Designing a Management System for a Rural Community Development Organization Using a Systemic Action Research Process

This paper describes the first phase, 'finding out', of a systemic participatory action research intervention in the management systems of a rural community development organization in the KwaZulu-Natal province of South Africa. The aims of the intervention were to (a) improve the management system of this organization, and (b) evaluate the usefulness of particular systems methodologies for the improvement of management systems of organizations involved in community development in under-resourced rural contexts. The second phase, "implementation," needs to be completed and thoroughly evaluated before any final conclusions can be drawn about the suitability of the chosen systems framework for Third World type rural contexts. However, the second phase is, at the time of writing, underway and all indications are that an interpretive ('Soft') Systems Methodology, combined with insights from a more functionalist ('hard') approach (with methods chosen through a Critical Systems Thinking framework) holds much promise for participatory systemic interventions in these contexts.     

The Application of Critical Systems Thinking to Enhance the Effectiveness of a University Information System

Faced with the common problem of dissatisfaction with the outcome of investments in information systems (IS), the IS community has long sought ways to improve information systems development (ISD). This paper reports on action research (AR) that sought to improve the effectiveness a UK university’s student record system (SRS), which had exhibited persistent problems. Critical systems thinking (CST) is seen to have value for ISD and was used to guide the AR. In the first stage of this research, the issues with the initial design of the SRS were identified to have largely resulted from insufficient elicitation of the underlying assumptions about, and perspectives on, complex organisational issues. The second stage centred on examining the situation from an “ought” perspective analysing what should be done and how, in order to develop creative solutions to the problems uncovered. The third stage involved recommending solutions to address the problems identified in order to improve the effectiveness of the SRS. Overall, the AR indicates that CST enables those involved to view the design and implementation of the SRS as a holistic system, critically reflect upon broad and complex human, technological and organisational issues from different perspectives, and thereby identify creative solutions. The main contribution of this research is in generating support for an ISD intervention guided by CST. The results of, and the understanding developed from, this intervention are likely to be relevant to the problems that frequently occur in similar situations.     

Systemic Intervention Practice at an Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Alcohol and Other Drugs Treatment Centre

The purpose of this article is to describe the use of systemic intervention research methodology at an Indigenous-specific Australian drug and alcohol ‘therapeutic community’ rehabilitation setting. Systemic intervention is a three step methodological framework belonging to the systems thinking discipline. Practitioners must be mindful of the boundaries of the systems with which they are working; the need to select appropriate theoretical and methodological approaches to the context of the research, and undertake interventions towards sustainable and desirable change. Three participatory methods are detailed to highlight the importance and value of reflective practice. The three methods ranged from consultative through to collegial levels of participant engagement. Systemic intervention is a useful methodology in the context of indigenous health research and could be a valued approach in other research contexts that are explicit in their intent to help close the gap on Indigenous health disadvantage.     

面向资源语义共享的分布索引策略研究

针对大规模对等网络环境下信息资源语义异构和高效定位问题,本文提出了一种基于多元数据规范模板的可扩展的、面向语义的元数据描述框架,并在此基础上提供一套混合的组织索引体系,其中结合了DHT和社区的特点,基于核心信息单元和扩展信息单元对资源位置、MST组群和社区入口进行有效索引,并且基于不同信息单元之间语义关系提出了语义扩展路由的概念。基于此组织索引体系提出了一种面向语义的混合资源发现方法,有效提高了资源查全率,通过仿真试验说明了本系统与现有相关系统相比具有较高的查询效率和可扩展能力。     

A Hybrid Formal Description Method Based on FSM,CSP and ADT for Communication Protocol

1.INTRODVCTIOWWiththedevelopmentofcomputernetworksandthedistributionofcomputersystems,thecomplexityandvarietyofcommunicationprotocolsandserviceshavebeengreatlyincreasedandsohavetheneedsofformaltechniquesforspecifying,validating,implementingandtestingprotocols.Moreattentionhasbeenfocusedonthissubjectofdevelopingformalmethodswhichaidtheprocessofprotocoldesign,andmuchworkontheformaltechniquesandtheiruseforprotocoldesign,implementationandtestinghasbeenp.erformedinrecentyears(SeeTable1)[2,31.T…     

