Systems Thinking and Practice in Phd Research
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Toward a Common Language for Systems
IFSR Conversation– April 2012 Sponsored by the International Federation for Systems Research (IFSR) Team 4: Towards a Common Language for Systems Praxis © 2012 IFSR unless otherwise indicated (reprinted with permission) James Martin (USA), [email protected] (Team Leader) Johan Bendz (SE), [email protected] Gerhard Chroust (AUT), [email protected] Duane Hybertson (USA), [email protected] Harold “Bud” Lawson (SE), [email protected] Richard Martin (USA), [email protected] Hillary Sillitto (UK), [email protected] Janet Singer (USA), [email protected] Michael Singer (USA), [email protected] Tatsumasa Takaku (JP), [email protected] Abstract: We explored developing “common language for systems praxis” to help systems theorists and systems practitioners deal with the major cross-discipline, cross-domain problems facing human society in the 21st Century. For the first three days, we explored a broad range of issues, from previous efforts at standardization; to the nature of language, culture, and praxis; to the relationship between systems science, systems thinking, and systems approaches to practice. On day 4, we used Checkland’s CATWOE approach to understand the usage, context, and constraints for any common language for systems praxis. On day 5, this checklist helped us develop a diagram showing how an integrated approach to Systems Praxis could put theories from Systems Science and Systems Thinking into action through technical Systems Engineering and social Systems Intervention. We learned that the best medium for communication across different ‘tribes’ is patterns, and that a common language for systems praxis could use system patterns and praxis patterns to relate core concepts, principles, and paradigms, allowing stakeholder ‘silos’ to more effectively work together. -
Topological Aspects of Biosemiotics
tripleC 5(2): 49-63, 2007 ISSN 1726-670X http://tripleC.uti.at Topological Aspects of Biosemiotics Rainer E. Zimmermann IAG Philosophische Grundlagenprobleme, U Kassel / Clare Hall, UK – Cambridge / Lehrgebiet Philosophie, FB 13 AW, FH Muenchen, Lothstr. 34, D – 80335 München E-mail: [email protected] Abstract: According to recent work of Bounias and Bonaly cal terms with a view to the biosemiotic consequences. As this (2000), there is a close relationship between the conceptualiza- approach fits naturally into the Kassel programme of investigat- tion of biological life and mathematical conceptualization such ing the relationship between the cognitive perceiving of the that both of them co-depend on each other when discussing world and its communicative modeling (Zimmermann 2004a, preliminary conditions for properties of biosystems. More pre- 2005b), it is found that topology as formal nucleus of spatial cisely, such properties can be realized only, if the space of modeling is more than relevant for the understanding of repre- orbits of members of some topological space X by the set of senting and co-creating the world as it is cognitively perceived functions governing the interactions of these members is com- and communicated in its design. Also, its implications may well pact and complete. This result has important consequences for serve the theoretical (top-down) foundation of biosemiotics the maximization of complementarity in habitat occupation as itself. well as for the reciprocal contributions of sub(eco)systems with respect -
The Social System of Systems Intelligence – a Study Based on Search Engine Method
In Essays on Systems Intelligence, eds. Raimo P. Hämäläinen and Esa Saarinen: pp. 119-133 Espoo: Aalto University, School of Science and Technology, Systems Analysis Laboratory Chapter 5 The Social System of Systems Intelligence – A Study Based on Search Engine Method Kalevi Kilkki This essay offers an preliminary study on systems intelligence as a social system based on four cornerstones: writings using the terminology of systems intelligence, search engines, models to describe the behavior of social phenomena, and a theory of social systems. As a result we provide an illustration of systems intelligence field as a network of key persons. The main conclusion is that the most promising area for systems intelligence as social system is to systematically apply positive psychology to develop organizational management and to solve our everyday problems. Introduction The social system of systems intelligence is an ambitious topic, particularly for a person without any formal studies in sociology. Moreover, systems intelligence is a novel area of science and, hence, the development of its social structures is in early phase. It is even possible to argue that there is not yet any social system of systems intelligence. The approach of this study is based on four cornerstones: first, the literature that has used concept of systems intelligence, second, search engines, third, models to describe the behavior of social phenomena, and forth, a theory of social systems. As a result we may be able to say something novel about the development of systems intelligence as a social system. As to the social systems this essay relies on the grand theory developed by Niklas Luhmann (Luhmann 1995). -
General Systems Theory
General Systems Theory Prepared by: Kenneth R. Thompson Head Researcher System-Predictive Technologies © Copyright 1996 to 2016 by Kenneth R. Thompson, System-Predictive Technologies, 2096 Elmore Avenue, Columbus, Ohio 43224-5019; All rights reserved. Intellectual materials contained herein may not be copied or summarized without written permission from the author. General Systems Theory Page 2 of 10 General Systems Theory General Systems Theory Background Summary In the 1920’s, Ludwig von Bertalanffy envisioned a General Systems Theory1. As a biologist, von Bertalanffy was concerned with behavioral and intentional systems. He clearly stated the mathematical foundations of his theory in his report “The History and Status of General Systems Theory”2: The goal obviously is to develop general systems theory in mathematical terms – a logico-mathematical field – because mathematics is the exact language permitting rigorous deductions and confirmation (or refusal) of theory. In the 1960’s, there were two major independent efforts made relating to developments in General Systems Theory. One was by the engineer and mathematician Mihajlo D. Mesarović, and the other was by the philosopher Elizabeth Steiner and the historian and mathematician George S. Maccia. The developments by Mesarović were more restrictive and in line with traditional developments of engineering models simulating various intentional systems, while the developments by Steiner and Maccia were more comprehensive and provided the first formalization of a Scientific Education Theory derived from General Systems Theory. Mesarović’s work, however, did lead to critical developments in mathematical models of General Systems; however, such characterizations were restricted to systems represented by a single relation.3 A true mathematical analysis of General Systems Theory requires the ability to recognize multiple relations for one system. -
