Dekkers Applied Systems Theory

2. Auflage 2017
ISBN: 978-3-319-57526-1
Verlag: Springer Nature Switzerland
Format: PDF
Kopierschutz: 1 - PDF Watermark

E-Book, Englisch, 343 Seiten

Offering an up-to-date account of systems theories and its applications, this book provides a different way of resolving problems and addressing challenges in a swift and practical way, without losing overview and grip on the details. From this perspective, it offers a different way of thinking in order to incorporate different perspectives and to consider multiple aspects of any given problem. Drawing examples from a wide range of disciplines, it also presents worked cases to illustrate the principles. The multidisciplinary perspective and the formal approach to modelling of systems and processes of 'Applied Systems Theory' makes it suitable for managers, engineers, students, researchers, academics and professionals from a wide range of disciplines; they can use this 'toolbox' for describing, analysing and designing biological, engineering and organisational systems as well as getting a better understanding of societal problems. This revised, updated and expanded second edition includes coverage of abductive reasoning, the relevance of systems theories for research methods and a new chapter about problem analysis and solving based on systems theories.

Dr Rob Dekkers (Adam Smith Business School, University of Glasgow) is an active researcher and educator in industrial management and engineering. He uses Applied Systems Theory not only to teach students at all levels, including research students, but also practitioners, professionals and managers in state-of-the-art courses. During his industrial and later academic experience he himself has benefited from system thinking at many occasions for solving industrial problems and consulting companies. Others that have applied the concepts of Applied Systems Theory articulate that they have found it easier to understand holistically challenges they face, to solve problems with more direction and to convince others better of results and solutions. The concepts of Applied Systems Theory are also applicable to research. Dr Rob Dekkers has used systems theories for developing interdisciplinary contributions and research in operations and service management, industrial engineering, organisational design, collaborative (industrial) networks, outsourcing, business process modelling and innovation and technology management. These research projects make use of systems theories, the related science of complexity and evolutionary approaches. This wealth of experience, industrial and academic, have been brought together in this book for managers, practitioners, students and researchers.

Autoren/Hrsg.

