...Topic: Systems thinking is critical in developing solution to sustainability challenges Name: Tutor: Introduction System thinking is an approach which focuses on how the issue on study interacts with other related issues and not merely isolating it. Over time, it has been used to address various complex issues (Banson et al. 2014, p.173). Wicked problems are one of these issues addressed by it in a successful way. It is also useful in solving recurring problems which prove difficult to solve. Basically it is composed of various parts which are related either directly or indirectly. They all entail processes which produce outputs from inputs. It is not only dynamic but also holistic and seeks to produce results of the complex problems. Systems thinking is the only critical way to solve complex issues impeding sustainability challenges and develop quality solutions. Since its conception in 1920 by Jan Smuts Holism, it has developed and solved many issues (Gharajedaghi p.2013 558). Pollution is a complex issue which is intertwined in different processes and impacts in diverse ways. Thus, the topic is significance in pursuing ways to help solve the pollution. Ocean pollution also referred to as marine pollution is a wicked problem which has been increasing in complexity day in day out. This is because of the increasing population growth which stands at 7.2 billion worldwide (Noga & Wolbring 2013 p.3615). The increased industry establishment is directly proportional to...
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...Master thesis in Informatics REPORT NO. 2008:034 ISSN: 1651-4769 Department of Applied Information Technology Soft Systems Methodology in action: A case study at a purchasing department Using SSM to suggest a new way of conducting financial reporting at a purchasing department in the automotive industry OLLE L. BJERKE IT Universtiy of Göteborg Chalmers University of Technology and Universtiy of Gothenburg Göteborg, Sweden 2008 1 Using Soft Systems Methodology at a purchasing department to conduct a study of financial reporting needs Olle L. Bjerke Department of Applied Information Technology IT University of Göteborg Göteborg University and Chalmers University of Technology SUMMARY The aim of this essay has been to try out Soft Systems Methodology on financial reporting at Volvo Cars Corporation (VCC). VCC saw a possible opportunity to improve their reporting processes, and SSM was chosen to deal with this possible problematic situation. Action Research became the natural way of conducting the study since it is almost a mandatory way of conducting SSM. A delimitation was made due to limited resources and only a small part of the purchasing department was involved, namely electrical purchasing. The result of the study is the artifacts from the different SSM steps that points upon how the participants would like the reporting system to be as well as many issues with the current reporting process. These outputs from the method were regarded as successful...
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...Introduction 66xxx This report uses management science models as a method of solving management issue in Economic Development Initiatives Ltd, a research and consultancy Company located in High Wycombe. The issue identified within the company will be analysed in terms of models in order to support decision-making from a qualitative perspective. The most appropriate method which can be used to solve the issue in EDI will be subsequently identified in EDI while taking into account its limitations. Finally, the systems implications with relevance to the model used and recommendations made will be discussed. Company background Economic Development Initiatives (EDI) is a globally focussed consultancy, research and training company currently operating in two countries; United Kingdom and Tanzania. The UK company is also actively involved in the development of the mobile survey software ‘Surveybe’ which meets the needs of researchers in all fields while its sister company specialises in data collection for clients. EDI has a niche in the market and works with clients such as the World Bank, Millennium Challenge Corporation and national governments. Currently the UK Company employs 10 people while the Tanzanian company employs over 75 members (Surveybe, 2013). Problematic situation Ragsdale (2008) state that a problem arises when a gap or disparity exists between the present situation and some desired state of affairs. The author also points out to the Key elements of...
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...Systems Thinking: Managing Chaos and Complexity This Page Intentionally Left Blank Systems Thinking: Managing Chaos and Complexity A Platform for Designing Business Architecture SECOND EDITION Jamshid Gharajedaghi AMSTERDAM • BOSTON • HEIDELBERG • LONDON NEW YORK • OXFORD • PARIS • SAN DIEGO SAN FRANCISCO • SINGAPORE • SYDNEY • TOKYO Butterworth-Heinemann is an imprint of Elsevier Butterworth-Heinemann is an imprint of Elsevier 30 Corporate Drive, Suite 400, Burlington, MA 01803, USA 525 B Street, Suite 1900, San Diego, California 92101-4495, USA 84 Theobald's Road, London WC1X 8RR, UK This book is printed on acid-free paper. Copyright © 2006, Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopy, recording, or any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the publisher. Permissions may be sought directly from Elsevier’s Science & Technology Rights Department in Oxford, UK: phone: (+44) 1865 843830, fax: (+44) 1865 853333, E-mail: permissions@elsevier.com. You may also complete your request on-line via the Elsevier homepage (http:/ /elsevier.com), by selecting “Support & Contact” then “Copyright and Permission” and then “Obtaining Permissions.” Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data Gharajedaghi, Jamshid. Systems thinking : managing chaos and complexity : a platform for designing business architecture...
