Positioning Against Other Theories

2010 ◽  
pp. 135-161
Author(s):  
Lars Taxén
Keyword(s):  
Strategic Management ◽  
Complex Adaptive Systems ◽  
Adaptive Systems ◽  
Research Area ◽  
Organizational Research ◽  
Complex Systems Theory ◽  
Turbulent Environments ◽  
Starting Point ◽  
Complex Adaptive

Complex systems theory (e.g. Bar-Yam, 1997) is a rich and vital research area that has a huge potential for organizational research (Lewin, 1999). In particular, the study of complex adaptive systems (CASs) provides many insightful results concerning the adaptability and strategic management of organizations in turbulent environments (ibid). In the following, I will take this characterization of CASs as a starting point for exploring possible connections between CAS and ADT. This is done against the background of the previously reported complexity inherent in both telecom systems and projects developing these systems.

scholarly journals Price Tactics For A Turbulent Environment: A Complexity Theory View

2014 ◽  
Vol 14 (1) ◽  
pp. 123
Author(s):  
Roger B. Mason
Keyword(s):  
Complexity Theory ◽  
Complex Adaptive Systems ◽  
Adaptive Systems ◽  
Business Performance ◽  
External Environment ◽  
Case Method ◽  
Turbulent Environments ◽  
Complex Adaptive ◽  
Price Tactics ◽  
Depth Interviews

This paper proposes that pricing tactics are influenced by the nature of the external environment. It illustrates the pricing tactics suggested for a turbulent, versus a stable, environment, when viewed through a complexity theory lens. A qualitative, case method, using depth interviews, investigated the pricing tactics in four firms to identify the tactics adopted in more successful, versus less successful, firms in turbulent versus stable environments. The results partially confirmed that the use of destabilizing pricing tactics can be helpful in a turbulent market, while stabilizing tactics can be helpful in a stable market. However, the effect of such tactics on business performance was not clear. These findings will benefit marketers by emphasizing a new way to consider future pricing activities. How this approach can assist marketers, and suggestions for further research, are provided. Since businesses and markets are complex adaptive systems, using complexity theory to understand how to cope in turbulent environments is necessary but has not been widely researched. Therefore, this paper can be seen as a foundation for research using complexity theory to better understand pricing tactics in turbulent environments.

scholarly journals A marketing mix model for a complex and turbulent environment

2007 ◽  
Vol 7 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
R. B. Mason ◽  
G Staude
Keyword(s):  
Complexity Theory ◽  
Complex Adaptive Systems ◽  
Adaptive Systems ◽  
Marketing Mix ◽  
Marketing Tactics ◽  
Turbulent Environment ◽  
Turbulent Environments ◽  
Business Environments ◽  
Complex Adaptive ◽  
Marketing Activities

Purpose: This paper is based on the proposition that the choice of marketing tactics is determined, or at least significantly influenced, by the nature of the company’s external environment. It aims to illustrate the type of marketing mix tactics that are suggested for a complex and turbulent environment when marketing and the environment are viewed through a chaos and complexity theory lens. Design/Methodology/Approach: Since chaos and complexity theories are proposed as a good means of understanding the dynamics of complex and turbulent markets, a comprehensive review and analysis of literature on the marketing mix and marketing tactics from a chaos and complexity viewpoint was conducted. From this literature review, a marketing mix model was conceptualised.Findings: A marketing mix model considered appropriate for success in complex and turbulent environments was developed. In such environments, the literature suggests destabilising marketing activities are more effective, whereas stabilising type activities are more effective in simple, stable environments. Therefore the model proposes predominantly destabilising type tactics as appropriate for a complex and turbulent environment such as is currently being experienced in South Africa. Implications: This paper is of benefit to marketers by emphasising a new way to consider the future marketing activities of their companies. How this model can assist marketers and suggestions for research to develop and apply this model are provided. It is hoped that the model suggested will form the basis of empirical research to test its applicability in the turbulent South African environment. Originality/Value: Since businesses and markets are complex adaptive systems, using complexity theory to understand how to cope in complex, turbulent environments is necessary, but has not been widely researched. In fact, most chaos and complexity theory work in marketing has concentrated on marketing strategy, with little emphasis on individual tactics and even less on the marketing mix as a whole. Therefore, this paper can be viewed as an important foundation for a new stream of research using chaos and complexity theory to better understand marketing mixes and the choice of marketing tactics for complex and turbulent business environments.