Multiple Perspective of Mobile Money System Development: Action Case of E-Masary Wallet
Multiple Perspective of Mobile Money System Development: Action Case of e-Masary Wallet A thesis submitted to The University of Manchester for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy In the Faculty of Humanities 2015 Mostafa Mohamad Manchester Business School University of Manchester 1 TABLE OF CONTENTS TABLE OF CONTENTS ...................................................................................................................... 2 LIST OF FIGURES .............................................................................................................................. 8 LIST OF TABLES ............................................................................................................................. 11 ABBREVIATIONS ............................................................................................................................ 12 DECLARATION ............................................................................................................................... 16 COPYRIGHT STATEMENT ............................................................................................................... 17 ACKNOWLEDGEMENT ................................................................................................................... 18 ABSTRACT ..................................................................................................................................... 16 CHAPTER ONE: INTRODUCTION Area of concern ................................................................................................................................ -
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Participatory Knowing: A Story-Centered Approach to Human Systems Jack Petranker Center for Creative Inquiry, 2425 Hillside Avenue, Berkeley, CA 94704, USA [email protected] Abstract The tendency of systems approaches to rely on and look for causal explanations creates problems for democratic practice. Causal analysis must generalize and thus assign fixed identities, which inevitably encourages viewing society in terms of competing interest groups whose conflicting goals move them inexorably toward conflict. A second problem with reliance on causality is the sheer complexity of causal analysis of complex social systems, which gives the expert analyst enjoys a claim to superior knowledge and de facto authority over community members. An alternative to causal analysis is to approach systems in ‘story-centered’ terms. Treating the story that the individual or collective ‘inhabits’ as the relevant system for analysis counters the anti-democratic tendencies identified above. Since stories—understood as such—are fluid and shifting, it becomes less natural to define individuals by their interests and identities; in turn, this encourages community participants to engage other community members as cohabitants rather than adversaries. And since story-inhabitants are better equipped than the expert to investigate the story within which they live and act, the authority of the expert is correspondingly reduced. Of the many levels at which story-centric analysis can proceed, a focus on the systemic nature of the environing story is especially appropriate to the needs of today’s complex and heterogeneous democracies. To engage the story at this level allows for honoring multiple stories in society without focusing exclusive at the level of story content, thus creating a foundation for dialog and shared inquiry even among those who inhabit widely varying story-worlds. -
Conservation Psychology
COMMUNITY ORGANIZING FOR WATERSHED RESTORATION: The Cotati Creek Critters Outreach Program by Jenny Blaker A project submitted to Sonoma State University in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of MASTER OF ARTS in Interdisciplinary Studies : Conservation Psychology May 2006 COMMUNITY ORGANIZING FOR WATERSHED RESTORATION The Cotati Creek Critters Outreach Program by Jenny Blaker A project submitted to Sonoma State University in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of MASTER OF ARTS in Interdisciplinary Studies : Conservation Psychology _______________________________________ Dr. Debora Hammond, Chair _______________________________________ Dr. Ardath Lee _______________________________________ Dr. Anna Warwick Sears _______________________________________ Date i Copyright 2006 By Jenny Blaker ii AUTHORIZATION FOR REPRODUCTION OF MASTER’S PROJECT Reproduction of this project is permitted with the condition that credit be given to the author. DATE:_______________________________ _______________________________ Signature _______________________________ Street Address _______________________________ City, State, Zip iii COMMUNITY ORGANIZING FOR WATERSHED RESTORATION The Cotati Creek Critters Outreach Program Project by Jenny Blaker ABSTRACT The Cotati Creek Critters is a watershed group conducting a habitat restoration project along the Laguna de Santa Rosa in Cotati. In June 2005 the group was awarded an Urban Stream Restoration grant from the California Department of Water Resources to involve the local community in planting 2,000 native trees and shrubs along the Laguna de Santa Rosa in Cotati over a two year period. The purpose of the Outreach Program is to recruit volunteers for the planting project and to foster a sense of stewardship in the local community by raising awareness of related issues in the Cotati area. This project embodies the intent of Conservation Psychology to understand and encourage behavior that promotes environmental sustainability. -
What Is Systems Theory?
