The Meaning of System

2014 ◽  
Vol 1 (1) ◽  
pp. 21-34 ◽  
Author(s):  
Steen Leleur

This article reviews the generic meaning of ‘system’ and complements more conventional system notions with a system perception based on recent complexity theory. With system as the core concept of systems theory, its actual meaning is not just of theoretical interest but is highly relevant also for systems practice. It is argued that complexity theory and thinking with reference to Luhmann a.o. ought to be recognised and paid attention to by the systems community. Overall, it is found that a complexity orientation may contribute to extend and enrich the explanatory power of current systems theory when used to complex real-world problems. As regards systems practice it is found that selective use and combination of five presented research approaches (functionalist, interpretive, emancipatory, postmodern and complexity) which function as different but complementing ‘epistemic lenses’ in a process described as constructive circularity, may strengthen the exploration and learning efforts in systems-based intervention.

2017 ◽  
pp. 67-82
Author(s):  
Steen Leleur

This article reviews the generic meaning of ‘system' and complements more conventional system notions with a system perception based on recent complexity theory. With system as the core concept of systems theory, its actual meaning is not just of theoretical interest but is highly relevant also for systems practice. It is argued that complexity theory and thinking with reference to Luhmann a.o. ought to be recognised and paid attention to by the systems community. Overall, it is found that a complexity orientation may contribute to extend and enrich the explanatory power of current systems theory when used to complex real-world problems. As regards systems practice it is found that selective use and combination of five presented research approaches (functionalist, interpretive, emancipatory, postmodern and complexity) which function as different but complementing ‘epistemic lenses' in a process described as constructive circularity, may strengthen the exploration and learning efforts in systems-based intervention.


2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (9) ◽  
pp. 4011
Author(s):  
Dan Wang ◽  
Jindong Zhao ◽  
Chunxiao Mu

In the field of modern bidding, electronic bidding leads a new trend of development, convenience and efficiency and other significant advantages effectively promote the reform and innovation of China’s bidding field. Nowadays, most systems require a strong and trusted third party to guarantee the integrity and security of the system. However, with the development of blockchain technology and the rise of privacy protection, researchers has begun to emphasize the core concept of decentralization. This paper introduces a decentralized electronic bidding system based on blockchain and smart contract. The system uses blockchain to replace the traditional database and uses chaincode to process business logic. In data interaction, encryption techniques such as zero-knowledge proof based on graph isomorphism are used to improve privacy protection, which improves the anonymity of participants, the privacy of data transmission, and the traceability and verifiable of data. Compared with other electronic bidding systems, this system is more secure and efficient, and has the nature of anonymous operation, which fully protects the privacy information in the bidding process.


2021 ◽  
pp. 102986492098831
Author(s):  
Andrea Schiavio ◽  
Pieter-Jan Maes ◽  
Dylan van der Schyff

In this paper we argue that our comprehension of musical participation—the complex network of interactive dynamics involved in collaborative musical experience—can benefit from an analysis inspired by the existing frameworks of dynamical systems theory and coordination dynamics. These approaches can offer novel theoretical tools to help music researchers describe a number of central aspects of joint musical experience in greater detail, such as prediction, adaptivity, social cohesion, reciprocity, and reward. While most musicians involved in collective forms of musicking already have some familiarity with these terms and their associated experiences, we currently lack an analytical vocabulary to approach them in a more targeted way. To fill this gap, we adopt insights from these frameworks to suggest that musical participation may be advantageously characterized as an open, non-equilibrium, dynamical system. In particular, we suggest that research informed by dynamical systems theory might stimulate new interdisciplinary scholarship at the crossroads of musicology, psychology, philosophy, and cognitive (neuro)science, pointing toward new understandings of the core features of musical participation.


2016 ◽  
Vol 34 (4) ◽  
pp. 280-289 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ellen T Crumley

Background Internationally, physicians are integrating medical acupuncture into their practice. Although there are some informative surveys and reviews, there are few international, exploratory studies detailing how physicians have accommodated medical acupuncture (eg, by modifying schedules, space and processes). Objective To examine how physicians integrate medical acupuncture into their practice. Methods Semi-structured interviews and participant observations of physicians practising medical acupuncture were conducted using convenience and snowball sampling. Data were analysed in NVivo and themes were developed. Despite variation, three principal models were developed to summarise the different ways that physicians integrated medical acupuncture into their practice, using the core concept of ‘helping’. Quotes were used to illustrate each model and its corresponding themes. Results There were 25 participants from 11 countries: 21 agreed to be interviewed and four engaged in participant observations. Seventy-two per cent were general practitioners. The three models were: (1) appointments (44%); (2) clinics (44%); and (3) full-time practice (24%). Some physicians held both appointments and regular clinics (models 1 and 2). Most full-time physicians initially tried appointments and/or clinics. Some physicians charged to offset administration costs or compensate for their time. Discussion Despite variation within each category, the three models encapsulated how physicians described their integration of medical acupuncture. Physicians varied in how often they administered medical acupuncture and the amount of time they spent with patients. Although 24% of physicians surveyed administered medical acupuncture full-time, most practised it part-time. Each individual physician incorporated medical acupuncture in the way that worked best for their practice.


