Tease of the Perfect University: Mis/matching Systemic Elements and their Effect on Organisational Dynamics

This paper discusses organisational dynamics in the context of the perceptions of faculty, staff and administrators in response to the Okanagan University College forced transition to the University of British Columbia Okanagan. Analysis employed a theoretical model entitled the Family of Related Systemic Elements (FoRSE) matrix that exposes the systemic properties of a problem (In the original presentation of the findings in this paper at the AERA, the matrix was entitled, “Systemic Factors Inventory Analysis matrix, or SyFIA.” The matrix continues to be refined, including changing its name and acronym.) The initial findings here suggest that in order for organisations to achieve a sustained higher level or degree of improvement they need to ensure greater accord between its systemic elements.     

Developing the methodology of TSI: From the oblique use of methods to creative design

During the last 13 years, a dialogue has been conducted in the Critical Systems literature on the subject of choice betwen methods. However, in the late 1980s and early 1990s, researchers went in two separate directions. One direction involved an exploration of the “creative design of methods.” This is when the problem situation is understood in terms of a series of systemically interrelated research questions, each of which might need to be addressed using a different method, or part of a method. A synthesis is generated that allows each individual research question to be addressed as part of a whole system of questions. The other research direction involved the development of “Total Systems Intervention” (TSI), a meta-methodology that, amongst other things, encourages the creative exploration of the problem situation prior to the choice of methods. One of the latest innovations in TSI is a theory of the “oblique” use of methods. This is the use of methods for purposes other than those they were originally designed for. However, it is argued here that all the case studies that have been subject to an “oblique” interpretation can be better explained if they are seen as examples of the creative design of methods. We can therefore bring together the two strands of research that have hitherto been pursued separately in the Critical Systems literature. it is suggested that TSI can be enhanced by an understanding of the creative design of methods because the latter allows us to explain the purposive, flexible, and responsive way in which TSI is most successfully used in practice.     

A History of the Action Learning,Action Research,and Process Management Association (ALARPM): From Brisbane (Australia) to the World Through Inclusion and Networks

Action Learning, Action Research, and Process Management Association (ALARPM) is an organization of volunteers dedicated to the international expansion of action learning, action research, and process management, through world congresses. It has existed for over a dozen years now, despite significant stresses and strains, and has successfully conducted five world congresses with a sixth one in 2003. This history of ALARPM shows that a small group can set out to be international and inclusive from the beginning, so long as it also develops processes to sustain itself internally.     

A Fresh Look at The Systems Approach and an Agenda for Action: Peeking Through the Lens of Churchman's Aphorisms

This paper critically examines some important topics of systemic thinking to understand how our perception of problems can be enhanced and how the chances of deception can be mitigated while dealing with real-world problems. To achieve this objective, an attempt is first made to scrutinize some of the key issues of systemic thinking by looking through the lens of Churchman's aphorisms at: (1) the illusion of completeness and closure, (2) the meaning of holism, and (3) the concept of ‘Interbeing’. A preliminary ‘agenda for action’ is then laid out suggesting ways for increasing our perception and for minimizing the chances of being deceived in dealing with systems problems in practice.     

The Systems Approach to the Pluralist Theory of International Relations: A Case Study of the European Union

This article aims at introducing concepts related to the systems approach applied to the international system. First, the authors describe the systems view considering General Systems Theory in order to conceptualize the international systems as well as the Pluralist Theory of International Relations. Based on General Systems Theory, the authors analyze the international systems from the perspective of the Pluralist Theory of International Relations, using a case study on the European Union. The pluralist image of international systems presents important similarities to Systems Theory, as it analyzes the international context, characterized by variety, complexity and dynamics and uses the concepts of object, attribute, inputs and outputs, environment, motivations and process, which enable a better understanding of the international system.

Systemic Approaches to Managing Across the Gap in the Public Sector: Results of an Action Research Programme

This paper tells the story and conclusions of a 1 year research project which took place over the calendar year of 2006. It was undertaken within a local government authority (or Local Authority—LA) in the UK. The specific research question to be answered was: “Can the application of systems methods in the LA aid Authority staff in developing and enhancing their professional practice?” A supplementary question arising was: “Can such learning be of wider value to other sections of the public sector (for example in other regions of local government or the health sector)?” In the process of the year 91 separate action research interactions took place. The research comes to three systemically linked findings: Firstly, LA middle managers are often caught between two realities ... strategic initiatives and operational demands. In the gap between these two realities they experience change in many guises but most critically in terms of government directives, ICT initiatives and restructuring. Despite this complexity managers did not appear to always have adequate tools to deal with issues arising in their context. Secondly, an assessment matrix developed originally at the Open University is a valuable tool for assessing the systemisism and reflective capacities of staff and, thirdly, a new, blended hybrid training programme to develop systemic reflective practitioners able to manage across the strategy/operations gap was developed and pilot tested in 2007. This programme shows signs of providing enhanced professional practice and, at the time of writing, is being further piloted with a view to establishing its wider applicability within the public sector.     

改善供应链库存管理绩效的系统思考——以啤酒游戏为例

运用基于系统动力学的动态研究的方法,以啤酒游戏为例,从动态复杂性的视角,探讨了改善供应链库存管理绩效的影响因素和解决方案。认为"系统结构""控制策略"和"控制参数"是影响供应链库存管理绩效的3类要素,提出了调整订货周期匹配订货提前期的"结构性解决方案"、基于考虑已发出订单和在途货物量的"策略性解决方案"和基于参数控制的"操作性解决方案"。并且,通过系统仿真分析和人工试验,研究了这3类要素在集中控制和分散控制模式下对库存绩效的影响。结果表明,这3类解决方案在集中控制模式下的有效性依次递增,而在分散控制模式下的有效性依次递减。该结果展示了多级供应链库存系统的动态复杂性,以及系统思考在处理动态复杂性方面的重要性和有效性。