What is Systems Theory? Systems theory is an interdisciplinary theory about the nature of complex systems in nature, society, and science, and is a framework by which one can investigate and/or describe any group of objects that work together to produce some result. This could be a single organism, any organization or society, or any electro-mechanical or informational artifact. As a technical and general academic area of study it predominantly refers to the science of systems that resulted from Bertalanffy's General System Theory (GST), among others, in initiating what became a project of systems research and practice. Systems theoretical approaches were later appropriated in other fields, such as in the structural functionalist sociology of Talcott Parsons and Niklas Luhmann . Contents - 1 Overview - 2 History - 3 Developments in system theories - 3.1 General systems research and systems inquiry - 3.2 Cybernetics - 3.3 Complex adaptive systems - 4 Applications of system theories - 4.1 Living systems theory - 4.2 Organizational theory - 4.3 Software and computing - 4.4 Sociology and Sociocybernetics - 4.5 System dynamics - 4.6 Systems engineering - 4.7 Systems psychology - 5 See also - 6 References - 7 Further reading - 8 External links - 9 Organisations // Overview 1 / 20 What is Systems Theory? Margaret Mead was an influential figure in systems theory. Contemporary ideas from systems theory have grown with diversified areas, exemplified by the work of Béla H. Bánáthy, ecological systems with Howard T. Odum, Eugene Odum and Fritj of Capra , organizational theory and management with individuals such as Peter Senge , interdisciplinary study with areas like Human Resource Development from the work of Richard A. -
Reflections on Constructivist Systemic Inquiry Traversing Territorial Scales
Reflections on constructivist systemic inquiry traversing territorial scales: The procedure of reaching authenticity of architectural research design project generated from social dynamics AR3A160 Lecture Series Research Methods Transitional Territories Studio Haozhuo Li 4734912 I INTRODUCTION Being aware: Know-that, know-how and know-why Research-methodological awareness is being aware of what, how, and why we use certain approaches during architectural research, thus a combination of ontological (know-that) and epistemological (know-how and know-why) inquiry. Fundamentally, it is a realization of the iterative process of research and design. Such a process helps us to define and sustain the essence of a research-design project,1 as the project should be coherent in terms of legibility. Research, defined as a systematic inquiry to generate new knowledge,2 means that knowing what we are doing in a reductionist way to systemize and organize our steps in practice, and that finally know how and why we have manipulated on certain foci, from which we are able to evaluate. Framing the assumptions during a research process into paradigms help us to communicate our understanding to broader audience, which is also beneficial for academic quality.3 Therefore, research-methodology includes critical thinking for design practices. It also triggers reflections on architectural profession, which is vital to the future role of architects. Both the study of certain tactics and methods that are culled from a methodology pool and outcomes of analysis can inform us possible tendency and dynamics of the world, from which we think of what role we are playing and will play in the future, and to what direction we can expand the scope of the discipline. -
The Science of Service Systems
Janie Chroust, 2010 International Federation For Systems Research “Systems for Education, Engineering, Service and Sustainability” Proceedings of the Fifteenth IFSR Conversation G. Chroust, G. Metcalf (eds.) April 10 - April 15, 2010 Kloster Pernegg (Austria) SEA-Publications: SEA-SR-28 Institute for Systems Engineering and Automation Johannes Kepler University Linz, Austria [email protected] August 2010 ISBN 3-902457-28-8 2 Impressum Schriftenreihe: SEA-Publications of the Institute for Systems Engineering and Automation J. Kepler University Linz Systems for Education, Engineering, Service and Sustainability - Proceedings of the Fifteenth Fuschl Conversation G. Chroust, G. Metcalf (editors) April 10 - April 15, 2010 Kloster Pernegg (Austria) Printing sponsored by the International Federation for Systems Research (IFSR) © 2010 International Federation for Systems Research (IFSR) (except where stated differently) Permission to make digital or hard copies of all or part of this work for personal or classroom use is granted without fee provided that copies are not made or distributed for profit or commercial advantage and that copies bear this notice and the full citation on the first page. Printed: WLK Druck, A-2340 Mödling, Austria ISBN 3-902457-28-8 Institute for Systems Engineering and Automation www.sea.uni-linz.ac.at 3 Welcome to the IFSR Conversation 2010! .............................................................. 