scholarly journals Context: The strategic management Rosetta Stone

2007 ◽  
Vol 7 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
R. V. Weeks
Keyword(s):  
Strategic Management ◽  
Complex Adaptive Systems ◽  
Adaptive Systems ◽  
Scenario Planning ◽  
Theory And Practice ◽  
Management Theory ◽  
Response Alternative ◽  
Making Sense ◽  
Rosetta Stone ◽  
Complex Adaptive

Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to analyse context as a means for interpreting and making sense of evolving strategic management theory and practice. Problem investigated: Traditional strategic management theory based on rational deductive methodologies assumes contextual predictability, yet contemporary conditions tend to contradict this assumption. In response, alternative theories and practices for dealing with complex contexts have emerged (Brews & Purohit, 2006; Grant, 2003; Kurt & Snowden, 2003and Stacey, 1995). Methodology: A literature study was undertaken to determine the nature of emergent strategic management theory and practice, in response to contextual complexity and how it differs from traditional practice (Mintzberg, 1994 and Weeks &Lessing, 1993). Findings: An important conclusion drawn from the study is that context acts as a determinant for making sense of the evolution of strategic management theory and practice. While traditional strategic management practice still assumes relevance in contexts of linear causality, it breaks down in complex contexts. Emergent strategic management theory, based on complex adaptive systems, is increasingly assuming relevance. Notably, many institutions are still attempting to make use of scenario planning in an attempt to deal with contextual complexity, a practice not supported by leading researchers(Stacey, 1995 and Kurt & Snowden, 2003). Value of the research: The insights gained from the study assume relevance, in view of the contextual complexity confronting modern-day institutions. The findings suggest that emergent strategy based on complex adaptive system theory needs to be considered as a means for dealing with increasing environmental turbulence. Conclusion: It is concluded that context serves as the Rosetta stone for making sense of strategic management theory and practice. In view of the research findings, as reflected in the literature, it would seem that the use of complex adaptive systems theory is gaining in relevance, as a means for dealing with complex contexts. Also important is the finding that traditional and emergent practices can in effect coexist, depending on context

Strategic Management, Evolutionary Economics, and Complex Adaptive Systems

2010 ◽  
pp. 1876-1893
Author(s):  
Carl Henning Reschke ◽  
Sascha Kraus
Keyword(s):  
Strategic Planning ◽  
Strategic Management ◽  
Complex Adaptive Systems ◽  
Adaptive Systems ◽  
Evolutionary Economics ◽  
Relevant Literature ◽  
Research Issues ◽  
Evolutionary Theories ◽  
Complex Adaptive ◽  
Selection Of

This chapter sketches a strategic map of a selection of the relevant issues at the intersection of economics, psychology, sociology, and evolutionary theories applied to strategic management. It takes an evolutionary complexity perspective, based on a (manageable) selection of the relevant literature. The discussion focuses on evolutionary processes of change and their implications for strategic planning and related issues of organisation. The chapter concludes by discussing practical and research issues.

Strategic Management, Evolutionary Economics, and Complex Adaptive Systems

2008 ◽  
pp. 206-228
Author(s):  
Carl Henning Reschke ◽  
Sascha Kraus
Keyword(s):  
Strategic Planning ◽  
Strategic Management ◽  
Complex Adaptive Systems ◽  
Adaptive Systems ◽  
Evolutionary Economics ◽  
Relevant Literature ◽  
Research Issues ◽  
Evolutionary Theories ◽  
Complex Adaptive ◽  
Selection Of

This chapter sketches a strategic map of a selection of the relevant issues at the intersection of economics, psychology, sociology, and evolutionary theories applied to strategic management. It takes an evolutionary complexity perspective, based on a (manageable) selection of the relevant literature. The discussion focuses on evolutionary processes of change and their implications for strategic planning and related issues of organisation. The chapter concludes by discussing practical and research issues.