2016 ◽  
Vol 2 (4) ◽  
Author(s):  
Norbert Hornstein ◽  
Kleanthes Grohmann ◽  
Juan Uriagereka ◽  
David Berlinski

At the core of case lies an abstract, phonetically null Case. The authors discuss how Jean-Roger Vergnaud’s proposal regarding abstract Case enhanced the explanatory power of Universal Grammar.


Author(s):  
João Carlos Parcianello ◽  
Marcos Paulo Dhein Griebeler

O presente artigo tem por objetivo analisar a inovação em processos na empresa metalmecânica denominada Fábrica de Secadores, Classificadores e Elevadores Ltda. (FASCE). A empresa e suas inovações em processo foram analisadas por intermédio da teoria dos sistemas e da teoria da complexidade, denominadas simplesmente por sistemas abertos complexos, expostas inicialmente no referencial teórico. A ênfase dada ao tratamento da informação, principalmente por meio de um gatekeeper, potencializa o desenvolvimento de inovações em processo na empresa. O entendimento de que as partes do sistema se relacionam entre si, com o próprio sistema e este com outros sistemas – sistema aberto – desvenda uma série de interações complexas, as quais permitem a sobrevivência e o desenvolvimento da empresa, da mesma maneira que um sistema vivo. As inovações em processo na empresa FASCE propiciam um eficiente desenvolvimento empresarial, pois auxiliam a torná-la competitiva.


Author(s):  
Michael H. Herzog ◽  
Gregory Francis ◽  
Aaron Clarke
Keyword(s):  

2021 ◽  
pp. 146470012110463
Author(s):  
Steve Garlick

Although there is much feminist work that has examined the intersection of gender and neoliberalism, critical work on men and masculinities remains underdeveloped in this area. This article suggests that complexity theory is a crucial resource for a critical analysis of the ways in which masculinities contribute to the ongoing maintenance of neoliberal socio-economic systems. Critical work on neoliberalism and capitalist economics has recently been drawn to complex systems theory, as evidenced by the work of scholars such as Sylvia Walby, William Connolly and Brian Massumi. Their work produces important insights into neoliberalism, but does not develop a sustained reflection on the place of men and masculinities in this domain. In order to develop a critical account of the relation of masculinity to complexity, the article draws on the work of Judith Butler and Bonnie Mann. It suggests that Butler’s theorising on precariousness contains important resources for understanding how hegemonic masculinities are positioned in relation to the complexity of neoliberal systems, as illustrated in Mann’s concept of ‘sovereign masculinity’. Finally, drawing on two different examples of the enactment of masculinities in neoliberal contexts, the article argues that hegemonic forms of masculinity can be understood as technologies for the amelioration of the complexities and insecurities generated by neoliberal markets.


2021 ◽  
Vol 8 (1) ◽  
pp. 252-266
Author(s):  
Ahmet Koşar ◽  
Aytul Kasapoglu

More than 95 percent of those who lost their lives as a result of the spread of the Covid-19 virus to the world since the beginning of 2020 are over the age of 60 (WHO, 2020). The main purpose of this article is to reveal the vital difficulties of the 65-75 age group in Turkey, who were quarantined due to the Covid-19 pandemic, as a result of deprivation of their former normal lives and how they overcame them. The theoretical starting point of this study is the relational sociologist H. White and his “uncertainty” classification. In the study, Grounded Theory Methodology was chosen as one of the qualitative research approaches and open, axial and selective codings were made as a requirement of this. In this context, interviews were made with 12 individuals from the 65-75 age group and the data were presented in figures. As a result of open, axial and selective coding, the core concept of the study was determined as "solidarity". In accordance with the grounded theory, at the end of the study, the "solidarity process" was narrated using the "river" metaphor.


2005 ◽  
Vol 28 (2) ◽  
pp. 217-218 ◽  
Author(s):  
Allan N. Schore

Lewis describes the developmental core of dynamic systems theory. I offer recent data from developmental neuroscience on the sequential experience-dependent maturation of components of the limbic system over the stages of infancy. Increasing interconnectivity within the vertically integrated limbic system allows for more complex appraisals of emotional value. The earliest organization of limbic structures has an enduring impact on all later emotional processing.


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