English
0:59 +Q

Strategy and Adaptive Management in a Complex World

We live in a VUCA world - volatile, uncertain, complex and ambiguous. Meanwhile, the impact of climate change, conflict, globalisation, economic and social shifts means that change can come fast, be hard to predict and lead to emerging and unexpected outcomes to markets and contexts. Meanwhile, due to concerns about budgets, and demonstrating efficacy, the desire to predict, control and measure...
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English
0:59 +Q

Strategy and Adaptive Management in a Complex World

We live in a VUCA world - volatile, uncertain, complex and ambiguous. Meanwhile, the impact of climate change, conflict, globalisation, economic and social shifts means that change can come fast, be hard to predict and lead to emerging and unexpected outcomes to markets and contexts. Meanwhile, due to concerns about budgets, and demonstrating efficacy, the desire to predict, control and measure...
Contact the Author
German

Kybernetisches Bauprojektmanagement: Gestaltung lebensfähiger Baustrukturen auf Grundlage des Viable System Models

RRP: Taschenbuch 29.99€, E-Book: 9.99 € 188 Seiten, Books on Demand, ISBN: 3739201622 "Alles ist mit allem Verbunden" Was früher ein abstraktes Denkmodel war, ist durch die Vernetzung und die damit zunehmende Komplexität real geworden. Christoph Keese schreibt in seinem richtungsweisenden Bestseller "Silicon Valley" von 2014 über die Bedeutung der Kybernetik als Leitwissenschaft der digitalen...
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Book
German

Kybernetisches Bauprojektmanagement: Gestaltung lebensfähiger Baustrukturen auf Grundlage des Viable System Models

RRP: Taschenbuch 29.99€, E-Book: 9.99 € 188 Seiten, Books on Demand, ISBN: 3739201622 "Alles ist mit allem Verbunden" Was früher ein abstraktes Denkmodel war, ist durch die Vernetzung und die damit zunehmende Komplexität real geworden. Christoph Keese schreibt in seinem richtungsweisenden Bestseller "Silicon Valley" von 2014 über die Bedeutung der Kybernetik als Leitwissenschaft der digitalen...
English

The Enneagram of Enquiry

The interacting forces between the elements of Authentic Enquiry (AE) are not exposed for consideration by the usual linear 8 or 9 stage process. Paul's experience is that enquiry is non-linear process, involving several loops and iterations before progressing. He proposes that the elements of AE should form a system from which emerges knowledge generation. Might the nine-fold enneagram device...
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English

The Enneagram of Enquiry

The interacting forces between the elements of Authentic Enquiry (AE) are not exposed for consideration by the usual linear 8 or 9 stage process. Paul's experience is that enquiry is non-linear process, involving several loops and iterations before progressing. He proposes that the elements of AE should form a system from which emerges knowledge generation. Might the nine-fold enneagram device...
Contact the Author
English

Systems flashcards development

Mike has had a recent introduction to formal systems thinking, backed up by a history of being an systemic-ish internal change agent in educational IT organisations. Having recently completed a year of study with the Open University he's still aware of the journey that people starting learning about systems face, and hopes to use this understanding to help provide some signposts.
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English

Systems flashcards development

Mike has had a recent introduction to formal systems thinking, backed up by a history of being an systemic-ish internal change agent in educational IT organisations. Having recently completed a year of study with the Open University he's still aware of the journey that people starting learning about systems face, and hopes to use this understanding to help provide some signposts.
English

A case study in VSM as a system tool for managing change

Elizabeth Donnelly was first introduced to systems thinking in 2006 as part of her undergraduate degree with the Open University. Following successful study she was able to introduce elements of systems thinking to her work as the Head of Skills for the aerospace trade association, including an examination of personnel reduction at the Ministry of Defence. In 2013 Elizabeth began an MSc in Systems...
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English

A case study in VSM as a system tool for managing change

Elizabeth Donnelly was first introduced to systems thinking in 2006 as part of her undergraduate degree with the Open University. Following successful study she was able to introduce elements of systems thinking to her work as the Head of Skills for the aerospace trade association, including an examination of personnel reduction at the Ministry of Defence. In 2013 Elizabeth began an MSc in Systems...
Contact the Author
English

Multi-Criteria Decision Analysis and Decision Conferencing

Peter will give an introduction to Multi Criteria Decision Analysis (MCDA) and Decision Conferencing: what these techniques are used for; where they came from; and how they are used in combination to support collaborative decision-making. Case studies will be used to illustrate real-world applications, including options appraisal, strategic portfolio optimisation and systems engineering...
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English

