Systems methodologies for handling problem complexity

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Harry Kogetsidis
Keyword(s):  
Systems Thinking ◽  
Social Theory ◽  
Complex Problem ◽  
Critical Discussion ◽  
Problem Situation ◽  
Problem Complexity ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Power Resources ◽  
Problem Situations ◽  
Unequal Access

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to examine how holistic thinking and the use of systems methodologies can help organisations handle increased problem complexity. The paper provides a critical discussion of the development of applied systems thinking and examines how its main strands can deal with problem complexity, multiple perceptions of reality and the unequal access to power resources in organisations. Design/methodology/approach The paper uses social theory and a systems meta-theoretical framework to examine the different ontological and epistemological assumptions that each strand of applied systems thinking makes about the nature of problems and the way in which an intervention will be made. Findings Complex problems require joined-up thinking and the use of systems ideas. Viewing the problem situation from a holistic perspective and applying appropriate systems methodologies and tools can help managers handle the complexities that their organisations face. Originality/value The paper makes a clear link between systems approaches and social theory and emphasises the need to understand the different assumptions that theories, methodologies or people make when they intervene in complex problem situations.

Iterative problem solving in teams: insights from an agent-based simulation

2016 ◽  
Vol 22 (1/2) ◽  
pp. 2-21 ◽  
Author(s):  
Aleksey Martynov ◽  
Dina Abdelzaher
Keyword(s):  
Problem Solving ◽  
Majority Rule ◽  
Optimal Solution ◽  
Complex Problem ◽  
Practical Significance ◽  
Problem Complexity ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Agent Based ◽  
Model Complex ◽  
Agent Based Simulations

Purpose – This paper aims to evaluate the effect of knowledge overlap, search width and problem complexity on the quality of problem-solving in teams that use the majority rule to aggregate heterogeneous knowledge of the team members. Design/methodology/approach – The paper uses agent-based simulations to model iterative problem-solving by teams. The simulation results are analyzed using linear regressions to show the interactions among the variables in the model. Findings – We find that knowledge overlap, search width and problem complexity interact to jointly impact the optimal solution in the iterative problem-solving process of teams using majority rule decisions. Interestingly, we find that more complex problems require less knowledge overlap. Search width and knowledge overlap act as substitutes, weakening each other’s performance effects. Research limitations/implications – The results suggest that team performance in iterative problem-solving depends on interactions among knowledge overlap, search width and problem complexity which need to be jointly examined to reflect realistic team dynamics. Practical implications – The findings suggest that team formation and the choice of a search strategy should be aligned with problem complexity. Originality/value – This paper contributes to the literature on problem-solving in teams. It is the first attempt to use agent-based simulations to model complex problem-solving in teams. The results have both theoretical and practical significance.

Hegemonic masculinity or masculine domination

2019 ◽  
Vol 39 (3/4) ◽  
pp. 296-310
Author(s):  
Raghunandan Reddy ◽  
Arun Kumar Sharma ◽  
Munmun Jha
Keyword(s):  
Social Theory ◽  
Hegemonic Masculinity ◽  
Work Organization ◽  
Inclusive Development ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Policy Interventions ◽  
Unequal Access ◽  
Gender Based ◽  
Gender System

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to demonstrate that Bourdieu’s concept of masculine domination offers a comprehensive social theory of gender as compared to Connell’s concept of hegemonic masculinity through examining the proposition of positive hegemonic masculinity. Design/methodology/approach This is a conceptual paper that argues that Bourdieu’s concept of masculine domination offers a comprehensive social theory of gender as compared to Connell’s concept of hegemonic masculinity. Findings The findings demonstrate that Bourdieu’s concept of masculine domination incorporates both discursive and material structures of the gender system that privileges men/masculine over women/feminine, making it a comprehensive social theory of gender. Research limitations/implications The concepts of hegemonic masculinity and masculine domination have not been reviewed in the light of emerging perspectives on hegemony, power and domination. The future research could focus on a review of research methods such as institutional ethnography, in examining masculine domination. Practical implications Using masculine domination perspective, organizations could identify specific managerial discourses, aspects of work organization and practices in order to eliminate gender-based discrimination, harassment and unequal access to resources. Social implications Public policy interventions aimed at inclusive development could examine women’s condition of continued disadvantageousness, through masculine domination perspective. Originality/value The authors seek to provide a comparative view of the concepts of hegemonic masculinity and masculine domination, using the categories of comparison that was not attempted earlier.

