Extending the viable system model scope on ICT-sector software projects in Castilla y León

Kybernetes ◽  
2014 ◽  
Vol 43 (2) ◽  
pp. 192-209 ◽  
Author(s):  
Julio César Puche Regaliza
Keyword(s):  
Environmental Control ◽  
Simulation Models ◽  
System Model ◽  
Software Project ◽  
Practical Application ◽  
Software Projects ◽  
Viable System Model ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Castilla Y Leon ◽  
Viable System

Purpose – This paper aims to extend the scope of the viable system model (VSM), which was developed by Stafford Beer in favour of its formalisation and practical application, to overcome the criticism about its abstract nature. Design/methodology/approach – This extension is achieved using the descriptive validation of a software project structural organisation based on the information that was obtained from the ICT sector set of companies in Castilla y León. Findings – The main conclusion of the study indicates deficiencies in the proactive environmental control of the software project. To overcome these shortcomings at least partially, the author proposes the use of integrated dynamic simulation models and Team Syntegrity. Finally, the analysis provides a detailed reference to diagnose or design a software project organisational structure with viability-defined characteristics. Such reference can be adapted to different fields by extrapolating its application in favour of the VSM universality. Originality/value – The originality is based on the VSM application in software projects organisation. The value is based on VSM formalisation and practical application, to overcome the criticism about its abstract nature.

Viable system model structuring of success factors in software projects

2017 ◽  
Vol 10 (4) ◽  
pp. 897-919 ◽  
Author(s):  
Julio César Puche Regaliza ◽  
Alfredo Jiménez ◽  
Pablo Arranz Val
Keyword(s):  
Empirical Analysis ◽  
Success Factors ◽  
System Model ◽  
General Nature ◽  
Software Project ◽  
Key Factors ◽  
Software Projects ◽  
Viable System Model ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Viable System

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to identify the principal success factors of a software project structured upon the basis of the viable system model (VSM). Design/methodology/approach To do so, an exploratory empirical analysis is conducted of a set of software projects, in which the degree of compliance with the requirements set down by the VSM and the success rating of their development are identified. Findings The results of the study indicate that the most influential factors in achieving global viability in a software project are the local environment, the organizational units and the intelligent system. Building on those factors, a mathematical prediction model is developed, reaching an accuracy of 63.16 percent in its predictions. Research limitations/implications The authors wish to point out that due to the number of projects employed in the statistical analysis, the results have to be interpreted with caution and are of an exploratory nature. Practical implications The authors seek to show that the VSM is an extremely useful tool for the management of software projects and, by extension, projects of a general nature. The authors therefore suggest that knowledge of VSM would be of incalculable value for managers wishing to manage projects successfully and to survive in such a complex and rapidly changing environment as the software project environment is. Its application allows us to diagnose and to detect the critical factors to achieve such success. Social implications In addition, the research seeks to increase the universality of VSM, contributing to a better understanding of it and a better and greater formalization of it in favor of its acceptance and its practical use, seeking in this way to palliate some critical principals related to its abstraction and limited applicability and to increase its rigor and validity as an instrument for the diagnosis and the design of viable organizations. Originality/value The novelty of this study is therefore principally found in the application of the VSM to the organizational structure of a software project in such a way that it allows us to detect key factors in its success. Besides, building on the validation of this proposal through the completion of a quantitative empirical analysis, this study also offers a prediction mathematical model that relates key factors with the success of the project.

Theoretical notes regarding the practical application of Stafford Beer’s viable system model

Kybernetes ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 47 (2) ◽  
pp. 262-272 ◽  
Author(s):  
Markus Orengo
Keyword(s):  
System Model ◽  
Practical Application ◽  
Viable System Model ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Early Adopters ◽  
Practical Applications ◽  
Diffusion Curve ◽  
Viable System ◽  
Societal Problems ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose This paper aims to capture current difficulties with the practical application of the viable system model (VSM). On this basis, a set of suggestions toward a more effective application of the model is made. Design/methodology/approach The study is based on observations from practical applications of the VSM, systematically collected by the author. Findings The paper suggests that the VSM is currently stuck in the typical chasm of a bell-shaped diffusion curve. The paper makes six propositions to smoother pass from the early adopters to the early majority. Research limitations/implications The six findings imply various research efforts. Practical implications In contrast to frequent claims that VSM should be made accessible easily to a larger number of people, the paper suggests that a smaller number of better trained VSM experts support a larger number of managers with a more generic know how. Social implications A more focused but broader application of the VSM may lead to better societal organizations and therefore to a more efficient effective solution of societal problems. Originality/value The paper suggests to tighten the focus of the VSM to the very abstract topic of judging variety balances and at the same time to better connect the model with the suite of established methods and tools in management. This is a contrast to other attempts, which either simplify the VSM or extend it into a comprehensive methodology.