Multi-Criteria Decision Analysis and Decision Conferencing

Peter will give an introduction to Multi Criteria Decision Analysis (MCDA) and Decision Conferencing: what these techniques are used for; where they came from; and how they are used in combination to support collaborative decision-making. Case studies will be used to illustrate real-world applications, including options appraisal, strategic portfolio optimisation and systems engineering...
Contact the Author
English

Embracing Complexity: Strategic Perspectives for an Age of Turbulence

RRP: £25.17 Paperback : 286 pages ISBN : 978-0199565269 Publisher : Oxford University Press (30 Sept. 2015) Language: : English The book describes what it means to say the world is complex and explores what that means for managers, policy makers and individuals. The first part of the book is about the theory and ideas of complexity. This is explained in a way that is thorough but not mathematical...
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Book
English

Embracing Complexity: Strategic Perspectives for an Age of Turbulence

RRP: £25.17 Paperback : 286 pages ISBN : 978-0199565269 Publisher : Oxford University Press (30 Sept. 2015) Language: : English The book describes what it means to say the world is complex and explores what that means for managers, policy makers and individuals. The first part of the book is about the theory and ideas of complexity. This is explained in a way that is thorough but not mathematical...
English

Soft Systems Thinking, Methodology and the Management of Change

RRP: £45.72 Paperback : 508 pages ISBN : 1137432683 Publisher : Red Globe Press (17 Jun. 2015) Language: : English What is Soft Systems Methodology? How can it help make sense of complex business scenarios, providing solutions to challenging problems? Soft Systems Thinking, Methodology and the Management of Change identifies the challenges encountered by practitioners of SSM and provides the means...
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Book
English

Soft Systems Thinking, Methodology and the Management of Change

RRP: £45.72 Paperback : 508 pages ISBN : 1137432683 Publisher : Red Globe Press (17 Jun. 2015) Language: : English What is Soft Systems Methodology? How can it help make sense of complex business scenarios, providing solutions to challenging problems? Soft Systems Thinking, Methodology and the Management of Change identifies the challenges encountered by practitioners of SSM and provides the means...
English
0:44

Why organisation and systems theory and practice will solve the enduring problems of government, and politics and more democracy (by itself) will not.

Having spent a working lifetime in and around government in various roles, I became more and more frustrated with its capacity - regardless of the party in power - to produce much beneficial change.
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English
0:44

Why organisation and systems theory and practice will solve the enduring problems of government, and politics and more democracy (by itself) will not.

Having spent a working lifetime in and around government in various roles, I became more and more frustrated with its capacity - regardless of the party in power - to produce much beneficial change.
Use with Accreditation
English
1:20 +Q

What are human systems? Consequences of system blindness and possibilities of system sight

Barry has a unique understanding of human systems, based on four decades of work with the power lab and the organization workshop, experiential educational programs which have also served as his window into human systems. His presentation will focus on the costs of system blindness and the creative possibilities of system sight. He is the author of seeing systems, leading systems, and in the...
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English
1:20 +Q

What are human systems? Consequences of system blindness and possibilities of system sight

Barry has a unique understanding of human systems, based on four decades of work with the power lab and the organization workshop, experiential educational programs which have also served as his window into human systems. His presentation will focus on the costs of system blindness and the creative possibilities of system sight. He is the author of seeing systems, leading systems, and in the...
Contact the Author
English
0:44 +Q

Survival of the fittest (how understanding complex systems can provided insights to a Defence scenario)

Niki Jobson is a Defence Analyst working for the Defence Science and Technology Laboratory, an agency of the Ministry of Defence. The presentation will cover a number of concepts from Complex Systems Science (so includes some general systems concepts!) and how they were used as tools for thinking in a complex and highly dynamic Defence problem and to challenge existing ways of thinking. A key area...
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Confidential – Members Only
English
0:44 +Q

Survival of the fittest (how understanding complex systems can provided insights to a Defence scenario)

Niki Jobson is a Defence Analyst working for the Defence Science and Technology Laboratory, an agency of the Ministry of Defence. The presentation will cover a number of concepts from Complex Systems Science (so includes some general systems concepts!) and how they were used as tools for thinking in a complex and highly dynamic Defence problem and to challenge existing ways of thinking. A key area...
Confidential – Members Only
English
0:33