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...Systems Thinking and Change Management Evaluation Systems thinking is a process that incorporates the crucial elements of strategic planning, management and leadership development, team building, and other principles of organizational change in the effort to create positive change within an organization. The first component of this discussion evaluates systems thinking and the application and limitations of systems logic as essential considerations in managerial decision making. Systems thinking is also a technique that manages a process as a whole while understanding that individual pieces of the process can cause an impact. Systems thinking applies a linkage strategy that analyzes interactions among elements comprising a system. It takes into account that large systems can be negatively affected by small changes in another geographically or time separated areas. This view of process management is ideal for any organization that has more than a very few processes and personnel. Communication is the method within systems thinking that defeats negative affects. Application and Limitations A systems approach can be seen in the following real world-example. Their outstanding success in systems thinking makes Wal-Mart’s an excellent comparison system for corroborating systems thinking examples for this IT project’s discussion. Wal-Mart has taken forecasting to the highest level by using a systems thinking electronic database (Aquilano, Chase, and Jacobs, p. 510, 2006). The company...
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... Pueblo C Some Suggestions for Further Diffusion of Work System Method Ideas in Systems Analysis and Design Doncho Petkov. petkovd@easternct.edu Department of Business Administration, Eastern Connecticut State University, CT, USA Ram B Misra misrar@mail.montclair.edu Department of Management and Information Systems, Montclair State University, NJ, USA Olga Petkova petkovao@ccsu.edu Department of MIS, Central Connecticut State University, CT, USA Abstract The Work System Method by Steven Alter has a significant potential for improving requirements definition in information systems development. Previous publications on the Work System Method and also on Design Science concepts and their relevance for Systems Analysis and Design are reviewed. We suggest some directions for further work on the diffusion of work system method ideas in systems analysis and design organized along the conceptual framework for IS research by Hevner, March, Park and Ram. Keywords: systems development, work system method, systems analysis and design. 1. INTRODUCTION Hevner et al (2004) presented seminal directions for work in design science within the Information Systems field. These lead subsequently to an increased interest in research in Systems Analysis and Design (SA&D) (see Bajaj et al., 2005; Iivari et al., 2005 and Harris et al., 2006). The importance of Systems Analysis and Design for any program of study in information systems and, we may add, to the field of IS development is well summarized...
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...The prediction of instances of information uses; 3. The control and thereby improvement of the utilization of information manipulation of essentials conditions. A system is a set of interrelated but separate parts working towards a common purpose. The arrangement must be orderly and there must be proper communication facilitating interaction between the elements and finally this interaction should lead to achieve a common goal. System approach to management views the organization as a unified, purposeful system composed of interrelated parts. This approach also gives the manager to see the organization as a whole and as a part of the larger external environment. System oriented manager would make decisions only after they have identified impact of these decisions on all other departments and the entire organization. They must intertwine their department with the total organization and communicate with all other departments, employees and with each other. * Characteristics: Systems have structure, defined by parts and their composition; * Systems have behavior, which involves inputs, processing and outputs of material, energy or information; * Systems have interconnectivity : the various parts of a system have functional as well as structural relationships between each other. * System(s) have by itself function(s) or group of functions . * Advantages: It aims at meaningful analysis of organizations and their management. * It facilitates the...