A new management for enduring company success

Kybernetes ◽  
2011 ◽  
Vol 40 (3/4) ◽  
pp. 369-393 ◽  
Author(s):  
William F. Christopher
Keyword(s):  
Design Methodology ◽  
System Model ◽  
Business Enterprise ◽  
Viable System Model ◽  
System Science ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Turbulent Times ◽  
Changing Times ◽  
Viable System ◽  
Practical Implications

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to explain how the system science and cybernetics in Stafford Beer's viable system model (VSM) will help management structure and manage their company to achieve on‐going success in a fast‐changing world.Design/methodology/approachThe author worked with Stafford Beer in the 1970s, applying his VSM in the corporation he then worked for and has used the VSM ideas in work with companies in 16 countries, always with success. The VSM instructs in how to structure and how to manage. For what to manage the author used Peter Drucker's key performance areas, and has more than 50 years of experience working in these areas.FindingsThe author has found, during his long career in industry and in consulting, that the VSM is the best available guide for structuring and managing a business enterprise for success in turbulent times.Practical implicationsIn the 1950s, Ralph Cordiner “decentralized” General Electric into 120 businesses, pioneering a new, better way to structure and manage a corporation. After 50 years, we have the next revolutionary advance in management, the system science and cybernetics in Stafford's VSM. The VSM includes information and environments in structure, enabling companies to change as appropriate for achieving on‐going success in a world of huge and fast‐growing variety.Originality/valueThe paper shows how a simple form of the VSM includes all the system science company management needs to structure and manage their company for enduring success in fast‐changing times.

Guidance on applying the viable system model

Kybernetes ◽  
2015 ◽  
Vol 44 (2) ◽  
pp. 186-201 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sandra Hildbrand ◽  
Shamim Bodhanya
Keyword(s):  
Qualitative Research ◽  
Research Methods ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Qualitative Research Methods ◽  
System Model ◽  
Viable System Model ◽  
Essential Information ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Language Needs ◽  
Viable System

Purpose – Although many cases where viable system model (VSM) was successfully applied exist, hardly any literature advises the novice VSM user regarding the accomplishment of a VSM diagnosis. The purpose of this paper is to show practitioners and researchers how to conduct a VSM diagnosis. The paper further seeks to encourage others to apply VSM and to share their experience with using VSM. Design/methodology/approach – The paper provides detailed guidelines on how to conduct a VSM diagnosis in conjunction with qualitative research methods. It outlines the data collection, analysis and presentation of results. Findings – VSM is an outstanding diagnostic tool. Qualitative research methods provide access to the essential information for the VSM diagnosis and should be used in iteration with VSM. They can enhance the VSM diagnosis by focusing on the soft aspects in the investigated system. The VSM language needs to be adapted to the specific context in which VSM is used and VSM can be applied in a participatory manner. Further research needs to explore possibilities to strengthen the handling of detected shortcomings that were revealed during the VSM diagnosis. Research limitations/implications – This paper is based on one experience with the VSM application and other VSM users might provide different insights. Originality/value – There is little practical advice in existing literature regarding the accomplishment of a VSM diagnosis. This paper addresses that gap. In addition, VSM has not been applied to a sugarcane production and supply system before.

Quantitative analysis of viable systems model on software projects in the ICT sector in Castilla y León

Kybernetes ◽  
2015 ◽  
Vol 44 (5) ◽  
pp. 806-822 ◽  
Author(s):  
Julio César Puche Regaliza
Keyword(s):  
Quantitative Analysis ◽  
Structural Equation ◽  
Measurement Tool ◽  
Software Project ◽  
Software Projects ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Viable Systems ◽  
Viable Systems Model ◽  
Systems Model ◽  
Castilla Y Leon