Quantifying strategy using system dynamics

System dynamics (SD) is an approach that enables the behaviour of complex systems to be better understood and simulated. SD has been extensively applied to studying and managing complex feedback systems, such as business and other social systems, over the last 50 years. SD models represent changes in system behaviour over time by using the analogy of flows accumulating and depleting over time in...
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English
0:33

Quantifying strategy using system dynamics

System dynamics (SD) is an approach that enables the behaviour of complex systems to be better understood and simulated. SD has been extensively applied to studying and managing complex feedback systems, such as business and other social systems, over the last 50 years. SD models represent changes in system behaviour over time by using the analogy of flows accumulating and depleting over time in...
Contact the Author
English

Strategy Dynamics Essentials

RRP: £10 Paperback : 174 pages ISBN : 1505809053 Publisher : CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform (12 May 2015) Language: : English In this book Kim provides the reader with a reliable method to develop “joined up” strategies and plans for common business situations – a powerful addition to current tools and frameworks. The initial focus is on the core “strategic architecture” of the...
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Book
English

Strategy Dynamics Essentials

RRP: £10 Paperback : 174 pages ISBN : 1505809053 Publisher : CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform (12 May 2015) Language: : English In this book Kim provides the reader with a reliable method to develop “joined up” strategies and plans for common business situations – a powerful addition to current tools and frameworks. The initial focus is on the core “strategic architecture” of the...
English

Identity as an active organising factor in relation to feedback loops

Angus has a transdisciplinary biography that includes professor, entrepreneur, consultant, writer, meditant and photographer. • Most businesses have an intentional but inadequate and dysfunctional approach to managing identity. This session will propose that any organism or organization has its own organizational logic, which closes it off from being anything else, and anything else from being it...
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English

Identity as an active organising factor in relation to feedback loops

Angus has a transdisciplinary biography that includes professor, entrepreneur, consultant, writer, meditant and photographer. • Most businesses have an intentional but inadequate and dysfunctional approach to managing identity. This session will propose that any organism or organization has its own organizational logic, which closes it off from being anything else, and anything else from being it...
Contact the Author
English

Ketso: a technology for creative group systems thinking

Joanne will discuss key principles of effective workshops, with a focus on creativity, taking a systems perspective and learning from the wisdom of the group. Participants will then Ketso to explore these ideas, and the workshop will end with a discussion of the way that principles have been embodied in the physical toolkit (of Ketso).
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English

Ketso: a technology for creative group systems thinking

Joanne will discuss key principles of effective workshops, with a focus on creativity, taking a systems perspective and learning from the wisdom of the group. Participants will then Ketso to explore these ideas, and the workshop will end with a discussion of the way that principles have been embodied in the physical toolkit (of Ketso).
English

Personal Reflections on Stafford Beer

I joined the ICT industry in 1974, teaching COBOL programming. By the early 1990's I had opened the first computer training department at Tesco head office, been a systems programmer, written one of the first database systems to run on the IBM PC, and generally had a lot of fun. But I had also noticed that many of the best paid jobs I had done were on projects that either failed or were barely...
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Use with Accreditation
English

Personal Reflections on Stafford Beer

I joined the ICT industry in 1974, teaching COBOL programming. By the early 1990's I had opened the first computer training department at Tesco head office, been a systems programmer, written one of the first database systems to run on the IBM PC, and generally had a lot of fun. But I had also noticed that many of the best paid jobs I had done were on projects that either failed or were barely...
Use with Accreditation
English
11pp

The Art of Interconnected Thinking: Frederic Vester’s Biocybernetic Systems Approac

A Review of The Art of Interconnected Thinking: Tools and Concepts for a New Approach to Tackling Complexity, Munich, Germany: MCB Verlag, 2007: The original aim of this review, first published in 2005 in the Journal of Research Practice, was to introduce English speaking readers to a book that at the time had appeared in German language only. The book summed up the work of Frederic Vester, an...
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Article
English
11pp

The Art of Interconnected Thinking: Frederic Vester’s Biocybernetic Systems Approac

A Review of The Art of Interconnected Thinking: Tools and Concepts for a New Approach to Tackling Complexity, Munich, Germany: MCB Verlag, 2007: The original aim of this review, first published in 2005 in the Journal of Research Practice, was to introduce English speaking readers to a book that at the time had appeared in German language only. The book summed up the work of Frederic Vester, an...
English

