Use of Systems Methodologies in the UK and Spain: A Sample Survey

The emergence and the use of the so-called Management Sciences Methodologies has been one of the major recent developments in the field of Management Practice. The issues of the cultural dimensions of a particular country and its relevance in managerial practices have attracted substantial attention over recent years. This paper attempts to compare the usage of management sciences methods from the Hard and Soft spectrum in two countries that have quite distinctive managerial and cultural traditions: the UK and Spain. It reports on the results of a mail questionnaire administered to MBA graduates working in management consultancy in both countries.     

Research on Creativity in Decision Making

1IntroductionManypeoplearestrugglingintheirattemptstodealwiththenewworldrealities,particularlyastheyaffectthedomainofmanagement.Everywherewelook,traditionalstructuresarebeingre-shapedorfallingdown.Powerfulnation-statesarefi.agmenting.Once-successfulcompaniesarefindillgthatsure-flitformulasnolongerwork.People,andevenwholecommunities,al'efindingtheworld1hovingbeneaththeirfeetastraditionalmarkets,industries,alldsourcesofemploymentdisappearundertheimpactofnewinformatiolltechnologiesandarestructur…     

Estimation of chain reaction bankruptcy structure by chance discovery method — With time order method and directed KeyGraph

Chain reaction bankruptcy is regarded as common phenomenon and its effect is to be taken into account when credit risk portfolio is analyzed. But consideration and modeling of its effect leave much room for improvement. That is mainly because method for grasping relations among companies with limited data is underdeveloped. In this article, chance discovery method is applied to estimate industrial relations that are to include companies＇ relations that transmit chain reaction of bankruptcy. Time order method and directed KeyGraph are newly introduced to distinguish and express the time order among defaults that is essential information for the analysis of chain reaction bankruptcy. The steps for the data analysis are introduced and result of example analysis with default data in Kyushu, Japan, 2005 is presented. The structure estimated by the new method is compared with the structure of actual account receivable holders of bankrupted companies for evaluation.     

Design for Mass Customisation in Higher Education: a Systems-Thinking Approach

The point of this research is to investigate the impact of systems-thinking principles (Seddon 2003) on operationalising the ‘mass customisation’ capability of student services in higher education institutions. The research empirically contributes to student-service mass customisation in higher education through the findings of a case study conducted at the admission and academic registry service department of one of the UK’s leading universities. A qualitative methodology was employed with the use of semi-structured interviews, focus group, observations, and documentation supplements. It was found that the principles of systems-thinking are positively related to enhancement of mass customisation capability through the realisation of three different levels of service mass customisation determinants. These three levels are: employee level (i.e. micro determinants); operational level (i.e. meso determinants); and functional level (i.e. macro determinants). A conceptual model was developed to explain the relationships among these three organisational levels, supported by empirical evidences. The value of this paper is the introduction of a conceptual model that could operationalise ‘mass customisation’ in universities by integrating human resources, operational and functional dimensions in a systematic design to deliver customised services for students as individuals.     

管理协同机制研究

在提出管理协同涵义的基础上，提出了管理协同机制的过程模型，并将管理协同的机制构造分为形成机制和实现机制。给出了形成机制中的评估机制和利益机制的定义和机理，对实现机制中的协同机会识别、协同价值预先评估、沟通、整合、支配、反馈等机制进行了阐述。     

论高校人才培养质量管理系统的优化

针对当前我国高校人才培养质量管理系统存在的问题，用系统论的思想，首先说明高校人才培养质量管理系统的优化应整体协调推进，然后分别就人才培养目标的合理定位、教育路径的科学选取、动力机制的有效构建等问题，从系统论的视角提出相关建议。     

复杂性管理与复杂性科学

管理模式面临复杂性的挑战，迫切需要其实现从简单性向复杂性转变。复杂性科学是研究复杂系统行为与性质的科学，把复杂性科学引入组织管理是组织管理适应当今时代经济和社会发展的需要，也是当代组织管理理论和实践自身发展的必然趋势。典型的复杂性管理模式有整体性管理公司，分形公司，浑序组织，知识创造公司。     

Towards a critique of Critical Systems Thinking within a foucauldian framework: A “demystification process” or an “instrumental use” of Critical Theory