Systemic Design for Applying the Combined Use of SSM and CDA to Social Practices

In this paper, we propose a framework for applying the combined use of soft systems methodology (SSM) and critical discourse analysis (CDA) based on social semiotic systemic functional linguistics to social practices. In the social practice, ‘participation’ mode of Checkland’s SSM is used for ‘problem-solving’ whilst CDA is used to problematize ‘problem-solving’ processes within the practice. During the meta-process of problematization of our research, we used Churchman’s systems approach and its theory of ‘boundary critique’ in order to explore issues such as governance, inequality of power, and social values within the organization examined for this study. In other words, the process-oriented methodology proposed in this paper consists of two processes: that of ‘problem-solving’ based on SSM and of problematization of naturalized discourse from the perspective of CDA and two phases of boundary critique in social practice. A detailed account of a case study of Korean social enterprise is given to demonstrate how our proposed framework of the combined use of SSM and CDA is applied into practice. Reflecting the outcome of the case study, this paper argues that critical social research from systemic inquiry using what we call ‘process-oriented methodology’ is useful to address some of the social and complex issues related to understanding dynamic relation between power and discourse amongst participants in the social enterprise in Korean contexts.     

社会设计工程问题框架

为寻求一种解决社会问题的工程化方法,提出了社会设计工程.研究了社会设计工程问题框架,给出了框架的五要素及其相互关系,对问题的解进行了描述.最后,通过分析社会设计工程问题的特点,得出社会设计工程问题不能靠对策论或运筹学等简单方法进行处理,需要运用解决复杂性问题的方法来处理.     

Unfolding a Theory of Systemic Intervention

This paper interrogates four perspectives (structuralist community psychology, deconstruction, interpretive systemology, and critical systems thinking) to inform the unfolding of a theory of systemic intervention. A vision of epistemology is provided which clarifies the relationships among knowledge, power, will and intervention, and a normative framework for systemic intervention is then presented. Finally, the theory unfolded in this paper is deconstructed to reveal a second theory, yet to be explored, of systemic life projects. This provides an exciting agenda for future research.     

Developing total systems intervention (TSI): The critical review mode

Total systems intervention (TSI) is a meta-methodology which interprets and brings into action a range of problem solving methodologies, viewing problem solving as a process of intervention where practitioners can learn about and manage complex interacting issues. When first presented, TSI was the framework that evolved from one of many possible operationalisations of critical systems thinking. From these beginnings, TSI (as one practical implementation of the principles of CST) now continues its development into a methodology for use by problem solvers in all situations, not just the organisational-enterprise setting. This paper presents a detailed operationalisation of the critical review mode, the framework of which may also be of use in the operationalisation of the other modes in TSI.     

An Analytical Framework of Social Learning Facilitated by Participatory Methods

Social learning among different stakeholders is often a goal in problem solving contexts such as environmental management. Participatory methods (e.g., group model-building and role playing games) are frequently assumed to stimulate social learning. Yet understanding if and why this assumption is justified is quite limited. Difficulties arise from the complexity and context-dependence of processes influencing social learning. Furthermore, continuing discussion of the exact meaning and theoretical basis of social learning result in a limited capacity to assess and evaluate whether social learning has occurred. In this paper we introduce an analytical framework to develop an in depth understanding of essential processes underlying social learning facilitated by participatory methods. Concepts from different fields of science are discussed and integrated, including resource management, small group research and learning research. The individual and group perspectives are brought together via mental models and emergent roles. We added the direction of learning, being either convergent or divergent, to be able to explore if and when personal views on a problem converge into a shared understanding of a problem. The analysis of convergence and divergence of learning is facilitated through the use of the mental model concept. Methods for measurement of proposed indicators for social learning are also discussed. The framework developed provides a conceptual basis for the analysis of social learning facilitated by participatory methods and an operationalization for application in empirical research.     

