Using the Viable Systems Model to Structure a System Dynamics Mapping and Modeling Project for the Australian Taxation Office

This paper is a case study of a major System Dynamics (SD) intervention in policy design in the Australian Taxation Office. The project, which lasted two years, tested a number of hypotheses regarding the application of Stafford Beer's Viable Systems Model (VSM) to the structure and process of the project. The paper reports that the success of the VSM within the ATO was qualified by political changes in the external environment.     

The Use of Soft Systems Methodology to Enhance Group Creativity

Soft Systems Methodology is especially useful in diagnosing and addressing organizational problems and designing new systems in cultures that are characterised by pluralistic views and values. This paper demonstrates how SSM workshops in a large government agency resulted in a high level of creativity. SSM is then proposed as a methodology that could enhance group creativity in organizational design contexts.     

Action Research: Its Role in the University/Business Relationship

The Action Research (AR) PhD program at Monash University had its genesis in Systems Thinking and Organizational Learning. This paper discusses the role of the university in AR projects in business and the central role that AR projects can have in a Faculty's strategic positioning. The issues that have emerged in the project to date are discussed.     

From Cybernetics and VSD to Management and Action

This paper uses Stafford Beer's Viable Systems Diagnosis (VSD) to suggest that the development of a model for actionable theory in organizations would take the form of a three-step process. The first step involves the definition and explanation of an appropriate theory base, the second theory interpretation into a coherent set of action principles and the third contextual action in organizations. We contend that even for a well-informed and widely read manager gleaning the theoretical basis for this process from the recognized Beer trilogy “Brain of the Firm,” “The Heart of the Enterprise” and “Diagnosing the System” is difficult to justify in terms of time, understanding, and action. We maintain that a sound set of action principles emanating from Beer's primary work must be considered before tackling the noted trilogy. We use Beer's initial text “Cybernetics and Management” to trace some fundamental operational research and the interdisciplinary tripartite science of cybernetics. We commence our action model process with some introductory thoughts into operational research, cybernetics, VSD, and contextual action. Our first step toward action involves some primary definitions and principles of cybernetic theory and the prospect of controlling overwhelming variety. Our second step provides our set of coherent potential action principles fundamental to cybernetic theory. The paper is written in a journalistic rather than academic style reflecting the need to couch the interpretation of the theory in a language that the well-informed manager may readily translate into third step contextual practice.     

Recognition of apoptotic cells by phagocytes

Effective removal of dying cells is crucial to a variety of processes in health and disease. Cells undergoing apoptosis are recognized and ingested intact by phagocytes, which are not stimulated to release inflammatory mediators. The alternative uncontrolled form of cell death, necrosis, is associated with release of cell contents with the potential to cause tissue damage and inflammation. Four distinct molecular mechanisms have been identified to date which mediate recognition by phagocytes of mammalian cells undergoing apoptosis, but further mechanisms remain to be discovered. The capacity for phagocyte removal of cells undergoing apoptosis may be closely regulated, for example by local cytokines.     

The N-terminal amino acid sequence of the small subunit of ribulose-1,5-diphosphate carboxylase fromNicotiana tabacum

Summary The N-terminal sequence of the small subunit of Fraction I protein isolated from tobacco was investigated, using an automatic protein sequencer. The amino acid sequence of the first 21 residues is presented.     

Action Learning as a Mindset—The Evolution of PICCO

This paper investigates action learning as a maintenance of mindset. It is an account of a personal evolution from a 4-year work in progress Action Research (AR) study exploring organizational viability. That study, involving two separate organizations and four cycles of AR, has seen the researcher and to some extent the organizations develop action-learning mindsets. The paper is an attempt to step outside the study and its associated learning from an organizational perspective and to link the threads of learning from the mindset of an action researcher. The paper suggests that adopting the mindset of an action researcher favors the transfer of learning from one organizational situation to another. Advocating that action researchers do not restart their initial methodologies, it is contended that the second organization has gained advantage of learning from the first. It is concluded that action learning mindsets articulate cumulative wisdom from organizational and methodological perspectives.     

Vitronectin receptor-mediated phagocytosis of cells undergoing apoptosis.

Phagocyte recognition of cells that have undergone apoptosis (programmed cell death) is an event of broad biological significance. Characterized by endogenous endonuclease activation, which results in chromatin fragmentation and nuclear condensation, apoptosis leads to swift ingestion of intact but 'senescent' or 'unwanted' cells by phagocytes in processes as diverse as the physiological involution of organs, the remodelling of embryonic tissues, and metamorphosis. The cell-surface mechanisms by which macrophages recognize apoptotic cells as 'senescent-self' have remained obscure. Here we report that macrophage recognition of apoptotic cells (both neutrophils and lymphocytes) is mediated by the vitronectin receptor, a heterodimer belonging to the beta 3 or cytoadhesin family of the integrins. Previously, the functions of the vitronectin receptor were believed to be limited to cell anchorage, but our findings indicate that the receptor has a novel and direct role in self-senescent-self intercellular recognition leading to macrophage phagocytosis of cells undergoing apoptosis.     

Occupational Health and Safety Systems,Corporate Governance and Viable Systems Diagnosis: An Action Research Approach

This paper establishes a theoretical basis for the implementation of governance systems in Occupational Health and Safety (OHS). This arose when a complex government organization reviewed the usage of its OHS computer system. This review precipitated several cycles of Action Research (AR). The AR allowed the recognition that the organization needed to define its OHS strategy, clarify its commitment to OHS, and examine its OHS systems in order to provide an effective OHS management and corporate governance system. As part of the review, a Viable Systems Diagnosis was done on the OHS function. It was recognized that Stafford Beer provided valuable insights into the information needs and communication flows of OHS information throughout this complex organization. Action research appears to be a particularly useful method for examining and implementing OHS management systems.