How can 'soft systems' be accurately described?

The term 'soft systems' relates specifically to a methodology that focuses on understanding and modeling complex situations and human activities, particularly in contexts where opinions and perceptions vary. This approach sees systems not just as technical entities but as a collection of people interacting and making decisions within a framework that often lacks clear boundaries or structures.

By describing soft systems as 'people acting together intentionally', it highlights the essence of their nature: human involvement is crucial, emphasizing collaboration, shared goals, and social contexts rather than strict processes or hardware components. This perspective allows for a richer exploration of problems and solutions compared to more mechanical or rigid interpretations of systems.

In the context of the other options, applications software (like a specific piece of software) and network protocols (which are technical standards for communication between devices) focus on defined and structured systems rather than the dynamic, interpersonal relationships that characterize soft systems. Similarly, a service business, while it may involve people acting together, does not encapsulate the holistic and interpretive qualities that define soft systems thinking. Instead, it often refers to the nature of organizational structure and service delivery, which operates within defined parameters rather than the open-ended exploration of human interactions.