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...Chapter 1 Information Systems backbone Why is Information systems considered as company’s background? This section of report is focused towards the primary goal of the research i.e. Why is information systems considered as a backbone of any organization. Secondary data is used to prove the primary aim of report. Information systems perform three vital roles in any type of organization: 1. Support business operations 2. Support managerial decision making 3. Support strategic competitive advantage Ref: http://csob.berry.edu/faculty/lleblanc//newpage31.htm How information system is integrated in company Figure taken from Kristin Wischow, Rob Ward, Ryan Odell, David Sjoquist, Rahul Shah() Systems and Information Systems Cited from (http://homepages.wmich.edu/~r4ward/Systems%20and%20Information%20Systems%20Project.htm) On Wall-mart store All medium to large organisations depend on Information technology for their continued survival. Consider organisations like British Gas, British Telecom, the Power and Water companies having to manually calculate, millions of customer bills every month or quarter! Clearly the clerical effort involved would make it difficult if not impossible for the organisation to make a profit. Similar arguments apply to many other organisations such as the high street banks, central and local government. A recent article in the Daily Telegraph IT supplement suggested that many large organisations could last no longer than 24 hours without IT...
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...There are four different contemporary approaches to management. These are known as: sociotechnical system, quantitative management, systems theory, and organizational behavior. The sociotechnical system approach to management recognizes the intricate and complex relationship between human and technology in workplaces. Sociotechnical system also is a term used for reference between humans in the workplace and society’s complex infrastructures. The term sociotechnical systems was first used in the World War 2 era by Eric Trist, Ken Bamforth, and Fred Emery. Sociotechnical theory is based on two facts. The first is that the interaction of social and technical factors creates the conditions for organizational performance whether successful or unsuccessful. This interaction consists partly of linear “cause and effect” relationships and partly from “non-linear”, complex, even unpredictable relationships. Whether designed or not, both types of interaction occur when socio and technical elements are put to work. The second of the two main principles is that the optimization of each aspect (socio or technical) tends to not only increase the quantity of unpredictable, “un-designed” relationships but those relationships that are injurious to the systems performance. Sociotechnical theory is about joint optimization meaning the theory designs the social system and technical system so that they collaborate and work smoothly together. Sociotechnical theory proposes a number of different ways...
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...Organizations with functional and hierarchical structure may operate within a closed mechanistic structure with top-down management. Organizations striving to create relevance and competitive advantages may adopt more adaptive, flexible, interdependence and open management strategies. Organizational systems vary and can be simple or complicated; complex or chaotic; and linear or nonlinear. System dynamics in its broadest sense seeks to provide information and knowledge of how relationships influence the behavior of the system (parts and whole) over time. Designing, and managing systems in an ever-changing environment can present leaders with challenges as well as opportunities. Ackoff and Gharajedaghi (1996) defined a system as “a whole defined by one or more functions, which consists of two or more essential parts” (p.13). Systems Theory, Systems Analysis and Systems Thinking examines input, processes, outputs and outcomes, with ongoing feedback. Social systems (groups, supply and demand, friendship, etc.) range from very simple to very complex. Complex systems, are comprised of numerous subsystems are arranged in hierarchies, and integrated to accomplish the overall goal of the overall system. Internal dynamics and effectiveness The structure of an organization macro (focus on larger social structural challenges) or micro (focus on everyday challenges) can have a direct effect on company productivity and effectiveness. Kilduff and Brass (2010) suggest at the macro level can consist...
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...2015 Balancing The Justice System Ministry of Justice and Solicitor General This page is intentionally blank. Introduction The justice system is under increasing pressure from several sources. We are faced with a unique opportunity in responding to that pressure. We can continue to respond as individual program areas and Divisions within the Ministry, focused on the narrow legislative and constitutional sources of our respective authority and duties, or we can create a new framework and process that will bring a systematic and integrated approach to the administration of justice, and balance to the allocation of resources within that system. Such an approach would be centered on the Ministry Vision - to create the most innovative “The mission of the Ministry of and accessible citizen-centred justice system in Canada. Justice and Solicitor General is to ensure Albertans have safe The historical development of the role of the Attorney General communities and an accessible, and Justice Department illustrate the ad hoc development of effective and innovative justice the justice system. From its inception in 1905, the scope of the system. We accomplish this by both the office of the Attorney General and the Justice working with partners to provide a Department have evolved over time as new duties and continuum of services to support responsibilities have been added. This expansion has not been Albertans and the Government of planned or coordinated...