Public sector commissioning - systems thinking and systems leadership under the radar

The public sector is beginning to apply systems thinking to society’s wicked issues. Through the relatively new profession of commissioning, an emerging culture and set of tools is pushing the boundaries of leadership, service development and the role of the state. A revolution is afoot.
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English

Public sector commissioning - systems thinking and systems leadership under the radar

The public sector is beginning to apply systems thinking to society’s wicked issues. Through the relatively new profession of commissioning, an emerging culture and set of tools is pushing the boundaries of leadership, service development and the role of the state. A revolution is afoot.
Contact the Author
English

Systems and performance management

In, October Steve set out a framework fro mapping systems concepts, principles and models to real life applications of the sort that interest SCIO members. In this presentation, Steve will describe an example of the explicit use of a systems model (the VSM) to critique, diagnose and design interventions in a specific domain - the management of financial performance. Steve Morlidge is an ex...
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English

Systems and performance management

In, October Steve set out a framework fro mapping systems concepts, principles and models to real life applications of the sort that interest SCIO members. In this presentation, Steve will describe an example of the explicit use of a systems model (the VSM) to critique, diagnose and design interventions in a specific domain - the management of financial performance. Steve Morlidge is an ex...
English

How market ecosystems demand outside-in enterprise architecture

Markets are the ecosystems in which enterprises thrive, survive, and periodically die. A successful enterprise understands its value in the context of the wider environment, and can constantly redesign itself as the ecosystem evolves. Understanding context when designing or re‐designing a structure is one of the fundamental capabilities of any architect. Whether their medium is buildings...
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English

How market ecosystems demand outside-in enterprise architecture

Markets are the ecosystems in which enterprises thrive, survive, and periodically die. A successful enterprise understands its value in the context of the wider environment, and can constantly redesign itself as the ecosystem evolves. Understanding context when designing or re‐designing a structure is one of the fundamental capabilities of any architect. Whether their medium is buildings...
Contact the Author
English

Managing complexity in organisations

Managing the complexity of the internet-based global market. During the last 20 years, the complexity of the Internet-based global market has increased to such extend that many conventional resource-allocation systems have difficulty in coping with the increased demand/supply dynamics. The talk will focus on new methods for managing complexity of the Internet-based global market based on concepts...
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Use with Accreditation
English

Managing complexity in organisations

Managing the complexity of the internet-based global market. During the last 20 years, the complexity of the Internet-based global market has increased to such extend that many conventional resource-allocation systems have difficulty in coping with the increased demand/supply dynamics. The talk will focus on new methods for managing complexity of the Internet-based global market based on concepts...
Use with Accreditation
English

The Mereon Matrix: harmonic patterning in the universe - Lynnclaire Dennis

Lynnclaire Dennis is a member of an international team of mathematicians, scientists and researchers who’ve worked together since 1994 to systematically verify a geospherical system. From 1998- 2007, computer modelling validated it universal; showing how it dynamically unites Nature’s building blocks. ‘The Mereon Matrix; Unity, Perspective and Paradox’, published by Elsevier in 2013, present the...
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English

The Mereon Matrix: harmonic patterning in the universe - Lynnclaire Dennis

Lynnclaire Dennis is a member of an international team of mathematicians, scientists and researchers who’ve worked together since 1994 to systematically verify a geospherical system. From 1998- 2007, computer modelling validated it universal; showing how it dynamically unites Nature’s building blocks. ‘The Mereon Matrix; Unity, Perspective and Paradox’, published by Elsevier in 2013, present the...
English

Using acceptance and commitment therapy in coaching relational and organisational flexibility

Relational frame theory provides a systemic understanding of human functioning and provides the theoretical basis for acceptance and commitment therapy. With strong links to mindfulness, acceptance and commitment therapy provides a useful way to connect to our own and to others' emotional and relational needs. In the brief theory parts of the session we will look at the basics of the theory and...
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English

Using acceptance and commitment therapy in coaching relational and organisational flexibility

Relational frame theory provides a systemic understanding of human functioning and provides the theoretical basis for acceptance and commitment therapy. With strong links to mindfulness, acceptance and commitment therapy provides a useful way to connect to our own and to others' emotional and relational needs. In the brief theory parts of the session we will look at the basics of the theory and...
Contact the Author
English