Dekkers, Rob

Inhaltsverzeichnis

1;Synopsis;6
1.1;I Systems, Entities as Part of a Whole;6
1.1.1;Systems as Objects of Study;7
1.1.2;Behaviour of Systems;8
1.2;II System Approaches;10
1.2.1;Blackbox Approach;10
1.2.2;Aggregation Strata;11
1.3;III Processes;12
1.3.1;Static and Dynamic Systems;13
1.3.2;Processes: Change of State;13
1.3.3;Function;14
1.4;IV Control of Processes;14
1.4.1;Directing;15
1.4.2;Feedback;15
1.4.3;Feedforward;16
1.4.4;Completing Deficiencies;17
1.5;V Steady-State Model;17
1.5.1;Coding and Decoding;18
1.5.2;Quality Filters;18
1.5.3;Buffers and Overflow Valves;20
1.5.4;Initiation and Evaluation;21
1.5.5;Limitations of the Steady-State Model;21
1.6;VI Autopoiesis;22
1.6.1;Structurally Closed and Self-Referential;22
1.6.2;Allopoietic Systems;23
1.7;VII Complex Adaptive Systems;23
1.7.1;Simple Rules;24
1.7.2;Fitness Landscapes;24
1.8;VIII Breakthrough Model;24
1.9;IX Model for the Dynamic Adaptation Capability;26
2;Contents;28
3;Foreword to the Second Edition;34
4;1 Introduction;35
4.1;1.1 Concise History of Systems Theories;35
4.2;1.2 Application of Systems Theories;40
4.3;1.3 Foundations of Applied Systems Theory;41
4.4;1.4 Hard Systems Approach vs. Soft Systems Approach;43
4.5;1.5 Who Might Benefit from Applied Systems Theory and How?;44
4.6;1.6 Outline of Book;45
4.7;References;46
5;2 Basic Concepts of Systems Theories;49
5.1;2.1 Systems;50
5.1.1;Defining Systems;51
5.1.2;Elements;53
5.1.3;Relationships;55
5.1.4;Universe;55
5.1.5;Environment;56
5.2;2.2 Properties of Systems;56
5.2.1;Content;57
5.2.2;Structure;58
5.2.3;Attributes;59
5.2.4;Emergence;59
5.2.5;Wholeness and Independence;61
5.3;2.3 Subsystems;61
5.4;2.4 Aspectsystems;63
5.5;2.5 State of Systems;66
5.6;2.6 Behaviour of Systems;68
5.7;2.7 Systems Boundary;70
5.8;2.8 Summary;71
5.9;References;73
6;3 System Approaches;74
6.1;3.1 Modelling and Abstraction;75
6.1.1;Classification;78
6.1.2;Aggregation;80
6.1.3;Generalisation;83
6.2;3.2 Blackbox Approach;85
6.3;3.3 Deductive, Inductive and Abductive Reasoning;87
6.3.1;Deductive Reasoning;87
6.3.2;Equifinality, Homeostasis and Deductive Reasoning;88
6.3.3;Inductive Reasoning;91
6.3.4;Abductive Reasoning;94
6.4;3.4 Types of Models;96
6.4.1;Isomorphism;97
6.4.2;Homomorphism;97
6.4.3;Analogies and Metaphors;98
6.4.4;Qualitative Models;100
6.4.5;Quantitative Models;103
6.4.6;Overview of Models;106
6.5;3.5 Systems Hierarchy of Boulding;108
6.6;3.6 Summary;111
6.7;References;112
7;4 Generic Approaches to Problem Analysis and Solving;115
7.1;4.1 Types of Decision Making;116
7.1.1;Programmed Decisions;116
7.1.2;Non-Programmed Decisions;117
7.1.3;Decisions in Crises;119
7.2;4.2 Problem Analysis;120
7.2.1;Problem Definition;120
7.2.2;Analysing Problems;123
7.2.3;Redefining Problem Definition;126
7.3;4.3 Finding and Weighing Alternatives;126
7.3.1;Generating Alternatives and Principle Solutions;127
7.3.2;Weighing Alternatives;130
7.3.3;[Pugh’s] Controlled Convergence Method;131
7.4;4.4 Decision Making;132
7.4.1;Multiple-criteria Decision Making;132
7.4.2;Decision Trees;134
7.4.3;Satisficing;136
7.4.4;Case-Based Reasoning;136
7.4.5;Decision Making in Groups;137
7.4.6;Abilene Paradox;138
7.5;4.5 Implementation of Solutions;138
7.5.1;Detailing of Solution;138
7.5.2;Effectuation of Solution;139
7.6;4.6 Evaluation of Solutions;140
7.7;4.7 Overview of Process for Problem Solving and Decision Making;141
7.8;4.8 Some Further Notes;142
7.9;4.9 Summary;145
7.10;References;146
8;5 Processes;148
8.1;5.1 Processes as Interaction;148
8.2;5.2 Types of Processes;150
8.2.1;Homeostatic Processes;152
8.2.2;Adaptive Processes;153
8.2.3;Depicting Processes;154
8.3;5.3 Primary and Secondary Processes;155
8.3.1;Primary Process;156
8.3.2;Secondary Processes;157
8.4;5.4 Process and Function;158
8.5;5.5 Systems of Resources;161
8.6;5.6 Behaviour and Processes;162
8.7;5.7 Processes and Blackbox Approach;164
8.8;5.8 Business Process Mapping;166
8.8.1;Structured Systems Analysis and Design Methodology;167
8.8.2;International DEFinition Method;168
8.8.3;ASME Mapping Standard;170
8.8.4;Unified Modelling Language;171