Critical Systems Thinking is an approach which aims at providing a coherent platform to guide systems practitioners through the numerous systems paradigms and systems methodologies currently available. However, it claims not only that it can provide an efficient way for choosing the appropriate methodology based on proper understanding of their strengths and weaknesses, but also that it is grounded within a commitment to critique, complementarism, and emancipation. Furthermore, it has claimed to be deeply rooted in the ideas of Habermas and Foucault. Considering recent research in Foucault's philosophy, this paper attempts to provide of CST a critical examination which can be extended to other areas of the management and systems sciences. In the context of this examination, the conclusion has been reached that CST has at least two options. The first is to redefine itself as a demystification process (of cherished concepts such as emancipation, complementarism, intervention and so on), if it wants to remain somehow ‘inspired’ by Critical Theory. The second one is to redefine its ‘critical’ claims so as to become aligned with managerial activities such as business consultancy and intervention, openly acknowledging an application of Critical Theory that is instrumental, if such an influence indeed exists.     

基于MC-SFA模型的我国信托业经营管理效率评价

将MC (Monte-Carlo模型)与SFA (随机前沿分析, stochastic frontier analysis)相结合, 以2004年到2008年的数据对我国20家信托公司的经营管理效率进行评价. 运用MC模型构建合理有效的管理环境指标; 将DEA模型引入SFA模型中, 对比剔除管理环境因素前后的经营效率. 经过实证检验, 我国信托公司的总体发展水平和资本实力相对较低是导致信托公司经营效率低下的主要原因. MC-SFA模型作为企业经营管理效率(management efficiency)实证研究的技术基础,为推动信托公司提高经营水平提供很好参考.     

知识管理系统与企业管理模式创新

知识管理系统是一个复杂系统 ,涉及管理机制、人、信息技术平台和知识资源组织等方面的要素。知识管理的许多创造性观点都归功于复杂性理论 (CAS理论 )。知识管理对传统管理模式提出了挑战 ,带来了企业管理模式的创新和革命。     

Learning,Politics and the OR/MS Guild

This paper is about how the medieval guild represents a metaphor that offers insights into the management science/operational research (OR/MS), including systems, academic practitioner community of practice. Within that community of practice different approaches to the process of OR/MS, forms of learning and politics/power can be distinguished that can be related to the different levels within the medieval guild.     

IT APPLICATIONS PORTFOLIO MANAGEMENT UNDER BUSINESS AND IMPLEMENTATION UNCERTAINTY

Corporations need to improve business processes in order to enhance velocity and service levels while reducing their processing costs and differentiating themselves in the face of competition. The levitation of importance beyond support roles has raised IT investment decisions to high priority in chief executive officers＇ agendas. Corporate planning groups as well as lines of business are increasingly applying techniques of IT applications portfolio management in a more systematic fashion to improve decision-making and resource-allocation processes.
Recent advances in software engineering and IT service delivery methodologies have achieved the logical separation of business functions from implementation. This separation has made a new breed of innovative IT project possible with a new project risk structure; the adjustment of portfolio management techniques is appropriate. We present an integrated portfolio management model so that the corporation can focus on organic growth through sources at both the department and top management levels. The research gives clear advice as to how top management can seek economic growth by selecting an entrepreneurial strategic posture, implying a strong risk-taking propensity. By integrating a risk-return model and risk-tolerance paradigm to cope with today＇s risk structure, overall capabilities can improve the decision process and the corporation＇s performance as well. The application of the integrated technique to a Japanese manufacturing firm is described.     

当前我国管理科学与社会经济系统工程领域的热点和焦点

近几年我国经济／管理科学界正以承先启后、推陈出新的时代特征向经济／管理系统工程的特定领域发展。了解我国当前在发展经济／管理科学与工程中的若干热点有助于进一步开拓社会经济／管理系统工程的广阔空间。如果能在此基础上探讨我国当前在社会经济和管理中一些值得系统科学工作者为之苦心孤诣出谋划策的焦点，也许更能体现联系实际。本文拟对此综合地、提纲挈领地加以讨论。     

Project Management Supports (Requisitely) Holistic: Socially Responsible Action in Business Systems

