Systems practice from the start: Some experiences in a biotechnology company

Many specialist biotechnology companies have been founded to exploit new and fundamental discoveries in biotechnology—recombinant DNA and monoclonal antibodies. Celltech Limited, founded by the author and generally accepted as the UK's leading company in this field, was based from the start on a number of key systems ideas. Four of these are described and discussed in this paper: the use of succinct statements checked by the CATWOE mnemonic from soft systems methodology; the establishment of coherent systems for managing strategic matters, operational matters, and the development of people; a project management system using a matrix approach; and an approach to external relations influenced by Ashby's Law of Requisite Variety. The paper is concluded with two ideas arising out of practice: the relation of compartmentation and systems boundaries and a methodological suggestion derived from Jürgen Habermas' characterization of the basis for excellent communications.