8.8.5;Soft Systems Methodology;172
8.9;5.9 Summary;173
8.10;References;174
9;6 Control of Processes;175
9.1;6.1 Generic Concept of Control;176
9.2;6.2 Control and Directing;179
9.3;6.3 Feedback as Control Mechanism;182
9.4;6.4 Feedforward as Control Mechanism;187
9.5;6.5 Completing Deficiencies;191
9.6;6.6 Application of Control Mechanisms;193
9.7;6.7 Echelons of Control;197
9.8;6.8 Law of Requisite Variety;198
9.9;6.9 Summary;200
9.10;References;201
10;7 Steady-State Model;203
10.1;7.1 Boundary Control;203
10.1.1;Steady State;204
10.1.2;Boundary Zones;206
10.1.3;Heterostasis;208
10.2;7.2 Input Boundary Zone;209
10.2.1;Coding;210
10.2.2;Quality Filter Input;211
10.2.3;Control Mechanism (Feedforward);211
10.2.4;Input Buffer;212
10.2.5;Overflow (Valve);212
10.3;7.3 Output Boundary Zone;213
10.3.1;Control Mechanisms (Feedback and Completing Deficiencies);213
10.3.2;Output Buffer;215
10.3.3;Overflow (Valve);215
10.3.4;Decoding;216
10.4;7.4 Regulatory Boundary Zone;216
10.4.1;Initiating Process;216
10.4.2;Evaluation Process;217
10.5;7.5 Limitations of Steady-State Model;219
10.6;7.6 Summary;221
10.7;References;222
11;8 Autopoietic Systems;223
11.1;8.1 Autopoiesis;224
11.2;8.2 Principles of Autopoiesis;225
11.3;8.3 Autopoiesis and Self-Organisation;226
11.3.1;Self-organised Criticality;229
11.3.2;Self-organisation versus Entropy;230
11.3.3;Autopoietic Aspects of Self-Organisation;231
11.4;8.4 Interaction with Environment;231
11.5;8.5 Perception and Cognition;233
11.6;8.6 Allopoietic Systems;234
11.6.1;Allopoietic Systems as Creation;234
11.6.2;Stakeholders and Boundary Critique;236
11.7;8.7 Social Systems as Autopoietic Systems;237
11.8;8.8 Summary;238
11.9;References;239
12;9 Complex Adaptive Systems;241
12.1;9.1 Dimensions of Complexity;241
12.2;9.2 Attributes of Complex Adaptive Systems;243
12.2.1;Distributed Control;243
12.2.2;Connectivity;244
12.2.3;Co-Evolution;245
12.3;9.3 Fitness Landscapes;247
12.3.1;Wright’s Adaptive Landscape;247
12.3.2;Random Fitness Landscapes;249
12.3.3;Rugged Fitness Landscapes;251
12.3.4;Co-Evolution and NK-model;254
12.4;9.4 Self-Organisation by Complex Adaptive Systems;254
12.4.1;Simple Rules and Complex Behaviour;255
12.4.2;Attractors;255
12.4.3;Dissipative Structures;256
12.4.4;Edge-of-Chaos;257
12.5;9.5 Recursive Behaviour;257
12.6;9.6 Connectivity in Human-influenced Networks;259
12.7;9.7 Summary;261
12.8;References;262
13;10 Organisations and Breakthrough;264
13.1;10.1 Adaptation by Organisations;265
13.1.1;Creation of Mutations;265
13.1.2;Organisations as Allopoietic Systems;268
13.1.3;Evolution by Organisations;270
13.2;10.2 Processes of Foresight;274
13.2.1;Strategy;274
13.2.2;Dynamic Strategies;276
13.2.3;Forecasting;277
13.2.4;Techniques for Foresight;279
13.2.5;Scenario Planning;280
13.3;10.3 Breakthrough Model;284
13.3.1;Strategy Formation;284
13.3.2;Confrontation and Tuning;285
13.3.3;Configuration and Resource Allocation;286
13.3.4;Operations;287
13.3.5;Verification of Master Plan;288
13.3.6;Evaluation of Strategy;289
13.4;10.4 Model for the Dynamic Adapation Capability;289
13.4.1;Learning Processes and Innovation Impact Points;290
13.4.2;Dynamic Adaptation Capability;291
13.5;10.5 Differences with Steady-State Model;293
13.5.1;Capability for Adaptation;293
13.5.2;Linking Steady State to Breakthrough;294
13.6;10.6 Summary;294
13.7;References;295
14;11 Applications of System Theories;298
14.1;11.1 Systems Engineering;299
14.2;11.2 Biological Systems;301
14.2.1;Systems Biology;302
14.2.2;Biological Ecosystems;304
14.3;11.3 Organisations;306
14.3.1;Management Cybernetics;307
14.3.2;Analysis and Design of Organisations;308
14.3.3;Organisations as Allopoietic Systems;310
14.3.4;Evolutionary Approaches for Organisations;311
14.4;11.4 Other Systems Theories in Brief;314
14.4.1;System Dynamics;314
14.4.2;Soft Systems Methodology;316
14.4.3;The Viable System Model;318
14.4.4;MetaSystem Transition Theory;319
14.4.5;Critical Systems Thinking;320
14.5;11.5 Research Methods;322
14.6;11.6 Concluding Remarks;324
14.7;References;325
15;Index;329