This article emphasizes the role of projects and project management in assuring socially responsible acting of contemporary business systems, presenting some practical applications in the field of tourism. With arising number of projects in business systems and their growing strategic importance, the role of project management has radically been changing for the last two decades. Managing organizations, as a central topic among seven crucial topics in ISO 26000 on social responsibility, is strongly associated with managing projects. Projects have important influence on the established as well as on establishing ongoing operations and are important tools in assuring business systems’ strategic development, by exposing interdependences and supporting the requisitely holistic approach. This article tries to fill the gap we detected in literature on social responsibility where projects and project management seem not to have a proper role. Four different links and interdependencies between project management and systems theory (which ISO 26000 reinforces) are exposed: (1) systemic treatment of project management, (2) systematical treatment of projects as holistic works, (3) systemic treatment of projects as parts of BSs’ strategies, (4) systemic treatment of projects throughout their entire life cycle.     

交互式管理的若干思考

首先用易经对进行交互式管理的原理进行了思考 ,指出支持结构、认知障碍学、复杂性定律及复杂性工作程序是其基本要素 ,并对其相互关系进行了分析。最后 ,用交互式管理的原理对微软企业结构实现IT价值的原理进行了初步的解释。     

计算机集成环境下的生产经营决策支持系统

从现代企业面临的经营决策问题出发 ,分析了 CIMS和 OR技术在解决企业经营决策问题中的作用和目前尚存在的问题 ,提出两者的紧密结合是建立计算机集成环境下的生产经营决策支持系统 ,提高企业整体效益的有效途径 .本文阐述了计算机集成制造 ( CIM) ,计算机集成企业 ( CIE) ,企业集成模型 ( EIM)和集成决策支持系统 ( IDSS)的概念和它们相互之间的关系 ,讨论了 IDSS的实施环境 ,并提出一个在 CIMS环境下的生产经营决策支持系统的基本框架结构.     

Applying Systemic Project Management Approaches for the UK National Health Service

This paper sets out some observations arising from on-going research into the use of systemic methods in the planning of complex projects within the National Health Service (NHS) in Staffordshire and Shropshire in the UK. This brief paper sets out the main reasons for the application of systemic approaches, the nature of the methodologies put in place and some of the outcomes and reflections of those involved in the various workshops. Whilst not attempting to be definitive in our conclusions, the authors believe that the results of the application of systemic methods by Health and Care professionals show a range of strengths going forward.Published with the kind permission of Staffordshire and Shropshire Workforce Development Directorate.     

Construction of Social Development Index as a Theoretical Research Practice in Action Research by Using Soft Systems Methodology

This paper provides an illustration of the application of Soft Systems Methodology to construct social development index, based on a sociological concept of development proposed by Wirutomo et al. (Pengembangan Indeks Pembangunan Sosial (IPS) Bagi Sektor Informal di Perkotaan: Menuju Kebijakan Inklusif bagi Usaha Kecil, 2011). An action research (AR) is conducted in the field of street vendor promotion program perceived to be representing the social development practice. While the improvement of fundamental elements of societal life, i.e., social structure, culture, and social process can be identified in the field of street vendor promotion program, it is believed that the same development aspects can be explored at many other development sectors. A preliminary social development index is conctructed by using a single sector development program. It is expected that through a further research agenda, a comprehensive social development profile equipped with its related index can be presented. The findings of this SSM-based AR can be considered ??as primary ??thesis?? derived from ??messes?? or ??surprising facts?? of a real world problematic situation?? as described by Stephens et al. (Syst Pract Action Res 22:463?C474, 2009). As an AR practice, this research is a research interest, instead of a problem solving interest in AR (McKay and Marshall, Inf Technol People 14:46?C59, 2001); it is also a theoretical research practice, instead of a business change practice/empirical research practice and regular business practice (Cronholm and Goldkuhl, The 2nd European Conference on Research Methods in Business and Management (ECRM 2003), 2003), and it is an interpretative actions and theory development actions as mentioned by Cronholm and Goldkuhl (The 2nd European Conference on Research Methods in Business and Management (ECRM 2003), 2003). This paper also provides an illustration of a variant relationship between P and A as introduced by McKay and Marshall (Inf Technol People 14:46?C59, 2001), which is ??there are some elements of P that overlap with some elements of A??.     

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.