The problem-solving system: Another problem-content system

The aim of this article is to obtain specific and general learning lessons pertaining to Soft Systems Methodology (SSM) and related human activities. Some of these activities, which are of particular concern in this paper, occur within a problem-solving system (PSS), i.e., when an analyst playing the role of problem solver tackles a problem-situation (P-S)-here known as the problem-content system (PCS). It is postulated that on many occasions, depending on the way the P-S is faced, the PSS may become another PCS depending on the behavior of the solvers when facing that P-S. Such behavior is subject not only to intellectuality but also to ethics and beliefs. Initially I draw up distinctions between a PSS and a PCS and, at once, define several important terms used in SSM. An overview of three case studies carried out in Peru is presented next. Some specific and general learning lessons obtained from the analysis are then presented. Although the studies relate to concepts of SSM, the conclusions that emerge are equally applicable to many P-S's and problem-solving approaches.     

Systemic Thinking and Practice Toward Facilitating Inclusive Education: Reflections on a Case of Co-Generated Knowledge and Action in South Africa

This article offers our reflections around a case of facilitating systemic thinking and practice in which the first author of the article (Tlale) interacted with research participants/participant researchers with the intention of strengthening systemic thought and action toward fostering inclusive education in the setting (a rural school in the Eastern Cape in South Africa). We reflect upon the process and also how our engagement was perceived by participants, as expressed in feedback received from them. We point to how Tlale introduced the idea of systemic thinking (to teachers, school management team, school governing body, and a district officer for the district) as tied to the possibility of acting to generate transformation toward a more inclusive educational context for the benefit of the learners at the school in question, thus acting as a systemic mediator on their behalf.     

Innovators and contrapreneurs: Crucial alliances that connect and separate organizational change processes

This paper focuses on the coupling among alliances, relationships, management, and activities, when major strategic changes are carried out in an old organization. The paper also points out hownew alliances andchanged relationships seem to be developing in a Norwegian company. As a conclusion, we point out six elements which, according to our research, have to be present to minimize the implementation of reversible processes in organizations where organizational change processes have been implemented so that continued change can go on in the company.     

Aristotle Said “Happiness is a State of Activity” — Predicting Mood Through Body Sensing with Smartwatches

We measure and predict states of Activation and Happiness using a body sensing application connected to smartwatches. Through the sensors of commercially available smartwatches we collect individual mood states and correlate them with body sensing data such as acceleration, heart rate, light level data, and location, through the GPS sensor built into the smartphone connected to the smartwatch. We polled users on the smartwatch for seven weeks four times per day asking for their mood state. We found that both Happiness and Activation are negatively correlated with heart beats and with the levels of light. People tend to be happier when they are moving more intensely and are feeling less activated during weekends. We also found that people with a lower Conscientiousness and Neuroticism and higher Agreeableness tend to be happy more frequently. In addition, more Activation can be predicted by lower Openness to experience and higher Agreeableness and Conscientiousness. Lastly, we find that tracking people’s geographical coordinates might play an important role in predicting Happiness and Activation. The methodology we propose is a first step towards building an automated mood tracking system, to be used for better teamwork and in combination with social network analysis studies.     

神秘的深海底六边形图案

25年前,从深海探险者在海底拍摄的照片上发现了具有六边形图案的神秘物体。它们是什么?某种人类尚未接触过的生命体?冲印照片的人故意设置的骗局?远航货船上不慎失落的包裹?外太空生命体故意留下的信息?这一系列疑问伴随着科学家走过1/4世纪……