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to detect the degree of influence between applying the Viable Systems Model (VSM), developed by Stafford Beer, on a software project and its viability or success. Design/methodology/approach – The authors performed a quantitative analysis in which it was necessary to identify theoretical constructs of the VSM (Systems One to Five) and of the viability or success of the software project, measuring each of the indicators together. These indicators have been included in a questionnaire or standardised measurement tool, which was subsequently used for data collection by a number of companies in the information and communications technology sector in Castilla y León. The obtained data served as the basis for a number of results through the definition of a structural equation model. Findings – The results support the particular importance of Systems One and Four in a software project. In other words, software projects need to clearly define their operational elements (e.g. organisational units, business units, working environments, and working teams) and the relationships that appear between them. Additionally, in software projects it is necessary to determine the appropriate prevention actions to be able to observe the changes that take place in their environment and thus make decisions that allow the project to adapt to these changes. Originality/value – The originality is based on the VSM application in software projects organisation. The value is based on VSM formalisation and practical application, to overcome the criticism about its abstract nature.

The viable system model and its applications in higher education: an overview

Kybernetes ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 48 (3) ◽  
pp. 438-450 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sahar Saeed Rezk ◽  
Shahinaz Gamal
Keyword(s):  
Higher Education ◽  
Literature Review ◽  
System Model ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Viable System Model ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Viable Systems ◽  
Surrounding Environment ◽  
Viable System ◽  
And Control

Purpose Viable system model (VSM) is a powerful tool mainly used to describe, solve and control systems’ complex problems autonomously. It enables systems to be flexible so that they can survive by rapidly responding and adapting their behaviors to any expected or even unexpected changes in the surrounding environment. This study aims to provide a literature review of the VSM as a conceptual framework for designing viable systems, and its applications in the field of higher education (HE). Design/methodology/approach The review is based on explaining “What is organizational cybernetics?”, clarifying the principles of the VSM as a rational model for designing viable organizations, discussing its drawbacks and the extended VSM, and then presenting a literature review of VSM applications in HE based on papers mainly published from 1993 to 2017. Findings Although there are many contributions provided by applying the VSM in HE, the previous developed models used Beer’s framework with its drawbacks without referring to some important factors neglected within it which are discussed in this review. Originality/value The study presents a summary of previous research on this topic and clarifies the essential issues needed to be addressed to design viable systems. Based on the gaps identified in the literature, some issues have been emphasized to be addressed in future research.

Diagnosis of Software Projects Based on the Viable System Model

2019 ◽  
Vol 33 (2) ◽  
pp. 215-236
Author(s):  
Julio César Puche-Regaliza ◽  
Alfredo Jiménez ◽  
Pablo Arranz-Val
Keyword(s):  
System Model ◽  
Software Projects ◽  
Viable System Model ◽  
Viable System

Organizing for Lean: autonomy, recursion and cohesion

Kybernetes ◽  
2015 ◽  
Vol 44 (6/7) ◽  
pp. 970-983 ◽  
Author(s):  
Benjamin Sagalovsky
Keyword(s):  
System Model ◽  
Viable System Model ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Standard Work ◽  
Support Organizations ◽  
Lean Practices ◽  
Reporting Structure ◽  
Operational Practices ◽  
Viable System ◽  
The Right

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to address the organizational implications of transformative Lean Deployment initiatives, leveraging the Viable System Model to understand what is needed organizationally so these initiatives can succeed and take root. Design/methodology/approach – The paper starts by pointing out how Lean practices presuppose and demand empowered, autonomous organizational units at all levels. It then highlights how Lean manages the resulting Recursive Organization of “autonomous units within autonomous units” through powerful cohesion mechanisms addressing the negotiation of goals and resources, unit-to-unit coordination and process monitoring – with tools such as Pull, Kanban, Hoshin Kanri, A3 and the Toyota Kata, supported by operational practices such as Visual Controls, Standard Work, etc. Findings – The Viable System Model was found to provide a valuable guide for articulating the organizational underpinnings of Lean deployments, including the effective, recursive distribution of deployment responsibility and authority at all levels, the identification of the right composition and reporting structure of implementation teams, and the role to be attributed to support organizations. Originality/value – The approach provides a framework for understanding the organizational implications and possible resistance to comprehensive Lean deployments, and for appropriately including the all-important organizational dimension in order to promote the success of these deployments. It is also hoped that the paper can contribute to a more holistic, integrative understanding of what it means for an organization to embark on its Lean journey.

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.

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