Systems thinking and cross-disciplinary insight

Now to Then and Back Again (with a very intention reference to Tolkien) takes up the challenge of relating systems thinking principles to everyday life. "As a Navy man, nautical analogies always appealed to me," says author, presenter and consultant Matt Weilert, head of Systems Thinking Institute and Board Chair of the non-profit STETA Group, a chamber of commerce for risk. "'Climbing the steps...
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English

Systems thinking and cross-disciplinary insight

Now to Then and Back Again (with a very intention reference to Tolkien) takes up the challenge of relating systems thinking principles to everyday life. "As a Navy man, nautical analogies always appealed to me," says author, presenter and consultant Matt Weilert, head of Systems Thinking Institute and Board Chair of the non-profit STETA Group, a chamber of commerce for risk. "'Climbing the steps...
English

Mindfulness practice and the interconnected self

This theoretical and experiential session explores the practice of mindfulness and the qualities of intention that may help cultivate a concept of the self as part of a wider interdependent and interconnected system. We will also discuss the role that mindfulness could play in developing adaptive relationships between humans and the natural world. Nadine specialises in mindfulness and nature-based...
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Speaker
English

Mindfulness practice and the interconnected self

This theoretical and experiential session explores the practice of mindfulness and the qualities of intention that may help cultivate a concept of the self as part of a wider interdependent and interconnected system. We will also discuss the role that mindfulness could play in developing adaptive relationships between humans and the natural world. Nadine specialises in mindfulness and nature-based...
Contact the Author
English

Mapping the systems landscape (facilitation)

People have been working in the systems field for over 50 years and there is a rich array of approaches and perspectives that can leave even seasoned practitioners in the field with large blind spots, not least those actively engaged in creating new systems knowledge. Newcomers to systems can easily be confused and overwhelmed. In addition, the language of systems has often been hijacked in an...
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English

Mapping the systems landscape (facilitation)

People have been working in the systems field for over 50 years and there is a rich array of approaches and perspectives that can leave even seasoned practitioners in the field with large blind spots, not least those actively engaged in creating new systems knowledge. Newcomers to systems can easily be confused and overwhelmed. In addition, the language of systems has often been hijacked in an...
English

Enterprise canvas and systems thinking

Tom Graves will provide an overview of a tool bridging between and integrating enterprise architecture tools such as Zachman and business model canvas, systems-thinking tools such as the viable systems model, and other holistic frameworks such five elements [Chinese: 'wu-xing’] and illustrate his experience applying it in practice. Tom Graves has been an independent consultant for more than three...
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English

Enterprise canvas and systems thinking

Tom Graves will provide an overview of a tool bridging between and integrating enterprise architecture tools such as Zachman and business model canvas, systems-thinking tools such as the viable systems model, and other holistic frameworks such five elements [Chinese: 'wu-xing’] and illustrate his experience applying it in practice. Tom Graves has been an independent consultant for more than three...
English

Value in utilising systemic thinking in the field of enterprise architecture and vice versa

Klaus Ostergaard will explore what can enterprise architects can gain by using systemic thinking, and the added value enterprise architecture methods can bring to systems thinkers. Klaus is a lecturer on enterprise architecture and information technology governance at the information technology university of Copenhagen, and an enterprise architecture consultant.
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English

Value in utilising systemic thinking in the field of enterprise architecture and vice versa

Klaus Ostergaard will explore what can enterprise architects can gain by using systemic thinking, and the added value enterprise architecture methods can bring to systems thinkers. Klaus is a lecturer on enterprise architecture and information technology governance at the information technology university of Copenhagen, and an enterprise architecture consultant.
English

Navigating barriers to the adoption of EA/ST methods

Philip Hellyer will facilitate a workshop focused on identifying barriers to the adoption of enterprise architecture / systems thinking methods by organisations, and effective methods of overcoming them. Philip helps entrepreneurs and heads of department think more clearly about their businesses, priorities, and aspirations. His chief interest is in the structure of organisations, the implications...
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English

Navigating barriers to the adoption of EA/ST methods

Philip Hellyer will facilitate a workshop focused on identifying barriers to the adoption of enterprise architecture / systems thinking methods by organisations, and effective methods of overcoming them. Philip helps entrepreneurs and heads of department think more clearly about their businesses, priorities, and aspirations. His chief interest is in the structure of organisations, the implications...
English