基于DoDAF的装备体系任务建模与仿真

装备体系任务建模与仿真是对装备体系进行模型验证和分析的基础。以四元组（目标,装备,活动,关系）为基础,建立了装备体系任务的描述模型,并基于美国国防部体系结构框架（Department of Defense Architecture Framework, DoDAF）,提出了基于活动建模的装备体系任务静态模型建模方法和采用IDEF3语言来建立装备体系任务仿真模型的方法以及其具体建模步骤。最后以航母体系的典型任务为例,对上述建模与仿真方法进行应用,证明了所提方法的有效性。     

Toward a Buddhist Systems Methodology 2: An Exploratory,Questioning Approach

This paper presents a Buddhist systems methodology (BSM) designed for problem prevention and problem solving in Taiwanese Buddhist organisations. Three sets of twelve questions based on Buddhist concepts are offered to (i) support explorations of boundaries and values in problematic situations; (ii) guide the choice of methods for intervention; and (iii) support the evaluation of recommendations for change. The paper argues that the BSM has advantages in Taiwanese contexts compared with Western systems approaches. The latter can appear threatening to organizational harmony and can therefore be regarded negatively. In contrast, the BSM uses Buddhist concepts that are closely associated with the practice of harmonious living. Thus, it reframes systems thinking as the exercise of Buddhist discipline applied to organizational life, and is likely to be viewed as a co-operative and culturally valued endeavour.

兵力组织扁平化指挥控制结构设计方法

合理的兵力组织指挥控制结构能提高兵力组织的整体作战效能。首先介绍了兵力组织的组成要素,提出了兵力组织扁平化指挥控制结构的数学描述方法。在其基础上分析了扁平化指挥控制结构设计问题,以均衡和最小化组织中各决策单元的负载水平为目标建立了相应的优化模型。最后提出了一种多目标模糊离散粒子群求解算法,并结合联合作战算例证明了算法的有效性和优越性。     

A Systemic Framework to Develop Sustainable Engineering Solutions in Rural Communities in Colombia

In several rural areas in Colombia there is a serious lack of water quality supply. Thereby the problematic situation is understood as complex one that involves stakeholders with pluralistic interests, multiple variables and requires the development of sustainable and suitable solutions. In order to address this issue, this paper proposes an integration of engineering design framework (CDIO) with a systemic approach. Particularly the approach emphasizes on systemic elements such as autonomy, systems within systems, cooperation between stakeholders and cause effect relations; it also proposes a previous observing phase for engineering design framework. Thus the proposed systemic framework aims to generate projects that improve living conditions in rural communities and promote the production of knowledge between the stakeholders to ensure sustainability in the long term. To illustrate the proposal, this work contains a case study that discusses a project carried out by a research team—Ingenieros Sin Fronteras Colombia—in a rural district near to Colombia’s capital. The experience, which involved and benefited 16 families in the community, provided strong evidence to support the proposed framework. The paper concludes with a discussion about the replication of this proposal in other contexts.     

民用飞机高度控制系统MBSE建模方法

针对传统基于文本的系统工程方法中存在设计文档变更难度大、工程模型可读性差、模型复用性不强等问题,提出了基于美国国防部体系架构(department of defense architecture framework,DoDAF)的基于模型的系统工程(model-based systems engineering,MBS...     

复杂系统的平行控制理论及应用

首先给出了复杂系统的定义,并对复杂系统的研究现状和存在的问题进行了探讨,认识到没有可用来描述复杂系统的足够精确的模型,基于还原论的现有控制理论和方法难以发挥有效作用。在此基础上,提出了应对这类复杂系统问题的平行控制方法,阐述了其ACP思想、基本原理和优势等。同时对控制理论的发展历史做了简要描述,证明平行控制理论的产生是必然的。并阐述了平行控制理论的核心技术。最后介绍了平行控制系统平台及其在乙烯生产和城市交通中的应用,描述了平行控制理论研究和应用实践的前景与展望。     

Systems Thinking and Systems Practice: Working in the Fifth Dimension

This paper describes how a messy organizational problem was tackled using a systems approach which led to a resolution of the problem and to an improvement in the working relationships of the people involved. The example also shows how people who are not familiar with systems thinking, as such, can quickly be helped to develop a shared systemic view of a complex situation using activity modeling. At a deeper level, the paper also shows how the underlying dynamics of the problem situation was altered as a result of using a cooperative, dialogical working method, leading to an improvement in the quality of service provided by that part of the organization. The paper uses Peter Senge's five disciplines of a learning organization, together with various systems concepts, as a framework for describing how the process of change was brought about through the simultaneous management of task and social processes, leading to both individual and organizational learning.