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...Holism (System Thinking) VS. Reductionism Marion Johnson Wilmington University November 5, 2013 Table of Content Table of Contents 1 Introduction 2 Reductionism 3 Holism 4 System Thinking 5 Conclusion 6 References 7 Holism (System Thinking) VS. Reductionism The objective of this research paper is to examine and understand the concepts of holism and reductionism and how they both relate to System Dynamics (SD). This is a part of System Thinking System Thinking (ST) that results a lack of commercial take up. The examination of Reductionism and Holism as applied through System Dynamics (SD) is applied in a broad range of area such as medicine, philosophy, physics, and other different areas of academics. Applications of Reductionism and Holistic principles were examined and defined in this paper. From the basis that SD as a Holistic/Reductionist methodology is deduced from a more differentiated general holistic nature of System Thinking (ST). Holism defined: All-encompassing view based on the knowledge the nature, functions, and properties of the components, their interactions, and their relationships to the whole (Business Dictionary.com). Reductionism defined: Material world-view in which complex phenomenon is broken down into conceptual chunks small enough to be analyzed or measured. The basis of all analysis reductionism is useful in understanding inanimate things or simple systems (Business...
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... Introduction Operations and Systems SSM Recomandations Management Issues REPORT THAT ANALYSES THE SYSTEMS AND OPERATIONS MANAGEMENT PRACTICES AT ATOKOWA ORGANISATION (SUPPLIED) WITH RECOMMENDATIONS TO IMPROVE THEIR BUSINESS To :Jonothan Atokowa Analysis of Current Systems and Operations Business process mapping is defining exactly what an organisation does, who is in charge to what standard a process will be completes and how successful the business process can be determined. It will help understand the strengths and weaknesses within the existing process and help improve productivity increase efficiency , reduce errors and stimulate sales revenue. Process identification at Atokowa Description of Activity Atokowa retail outlet -Product scanned into Epos system | | Products are totalled | | Payment is taken | | Written in transaction table | | Decremented in stocks table | | Review of daily reorder report | | Delivery request | | (Melbourne )Warehouse,process ofr delivery request | | Purchase of supplies/ products from China | | Purchase of products from Hong Kong | | Table 1 The transactions table in the ASIS MS Access database serves almost the same purpose as the Table stocks, combining the two in to one could make the process faster and easier to understand. The system creates unnecessary work. The Stocks...
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...A SYSTEMS APPROACH TO STRATEGIC MANAGEMENT Amanda J. Gregory Centre for Systems Studies, Business School, University of Hull, Cottingham Road, Hull, HU6 7RX, United Kingdom, A.J.Gregory@hull.ac.uk ABSTRACT Strategic management involves decision-making about an organization's objectives together with the formulation and implementation of plans, particularly regarding the allocation of resources, to support their achievement. As such, strategic management is a dynamic and complex process involving consideration of internal and external factors, and the short and long term. The effectiveness of an organization’s strategic management can critically impact upon its viability and there are many reasons why the stategic management process may fail. Such reasons include failure to: think creatively about the likely affects of plans obtain external/internal participation and commitment co-ordinate and control resources. In this paper it is argued that many of the reasons for failure may be attributed to the successive dominance of different reductionist approaches to strategic management. From a systems perspective it may be argued that such approaches represent partial approaches to strategic management that neglect the complex, embedded and dynamic nature of modern organizations. Accordingly, the reasons why strategic plans fail are taken to provide a framework for the evaluation of the potential contribution of a range of systems methodologies to the strategic management process...
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...properties of its parts. Therefore a complex system is broken down into its component part and each part is studied individually by various approaches. It bills the descriptions of system from the descriptions of subsystem that a system is made off and not considering the relationship between the sub systems. For example, reductionism considers the biological system to the composed of molecules with certain structures or a molecule to be composed of atoms thus reductionism always understand the nature of complex entity by breaking them into much simpler or more fundamental components. Holism: In contrast, the concept of holism believe that the relationship between the part and the system as a whole to be more symmetric than in reductionism. The holism focus on the relation between the sub system that is their inter connectedness, inter dependency and inter action. Thus in holism the natural system and their properties are viewed as whole rather than collection of part. In total, in holism the whole is more than or difference from the sum of its parts. There are no necessary contradictions between the two approaches one focus on the property of the part where as the other on the relationship between them. When put together they stand as suplemtary rather than conflicting. In general there are no philosophical, ideological or practical contradiction between reductionism and holism scientifically. Systems thinking: Systems thinking is the process of understanding how things influence...
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