Language and meta-language of enterprise architecture

Enterprise architects spent most of their time asking or answering hard questions regarding the structure of the enterprise without realising that the language (or modelling approaches) used predispose us towards a particular set of questions and answers. Dr. Ivo Velitchkov will explain why the choice and the proper use of language for formulation and answering enterprise architecture questions is...
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English

Language and meta-language of enterprise architecture

Enterprise architects spent most of their time asking or answering hard questions regarding the structure of the enterprise without realising that the language (or modelling approaches) used predispose us towards a particular set of questions and answers. Dr. Ivo Velitchkov will explain why the choice and the proper use of language for formulation and answering enterprise architecture questions is...
English

Requisite inefficiency

Driven by market forces, organisations struggle to produce more or better with less. In times of crisis that seems to grow into a condition for survival. And yet, clearing all inefficiencies or not the right ones, could have just the opposite effect. Both organisms and the social systems they create need some excess of variety in any given moment to have requisite variety for their viability in...
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English

Requisite inefficiency

Driven by market forces, organisations struggle to produce more or better with less. In times of crisis that seems to grow into a condition for survival. And yet, clearing all inefficiencies or not the right ones, could have just the opposite effect. Both organisms and the social systems they create need some excess of variety in any given moment to have requisite variety for their viability in...
Contact the Author
English

Co-ordinated management of meaning: a systemic framework

Christine Oliver, PhD, is a Systemic Psychotherapist, Group Analyst, Organisational Consultant and University Lecturer at the University of Bedfordshire, UK where she is co-course leader of the MSc in Systemic Leadership and Organisational Development. Her publications, particularly in the field of Coordinated Management of Meaning Theory and Appreciative Inquiry, contribute to the development of...
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English

Co-ordinated management of meaning: a systemic framework

Christine Oliver, PhD, is a Systemic Psychotherapist, Group Analyst, Organisational Consultant and University Lecturer at the University of Bedfordshire, UK where she is co-course leader of the MSc in Systemic Leadership and Organisational Development. Her publications, particularly in the field of Coordinated Management of Meaning Theory and Appreciative Inquiry, contribute to the development of...
Contact the Author
English

A heretic's view of Deming and systems thinking

The rapid change, chaos and complexity of today’s global marketplace demands more progressive management. Transformation of organizations to an optimum level of performance can only take place if such progressive management is able to take a balanced view of the whole situation. W Edwards Deming proposed that such a balanced view would comprise four disciplines that he called ‘A System of Profound...
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English

A heretic's view of Deming and systems thinking

The rapid change, chaos and complexity of today’s global marketplace demands more progressive management. Transformation of organizations to an optimum level of performance can only take place if such progressive management is able to take a balanced view of the whole situation. W Edwards Deming proposed that such a balanced view would comprise four disciplines that he called ‘A System of Profound...
Contact the Author
English

Beer at work (how work can make us sick, and Beer can make us better)

Dr Christoph Giagounidis is an occupational health doctor. Prompted by the rising number of stressed people he sees on a weekly basis, he is working on the connection between the health of workers and cybernetic deficiencies in their organisations, mainly through the writings of Stafford Beer. More and more, Beer's thoughts on systems 2 and 3 lead him to think that breakthroughs in ‘sickness...
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Contact the Author
English

Beer at work (how work can make us sick, and Beer can make us better)

Dr Christoph Giagounidis is an occupational health doctor. Prompted by the rising number of stressed people he sees on a weekly basis, he is working on the connection between the health of workers and cybernetic deficiencies in their organisations, mainly through the writings of Stafford Beer. More and more, Beer's thoughts on systems 2 and 3 lead him to think that breakthroughs in ‘sickness...
Contact the Author
English

Special 9am introduction to the 'Viable Systems Model'

This will be delivered using a 'live case study' by Stephen J Brewis, Chief Research Scientist at BT Innovate – on improving the quality of decision making in the creation & execution of BT’s Network This talk will look at the design of the new governance structure that has recently been implemented within a business unit of BT. The talk will focus upon the qualification of this structure using...
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English

Special 9am introduction to the 'Viable Systems Model'

This will be delivered using a 'live case study' by Stephen J Brewis, Chief Research Scientist at BT Innovate – on improving the quality of decision making in the creation & execution of BT’s Network This talk will look at the design of the new governance structure that has recently been implemented within a business unit of BT. The talk will focus upon the qualification of this structure using...
English

What is it like in a 'full-spectrum system'? The evolution of human values from survival to service