5 Looking back at Pernegg 2010 ............................................................................... -
Proceedings of the Fuschl Conversation 2006
International Federation For Systems Research Proceedings of the Thirteenth Fuschl Conversation G. Metcalf, G. Chroust (Editors) April 22-27, 2006 Fuschl am See (Austria) SEA-Publications: SEA-SR-13 July 2006 Institute for Systems Engineering and Automation Johannes Kepler University Linz, Austria [email protected] ISBN 3-902457-13-9 Impressum Schriftenreihe: SEA-Publications of the Institute for Systems Engineering and Automation J. Kepler University Linz Proceedings of the Thirteenth Fuschl Conversation G. Metcalf, G. Chroust (editors) April 22-27, 2006 Fuschl am See (Austria) Printing sponsored by the International Federation For Systems Research (IFSR) © 2006 SEA – International Federation For Systems Research (IFSR) Permission to make digital or hard copies of all or part of this work for personal or classroom use is granted without fee provided that copies are not made or distributed for profit or commercial advantage and that copies bear this notice and the full citation on the first page. printed: J. Kepler Universität Linz, 2006 ISBN 3-902457-13-9 Institute for Systems Engineering and Automation www.sea.uni-linz.ac.at 2 Table of Contents Welcome to the Fuschl Conversation 2006............................................................................................. 4 Welcome to the Fuschl Conversation 2006............................................................................................. 5 Fuschl 2006 – Aims and Objectives ....................................................................................................... -
IASCYS the International Academy for Systems & Cybernetic Sciences
IASCYS The International Academy for Systems & CYbernetic Sciences 77 Academicians (2021/04/13) -alphabetic order- 1. Mary Catherine BATESON (USA) Cultural Anthropology & Cybernetics 2. Ockert J. H. BOSCH (New Zealand) Ecology Management 3. Paul BOURGINE (France) Cognitive Sciences and Artificial Intelligence 4. Pierre BRICAGE (France) Biologist, Secretary General 5. Søren BRIER (Denmark) Systems Cybersemiotics Philosopher 6. Pille BUNNELL (Canada) Systems Ecologist 7. Tom R. BURNS (Sweden) Sociologist 8. Xiaoqiang CAI (PR China, Hong Kong) Systems Engineering and Engineering Management, 9. Jinde CAO (PR China) Artificial Intelligence 10. Antonio CASELLES MONCHO (Spain) Applied Mathematician 11. Guangya CHEN (PR China) Operations Research & Systems Engineering 12. Hanfu CHEN (PR China) Automation & Systems Control Engineering 13. Jian CHEN (PR China) Systems Engineering & Management Science 14. C.L. Philip CHEN (PR China, Macao) Intelligent Systems Engineering 15. T.C. Edwin CHENG (PR China) Business Administration 16. Gerhard CHROUST (Austria) Systems Engineering & Automation 17. Gerard de ZEEUW (Netherlands) Architectural Design 18. Zengru DI (PR China) Socio-Economics Systems Engineering 19. Georgi M. DIMIROVSKI (R. Nth Macedonia) Computer & Control Sciences, Vice-President for membership 20. Gérard DONNADIEU (France) Systems Engineering & Management 21. Jean-Pierre DUPUY (France) Risk Management & Ethics 22. Raúl ESPEJO (UK) Systems Organization & Complexity Management, WOSC President 23. Helder Manuel FERREIRA COELHO (Portugal) Artificial Intelligence Engineering 24. Charles FRANÇOIS (Belgium) Cybernetics, Systems Theory & Systems Science 25. Ranulph GLANVILLE (UK) Cybernetics & Design 26. Jifa GU (PR China) Operations Research & Systems Engineering 27. Enrique HERRSCHER (Argentina) Economist & Systems Scientist 28. Wolfgang HOFKIRCHNER (Austria) Information Science, Internet & Society 29. Tingwen HUANG (Qatar) Systems Dynamics, Control & Optimization 30. Ray ISON (Australia) Systems Governance, IFSR President 31.