A Critical Systems Metamethodology for Problem Situation Structuring

2012 ◽  
Vol 4 (1) ◽  
pp. 1-13 ◽  
Author(s):  
Slavica P. Petrovic
Keyword(s):  
Systems Thinking ◽  
Critical Systems Thinking ◽  
Management Process ◽  
Management Problem ◽  
Problem Situation ◽  
Critical Systems ◽  
Problem Situations ◽  
Systems Practice

The increasing complexity and diversity of management problem situations in organizations, as well as the increasing variety of theories, methodologies, methods, techniques, and models that can be employed in problem situation structuring and solving, must be considered as relevant aspects of management process in contemporary circumstances. Creative holism in management problem situations in organizations is enabled by means of Critical Systems Thinking (CST) as well as Critical Systems Practice (CSP), as the resulting metamethodology. In other words, through CST and CSP, it can be significantly contributed to the management of the increasing diversity and variety of methodologies, methods, techniques, and models, with the aim of improving the management of problem situations in organizations.

Information Systems Development Methodologies: A Classification According to Problem Situation

1997 ◽  
Vol 12 (1) ◽  
pp. 73-81 ◽  
Author(s):  
D.E. Avison ◽  
V. Taylor
Keyword(s):  
Information Systems ◽  
User Interaction ◽  
Complex Problem ◽  
Systems Development ◽  
Information Systems Development ◽  
Social Aspects ◽  
User Requirements ◽  
Problem Situation ◽  
Problem Situations ◽  
Situation Types

Information systems development methodologies are frequently classified according to themes or features. Yet potential users are more concerned with the situations in which different approaches are appropriate. In this paper, five problem situation types are identified: (1) well-structured problem situations with a well-defined problem and clear requirements, (2) well-structured problem situations with clear objectives but uncertain user requirements, (3) unstructured problem situations with unclear objectives, (4) situations where there is a high user interaction with the system and (5) complex problem situations. Typical information systems development methodologies are placed in each of these groups. Some strengths and weaknesses of this classification are discussed. One conclusion is that most projects will fall within the category of complex problem situations, for organizations (and therefore their information systems needs) are invariably complex in terms of the human and social aspects at least as much as any technological ones. The Multiview approach is discussed in more detail because the authors claim it is suitable for such situations.

Furthering systems theory towards social theory by revisiting critical systems thinking: connecting problem-solving and theory-building

Kybernetes ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Shih-Hui Lo ◽  
Cheng-Da Liu
Keyword(s):  
Social Science ◽  
Systems Theory ◽  
Systems Thinking ◽  
Social Theory ◽  
Critical Systems Thinking ◽  
Theory Building ◽  
Systems Science ◽  
Critical Systems ◽  
Content Type

PurposeThe purpose is to forward systems theory one more step towards social theory and integrate problem-solving and theory-building, and search for the integration and unity of science by revealing the nature and role of critical systems thinking (CST).Design/methodology/approachThis article describes relations between systems theory and social theory in three parts. First, it examines the links of systems methodologies with three social science approaches as well as the role of CST. Second, the focus of theory and the form of explanation are discussed from critical social science (CSS) perspective. Third, the direction of theorizing of a CST-based systems theory is investigated.FindingsFirst, CST is a hidden assumption of system dynamics (SD)/systems thinking (ST). Second, systems theory is positioned in CSS. Third, CST integrates traditional and soft systems methodologies (SSM), and connects systems science and social science. Fourth, this article reveals hidden links between systems approaches and three corresponding social science approaches. Fifth, the theoretical focus of a CST-based systems theory could be formal/structure theory and/or substantive/content theory. Sixth, the form of explanation could be structural/mechanismic explanation combining causal and interpretive explanations. Seventh, a CST-based systems theory may adopt abduction, which complements a defect in deduction and induction in a difficulty of nonlinearity.Originality/valueIt illustrates a graph of the competing approaches in systems science corresponding to paradigms in social science.

scholarly journals Research and practice

2014 ◽  
Vol 70 (6) ◽  
pp. 1039-1053 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mark Hepworth ◽  
Philipp Grunewald ◽  
Geoff Walton
Keyword(s):  
Phenomenological Approach ◽  
Critical Discussion ◽  
Research Literature ◽  
Research Experience ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Information Behaviour ◽  
Relative Value ◽  
Participative Approach ◽  
Key Issues ◽  
Participative Design

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to provide a critical discussion on the nature of research into people's information behaviour, and in particular the contribution of the phenomenological approach for the development of information solutions. Design/methodology/approach – The approach takes the form of a conceptual analysis drawing on the research literature and personal research experience. Findings – The paper brings to the foreground the relative value of different conceptual approaches and how these underpin and relate to the development of information solutions. Research limitations/implications – The paper, due to the breadth and complexity of the subject, serves to highlight key issues and bringing together ideas. Some topics deserve further explanation. However, this was beyond the scope of this paper. Practical implications – A conceptual framework is provided that indicates the value of the epistemic spectrum for information behaviour studies and provides support for action research and participative design. Social implications – Taking a phenomenological approach, and consequently either a first person approach and/or a highly participative approach to research, challenges the relationship between researcher and respondent. It also raises questions about why the authors conduct research and for whom it is intended. Originality/value – The paper makes explicit the underlying philosophical assumptions and how these ideas influence the way the authors conduct research; it highlights the significance of Cartesian dualism and indicates the significance of these assumptions for the development of information solutions. It supports the view that researchers and developers should be open to respondents leading the exploration of their needs.