Martin Egan brings more than 15 years of corporate experience in life sciences and healthcare, and experience as consultant with leading international consultancies. Martin Egan manages assessment and diagnostics at Walking the Talk. In this role, he oversees all assessments conducted globally and is responsible for accrediting Walking the Talk practitioners in using the tools. He has been the...
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English

What is it like in a 'full-spectrum system'? The evolution of human values from survival to service

Martin Egan brings more than 15 years of corporate experience in life sciences and healthcare, and experience as consultant with leading international consultancies. Martin Egan manages assessment and diagnostics at Walking the Talk. In this role, he oversees all assessments conducted globally and is responsible for accrediting Walking the Talk practitioners in using the tools. He has been the...
Contact the Author
English

Learning in Landscapes of Practice: Boundaries, identity, and knowledgeability in practice-based learning

RRP: £44; Paperback: ‎ 182 pp; Publisher: ‎ Routledge; ISBN 978-1138022195 If the body of knowledge of a profession is a living landscape of practice, then our personal experience of learning can be thought of as a journey through this landscape. Within Learning in Landscapes of Practice, this metaphor is further developed in order to start an important conversation about the nature of practice...
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Book
English

Learning in Landscapes of Practice: Boundaries, identity, and knowledgeability in practice-based learning

RRP: £44; Paperback: ‎ 182 pp; Publisher: ‎ Routledge; ISBN 978-1138022195 If the body of knowledge of a profession is a living landscape of practice, then our personal experience of learning can be thought of as a journey through this landscape. Within Learning in Landscapes of Practice, this metaphor is further developed in order to start an important conversation about the nature of practice...
English

Stand and Deliver: A Design for Successful Government

2nd hand from £2.90; Paperback: ‎266 pp; Publisher: ‎Treaty For Government; UK ed.; ISBN 978-0992947606 [also as kindle £6.40] If you are ever angered by the standard of government we endure, you are not alone. A key issue for democratic politics, in the UK and many other nations, is what to do about voter disengagement. The faith that electorates have in governments of whatever party to make...
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Book
English

Stand and Deliver: A Design for Successful Government

2nd hand from £2.90; Paperback: ‎266 pp; Publisher: ‎Treaty For Government; UK ed.; ISBN 978-0992947606 [also as kindle £6.40] If you are ever angered by the standard of government we endure, you are not alone. A key issue for democratic politics, in the UK and many other nations, is what to do about voter disengagement. The faith that electorates have in governments of whatever party to make...
English

SCiO newsletter - 2014 summer (vol.13)

M & A as strategy; Participatory Innovation Model in Chile; Notes from the open meeting: 7th April 2014; In memoriam - Simon Beer; CIGs (Common Interest Groups); Open meeting - July 2014
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Newsletter
English

SCiO newsletter - 2014 summer (vol.13)

M & A as strategy; Participatory Innovation Model in Chile; Notes from the open meeting: 7th April 2014; In memoriam - Simon Beer; CIGs (Common Interest Groups); Open meeting - July 2014
English
19pp

How [IT] Outsourcing Can Fail and How to Fix It

Why IT outsourcing can fail is a big subject. Of course, not all IT outsources do fail, but many have inherent problems that take a long time to fix. In this paper, the focus is on medium/large IT outsources, and on structural and process issues. Many of these will exhibit at least some of these points of failure. Failure means different things to different parties: for the client organisation it...
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Article
English
19pp

How [IT] Outsourcing Can Fail and How to Fix It

Why IT outsourcing can fail is a big subject. Of course, not all IT outsources do fail, but many have inherent problems that take a long time to fix. In this paper, the focus is on medium/large IT outsources, and on structural and process issues. Many of these will exhibit at least some of these points of failure. Failure means different things to different parties: for the client organisation it...
English
50pp

Our Incompetent Society (with a discussion of some of the competencies needed to transform it)

Abstract: a species heading, at an exponentially increasing rate, toward its own extinction1 can hardly be regarded as anything but incompetent. Yet this is precisely the situation in which we find ourselves. We are destroying our habitat – and therefore our chances of survival as a species - through the conduct of endless work which either consumes abundant resources or creates products or by...
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Article
English
50pp

Our Incompetent Society (with a discussion of some of the competencies needed to transform it)

Abstract: a species heading, at an exponentially increasing rate, toward its own extinction1 can hardly be regarded as anything but incompetent. Yet this is precisely the situation in which we find ourselves. We are destroying our habitat – and therefore our chances of survival as a species - through the conduct of endless work which either consumes abundant resources or creates products or by...
Contact the Author
English

