scholarly journals Introducing the VIPLAN Methodology (with VSM) for Handling Messy Situations – Nine Lessons

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Stephen Harwood
Keyword(s):  
System Model ◽  
Viable System Model ◽  
Viable System

Abstract This paper examines the utility of a novel and relatively unknown approach to handling messy situations. This approach, developed by Raul Espejo, is the VIPLAN Methodology. It is presented as a heuristic and comprises a set of six activities which act as ‘pointers’ to guide thinking and actions. The methodology’s contribution rests upon its explicit focus upon the context within which messy situations are handled. This draws attention to the cybernetics of the situation (Cybernetic Loop), which can be made sense of using the Viable System Model. However, one of the challenges of the methodology is the perception that it is complex and difficult to use. A case-study is used to investigate how the methodology can be operationalised. This reveals a set of nine lessons, which are offered as guidelines to enhance our understanding of how to use the VIPLAN Methodology.

A Case Study Evaluation of the Use of the Viable System Model in Information Systems Development

2002 ◽  
pp. 17-34 ◽  
Author(s):  
P. Kawalek ◽  
D. G. Wastell
Keyword(s):  
Information Systems ◽  
Science Research ◽  
Information Systems Development ◽  
System Model ◽  
Viable System Model ◽  
Sales Team ◽  
Study Evaluation ◽  
Viable System ◽  
Is Projects

This chapter considers the usefulness of the Viable System Model (VSM) in information systems (IS) projects. The VSM is a rigorous organizational model which was developed from the study of cybernetics and has been given considerable attention by management science research. The chapter presents a case study that focuses upon the sales team of a manufacturing company. This sales team were seeking to develop database support for group working. The VSM was useful in highlighting the organizational limitations upon the IS project and challenged some assumptions about the nature of work in the company. It is proposed that the VSM provides a valuable diagnostic capability that shall assist the company in future IS developments.

scholarly journals Strengthening Business Process Modeling with the Application / Combination of Viable System Model in ICT Policy Analysis Context

2013 ◽  
Vol 5 (1) ◽  
pp. 397-403
Author(s):  
Reza Alinaghian ◽  
Azizah Abdul Rahman ◽  
Roliana Ibrahim
Keyword(s):  
Life Cycle ◽  
Business Process ◽  
Process Modeling ◽  
Business Process Modeling ◽  
System Model ◽  
Policy Management ◽  
Viable System Model ◽  
Viable System ◽  
Ict Policy

Information and Communication Technology (ICT) policy is a code that clarifies the duties, responsibilities and rights of technology stakeholders and specifies acceptable and efficient ICT utilization. ICT policy life cycle encompasses four main processes which are: development, implementation, monitoring and evaluation. In many cases, the processes that form the life cycle of ICT policy usually stopped or failed at starting phase(s), including th e case study in this research (one of the Malaysian Public Institutions of Higher Education). Failures in ICT policy management may compromise ICT security, control and strategy in addition to incurring unnecessary expense. This paper discusses the methods utilized in conducting the study. Qualitative research and case study method were utilized to provide greater insight into this complicated phenomenon. An in-depth analysis and elaboration was performed using Viable System Model (VSM) and Hermeneutics method to diagnose and identify weaknesses, mismatches and viable requirements. The proposed model combined the perspectives of systemic functions and organizational structure of VSM with organizational processes and entities of Business Process Modeling (BPM). The application of VSM accommodated environmental dynamism, encouraged sustainable development and provided a sound theoretical platform. In combination with BPM, emphasis shifted from a specific, isolated policy domain to a business process model designed to manage overall ICT policy. An ICT policy management prototype was also developed based on the model. The model and prototype system have been verified through the case study.

A Case Study of the Use of the Viable System Model in the Organization of Software Development

2002 ◽  
pp. 120-134
Author(s):  
Peter Kawalek ◽  
David Wastell
Keyword(s):  
Software Development ◽  
Science Research ◽  
Management Science ◽  
Organizational Adaptation ◽  
System Model ◽  
Longitudinal Case Study ◽  
Viable System Model ◽  
Development Team ◽  
Viable System

This chapter considers the usefulness of the Viable System Model (VSM) in the study of organizational adaptation. The VSM is a rigorous organizational model that was developed from the study of cybernetics and has been given considerable attention by management science research. The chapter presents a longitudinal case study that focuses upon a software development team. The VSM was useful in diagnosing the likely consequences of different organizational designs and in prescribing an alternative solution.

Seeing a case study through a cybernetic epistemological lens

Kybernetes ◽  
2011 ◽  
Vol 40 (9/10) ◽  
pp. 1273-1296 ◽  
Author(s):  
Raul Espejo
Keyword(s):  
Design Methodology ◽  
System Model ◽  
Change Processes ◽  
Viable System Model ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Viable System ◽  
Successful Production

PurposeThis paper aims to contribute to the understanding of the knowledge that Beer's viable system model helps when applied to the study of change processes in organisations.Design/methodology/approachThis paper develops a case study constructed on interviews and shared reflections by the author and a key player in the company. Aspects of the case study are then seen with an epistemological lens.FindingsWhile it is apparent that ideas, purposes, values or policies depend on resources to happen, this paper argues that it is necessary their embodying in effective relations to succeed creating and producing desirable meanings.Research limitations/implicationsSome forms of embodiment are more effective than others. The viable system model offers embodiment criteria to increase the chances of a successful production of ideas, purposes, values and policies, and the case study shows that for this purpose a limitation is transforming long‐established relationships.Originality/valueThis paper uses a particular and unique situation to illustrate through the viable system model some of the general difficulties that organisations face in achieving desirable transformations.

scholarly journals The viable system model as a framework to guide organisational adaptive response in times of instability and change

2019 ◽  
Vol 27 (2) ◽  
pp. 289-307 ◽  
Author(s):  
Pedro Pablo Cardoso Castro
Keyword(s):  
Adaptive Response ◽  
Thought Experiment ◽  
System Model ◽  
Recursive Structure ◽  
Management Tools ◽  
Viable System Model ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Context Specific ◽  
Viable System

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to analyse the convenience of the Viable System Model (VSM) as a framework to guide organisational adaptive response and resilience in times of instability and change.Design/methodology/approachA thought experiment based on the case study of an eco-village where a project based on action research was conducted following the introduction of the VSM.FindingsThis paper provides evidence of the efficacy of the VSM and its recursive structure to facilitate resilience and organisational adaptation and provides evidence of its advantages over conventional management tools to deal with uncertainty in complex environments.Research limitations/implicationsBased on a case study, the scope of this paper is limited and context specific. The comparison of tools is also limited to the ones related to the allocation of resources aiming to provide resilience, viability and adaptive response to critical events, used by the observed community.Practical implicationsThe case study invites to revisit and discuss the fitness of conventionally used management tools to cope with complexity – from an organisational perspective.Originality/valueThis paper invites to a reflection on the nature of dominant management tools used in contemporary management to cope with complexity. This paper provides insights on the value of organisational cybernetics and its capability to guide organisations in times of instability and change while facilitating resilience and adaptation through the management of variety.

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