Design of a socio-technical change management process: a critical realist perspective.

Abstract

This paper presents a novel perspective on socio-technical change management that extends the basic Change Management Process Model to a novel Critical Realist Methodological Framework. The design of an Instructional Systems Development Model is presented that explores various environmental and training imperatives. It explores a range of project and research management considerations in the development of an instructional system that promotes intra-sector career mobility of workers/trainees. The environment is complex and involves a variety of stakeholders and role players, including - development agencies, employers, labour unions, the relevant SETA (sector training authority), government, training providers, and workers as a collective. The roles of stakeholders in providing facilitation to the project goal are separately and collectively interrogated within a systems context. This study aims to provide a coherent framework for addressing the cultural, structural, political and interpersonal issues that might impact the efficacious delivery of a solution. The focus of the project management strategy, as always, is to achieve effective and efficient implementation of the project. The research management effort aims to establish a platform for creative and pragmatic engagement of the environment and to achieve an efficacious and generalized solution.