SDGs as part of the community projects (HEI external engagement). Findings of the systemic application suggest that the use of some elements of SSM helps clarify and make sense of the role of the stakeholders and assists in formalising action networks to achieve SDGs.

Automated summary

This paper reports on the use of Soft Systems Methodology (SSM) to enhance the role of higher education institution (HEI) stakeholder action networks in achieving Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The study used CATWOE analysis, a conceptual SSM tool, on a Brazilian university's stakeholder network, finding that elements of SSM clarify stakeholder roles and help formalize action networks to achieve SDGs.