Power+Systems - systems blindness and systems sight

Power+Systems - systems blindness and systems sight Benjamin will present an overview of the Power+Systems approach, developed by Barry Oshry over more than fifty years of experiential work and analysis with people in real life situations. The work helps to create ‘systems sight’ and help people to see the consistent and predictable patterns driven by human responses to the conditions of...
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Contact the Author
English

Power+Systems - systems blindness and systems sight

Power+Systems - systems blindness and systems sight Benjamin will present an overview of the Power+Systems approach, developed by Barry Oshry over more than fifty years of experiential work and analysis with people in real life situations. The work helps to create ‘systems sight’ and help people to see the consistent and predictable patterns driven by human responses to the conditions of...
Contact the Author
English

Navigating Complexity

Arthur passionately believes in and is massively frustrated by local government in equal measure. His current work is mainly in the voluntary sector, with organisations that realise that the issues they face are related to management not just people. Two quotes (NOT from his own writings, NOT from his book: 'Navigating Complexity: the essential guide to complexity theory in business and management...
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English

Navigating Complexity

Arthur passionately believes in and is massively frustrated by local government in equal measure. His current work is mainly in the voluntary sector, with organisations that realise that the issues they face are related to management not just people. Two quotes (NOT from his own writings, NOT from his book: 'Navigating Complexity: the essential guide to complexity theory in business and management...
Use with Accreditation
English

Conflict, courage, and theory of constraints

Ash is a software developer and coach who realised early on that most problems in software are organisational, not technical. The first systems approach he discovered was Theory of Constraints, and he has become notorious for drawing its logic diagrams to understand complex problems. Conflict, courage, and theory of constraints Conflict is an inevitable part of living in a complex system. It...
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English

Conflict, courage, and theory of constraints

Ash is a software developer and coach who realised early on that most problems in software are organisational, not technical. The first systems approach he discovered was Theory of Constraints, and he has become notorious for drawing its logic diagrams to understand complex problems. Conflict, courage, and theory of constraints Conflict is an inevitable part of living in a complex system. It...
Use with Accreditation
English

Deciding on structural options - four approaches from four projects

Deciding on structural options: four approaches from four projects. One of the perennial issues in using VSM for organisational diagnosis and more acutely for organisational design, is deciding on the relative merits of different options for unfolding the operating structure. In diagnosis, its often one of the most important points to work out whether a different operating structure would offer...
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English

Deciding on structural options - four approaches from four projects

Deciding on structural options: four approaches from four projects. One of the perennial issues in using VSM for organisational diagnosis and more acutely for organisational design, is deciding on the relative merits of different options for unfolding the operating structure. In diagnosis, its often one of the most important points to work out whether a different operating structure would offer...
Contact the Author
English

Discrete-Event Simulation and System Dynamics for Management Decision Making

RRP: £77.95 Hardback: ‎ 360 pp Publisher: ‎Wiley; ISBN 978-1118349021 In recent years, there has been a growing debate, particularly in the UK and Europe, over the merits of using discrete-event simulation (DES) and system dynamics (SD); there are now instances where both methodologies were employed on the same problem. This book details each method, comparing each in terms of both theory and...
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Book
English

Discrete-Event Simulation and System Dynamics for Management Decision Making

RRP: £77.95 Hardback: ‎ 360 pp Publisher: ‎Wiley; ISBN 978-1118349021 In recent years, there has been a growing debate, particularly in the UK and Europe, over the merits of using discrete-event simulation (DES) and system dynamics (SD); there are now instances where both methodologies were employed on the same problem. This book details each method, comparing each in terms of both theory and...
English

SCiO newsletter - 2014 spring (vol.12)

Spring 2014; Bookworm: A Journey Through The Systems Landscape, Harold “Bud” Lawson, College Publications 2010 ISBN 9-781848-900103; Open Notes: notes from the open day on 13th January 2014; Open meeting: 7th April 2014; Thinking survey
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Newsletter
English

SCiO newsletter - 2014 spring (vol.12)

Spring 2014; Bookworm: A Journey Through The Systems Landscape, Harold “Bud” Lawson, College Publications 2010 ISBN 9-781848-900103; Open Notes: notes from the open day on 13th January 2014; Open meeting: 7th April 2014; Thinking survey