Application of Problem Situations for the Development of Learning Skills in the Study of Natural Sciences

2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (4) ◽  
Author(s):  
Margarita Slavova ◽  
Angel Slavchev
Keyword(s):  
Health Education ◽  
Personal Development ◽  
Logical Structure ◽  
Natural Sciences ◽  
Final Decision ◽  
Problem Situation ◽  
Learning Skills ◽  
Problem Situations ◽  
The Individual

The problem situation is one of the ways to form general learning skills in the study of natural sciences. It provides an opportunity to apply the individual approach, choosing a path for making a final decision and full personal development of the student. This article reviews the nature of the problem situation and learning skills, presents a classification of species and offers an example of use in teaching biology and health education - 7th grade to develop the skill of comparison. The article aims to guide teachers in the logical structure for creating a problem situation and the requirements for the content of individual elements. An option for linking it with a specific educational content is also shown.

Cognitive risk culture and advanced roles of actors in risk governance: a case study

2018 ◽  
Vol 19 (4) ◽  
pp. 327-342 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ruchi Agarwal ◽  
Sanjay Kallapur
Keyword(s):  
Systems Thinking ◽  
Systems Approach ◽  
Risk Governance ◽  
Research Approach ◽  
Insurance Company ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Cognitive Risk ◽  
Risk Culture ◽  
The Uk

PurposeThe purpose of this study is to explore the best practices for improving risk culture and defining the role of actors in risk governance.Design/methodology/approachThis paper presents an exemplar case of a British insurance company by using a qualitative case research approach.FindingsThe case study shows how the company was successful in changing from a compliance-based and defensive risk culture to a cognitive risk culture by using a systems thinking approach. Cognitive risk culture ensures that everybody understands risks and their own roles in risk governance. The change was accomplished by adding an operational layer between the first and second lines of defense and developing tools to better communicate risks throughout the organization.Practical implicationsPractitioners can potentially improve risk governance by using the company’s approach. The UK regulator’s initiative to improve risk culture can potentially be followed by other regulators.Originality/valueThis is among the few studies that describe actual examples of how a company can improve risk culture using the systems approach and how systems thinking simultaneously resolves several other issues such as poor risk reporting and lack of clarity in roles and responsibilities.

Contemporary Japanese art: between globalization and localization

2018 ◽  
Vol 8 (2) ◽  
pp. 137-151 ◽  
Author(s):  
Eimi Tagore-Erwin
Keyword(s):  
Design Methodology ◽  
Critical Discussion ◽  
Western World ◽  
Power Structures ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Japanese Art ◽  
Art Historians ◽  
Western Hegemony ◽  
Global Art ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to identify and analyze the influence that globalization has had on the development of the contemporary Japanese art production. The study also aims to expand the global narrative of Japanese art by introducing concepts behind festivals for revitalization that have been occurring in Japan in recent years. Design/methodology/approach Guided by Culture Theorist Nira Yuval-Davies’ approach to the politics of belonging, the paper is situated within cultural studies and considers the development of contemporary art in Japan in relation to the power structures present within the global art market. This analysis draws heavily from the research of art historians Reiko Tomii, Adrian Favell, and Gennifer Weisenfeld, and is complemented by investigative research into the life of Art Director Kitagawa Fram, as well as observational analyses formed by on-site study of the Setouchi Triennale in 2015 and 2016. Findings The paper provides historical insight to the ways that the politics of belonging to the western world has created a limited benchmark for critical discussion about contemporary Japanese art. It suggests that festivals for revitalization in Japan not only are a good source of diversification, but also evidences criticism therein. Research limitations/implications Due to the brevity of this text, readers are encouraged to further investigate the source material for more in-depth understanding of the topics. Practical implications The paper implies that art historiography should take a multilateral approach to avoid a western hegemony in the field. Originality/value This paper fulfills a need to reflect on the limited global reception to Japanese art, while also identifying one movement that art historians and theorists may take into account in the future when considering a Japanese art discourse.

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