Viruses as Complex Adaptive Systems

2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
Richard Sole ◽  
Santiago F. Elena
Keyword(s):  
Complex Systems ◽  
Systems Theory ◽  
Complex Adaptive Systems ◽  
Adaptive Systems ◽  
Influenza A ◽  
Farm Animals ◽  
Unified Framework ◽  
Evolutionary Potential ◽  
Complex Systems Theory ◽  
Complex Adaptive

Viruses are everywhere, infecting all sorts of living organisms, from the tiniest bacteria to the largest mammals. Many are harmful parasites, but viruses also play a major role as drivers of our evolution as a species and are essential regulators of the composition and complexity of ecosystems on a global scale. This book draws on complex systems theory to provide a fresh look at viral origins, populations, and evolution, and the coevolutionary dynamics of viruses and their hosts. New viruses continue to emerge that threaten people, crops, and farm animals. Viruses constantly evade our immune systems, and antiviral therapies and vaccination campaigns can be powerless against them. These unique characteristics of virus biology are a consequence of their tremendous evolutionary potential, which enables viruses to quickly adapt to any environmental challenge. This book presents a unified framework for understanding viruses as complex adaptive systems. It shows how the application of complex systems theory to viral dynamics has provided new insights into the development of AIDS in patients infected with HIV-1, the emergence of new antigenic variants of the influenza A virus, and other cutting-edge advances. The book also extends the analogy of viruses to the evolution of other replicators such as computer viruses, cancer, and languages.

scholarly journals Revisiting Van Valen's Red Queen Hypothesis

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ricard Sole
Keyword(s):  
Complex Adaptive Systems ◽  
Adaptive Systems ◽  
Unexpected Result ◽  
Red Queen Hypothesis ◽  
Red Queen ◽  
Arms Races ◽  
Complex Systems Theory ◽  
Record Data ◽  
Complex Adaptive ◽  
The Red Queen

Leigh Van Valen was an American evolutionary biologist who made major contributions to evolutionary theory and is particularly remembered by his groundbreaking paper "A New Evolutionary Law" (1973) where he provided evidence from fossil record data that this law maintains that the probability of extinction within any group remains es­sentially constant through time. In order to explain such unexpected result, Van Valen formulated a very influential idea that he dubbed the "Red Queen hypothesis". It states that the constant decay must be a consequence of evolutionary interactions among connected species within ecological networks. In Van Valen's picture, species do not merely evolve: they also coevolve with other species. As a consequence, when thinking in adaptation to an external environment, the other species must be considered as part (may be a major part) of such external world. Van Valen's law provided the first complex systems theory of coevolutionary dynamics and inspired a whole range of theoretical and experimental developments and scholars from very diverse fields, from economics to physics. In that respect, Leigh Van Valen's contribution percolated far beyond its original formulation. Red Queen arms races are nowadays considered a widespread feature of complex adaptive systems.

scholarly journals University Library as a Complex Adaptive System (CAS)

2017 ◽  
Vol 11 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Roberta Moraes De Bem ◽  
Christianne Coelho de Souza Reinisch Coelho ◽  
Gertrudes Aparecida Dandolini
Keyword(s):  
Literature Review ◽  
Complex Adaptive Systems ◽  
Adaptive Systems ◽  
Adaptive System ◽  
Complex Adaptive System ◽  
University Libraries ◽  
University Library ◽  
Complex Adaptive ◽  
The University

The paper introduces a theoretical model based on literature review for understanding the University Libraries as Complex Adaptive Systems, introducing a new methodology to deal with these institutions. It is a possibility for University Libraries managers to glimpse the unstable scenario of these institutions. This approach is based on the literature review to identify approaches considering the complexity within the libraries in order to base the construction of a model as a proposal. Although there are approaches that consider the University Library as a complex institution, it attests that this is not considered in its entirety, that is, not all its services and agents are involved, but only focus on some aspects or services. Besides, the characterization and understanding of the University Library as a Complex Adaptive System is unknown in the literature. The proposal of a model facilitates the understanding and provides the possibility of practical application for characterization of these institutions, University Libraries, as Complex Adaptive Systems, providing different types of knowledge, as well as the strategies and actions necessary to adapt to the ephemeral context in which they operate.

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