bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Comments on “distributed computation by graph reduction” by r. m. keller: Response to distributed computation by graph reduction
Authors: Hoevel Lee W. 
Published: February 2011

AbstractRobert Keller's “Distributed Computation by Graph Reduction” promotes the use of distributed graph reduction to implement functional languages on highly parallel computers. In examining the potential for parallelism in FEL, however, the paper appeals to terminology and ideas associated with: Graph reduction theory, lambda calculus, distributed processing, computer architecture, and parallel machine organization. The suggested tie between functional paradigms and parallel machine organizations is sometimes obscured by the density of italicized terms and concepts. Those “only familiar with Fortran‐like languages” may find it challenging reading indeed.
A hierarchical information processing model for adaptation to technology change
Authors: Zeigler Bernard P. , Reynolds Robert G. 
Published: February 2011

AbstractA model for relating corporate structure and organization to environmental information processing demands is presented. The environment is modelled as presenting a series of opportunities (problems) which must be capitalized upon (solved) within limited time windows. The rate of opportunity arrival and the size of the window are parameters hypothetically related to the growth phase of the industry (in which the firm is engaged) and the intensity of competition it encounters. Technological discontinuity is represented as a change in the problem type to be solved. The model proposes certain locally applicable transformations to the firm's hierarchical structure as mediating its adaptive response. Policies are then examined for selecting such transformations so as to adapt to environmental parameter changes. Some empirically testable predictions of the model are deduced and future directions are discussed.
Comments on “a hierarchical information processing model for adaptation to technological change”: Respondent's notes niv ahituv
Authors: Zeigler B. P. , Reynolds R. G. 
Published: February 2011

AbstractZeigler and Reynold's paper attempts to cope with a very serious problem: How organizations should adjust their information processing capacity in order to respond to a rapidly changing technology? The basic assumption is that organizations wish to survive, and to fulfil this they have to modify their information system so they can react on time to questions introduced by the environment.
Aging of cities, corporations and civilizations
Authors: Hershey Daniel 
Published: February 2011

AbstractLiving systems trace the birth, growth, maturity, sensecence and death sequence. So‐called inanimate systems such as cities, corporations and civilizations also evolve and age and may die if corrective measures are not instituted. Beyond a certain size, uncontrolled growth and gigantism become a burden, which contribute to the malfunction of the system. In this paper questions are raised about size vs function and the forces which drive a system from its stationary state to other emerging, nonequilibrium states. These forces may be economic, entropic, or in the case of civilizations, be the uncreative malaise which settles in after the bureaucracy becomes too firmly entrenched.
Morphology: A knowledge tool
Authors: Shurig Russ 
Published: February 2011

AbstractMorphology is the study of forms and structures but also of the underlying interconnections and continuity of forms and structures. The academically recognized tools of deductive and inductive logic, and mathematics are often insufficient for interdisciplinary research. Morphology was resuscitated by Goethe two centuries ago for the study of total organisms as an alternative to reductionistic and mechanistic description and explanation. The morphological approach to description or explanation complements the genealogical mode. Since Goethe's time, morphology has had numerous applications to the Hydro/lithosphere (the material forms of the world), the Biosphere (the world of lifeforms), and the Noosphere. Explanation of the meaning and use of morphology, and recent, classical, and original examples of its use are presented.
Evolution ex machina
Authors: Fedanzo A. J. 
Published: February 2011

AbstractArguments and evidence are presented demonstrating the presence of Darwinian evolution within large public and private organizations by virtue of their use of advanced computerized data base systems. A brief synopsis of modern evolutionary theory and data processing as practiced in public and private organizations is presented to display the underlying information processing basis of each. Key functional equivalences in both kinds of systems are noted and their implications for understanding the behavior of both individuals and nations in light of the spread of computerized data base technology is assessed.
Letter to the editor
Authors: Henshaw Philip F. 
Published: February 2011

AbstractIn the Ross Ashby Memorial Lecture [3] Robert Rosen raises valuable questions about the mechanistic representations of natural causes found in conventional systems theory and the physical sciences. While I applaud his frustration with the often simplistic representations of nature offered by physics and systems theory, I rather, doubt that adding a new level of complexity to mathematical descriptions will solve the problem. Any reformulation of the mathematical representation of nature would still seem to incorporate the most radical oversimplification of the Neutonian model, the implication that causality in the natural world is of the same form as the abstract relations we use to describe and predict it.
Using systems theory to provide an empirical focus for political science
Authors: Miller Trudi C. 
Published: February 2011

AbstractThe systems theoretic concept of emergent properties provides a useful empirical and theoretical focus for political science. Significant political events, such as treaties, reforms and wars, involve super‐ and sub‐additive changes in performance—changes that cannot be accounted for by simple aggregations or projections of prior trends. These events are poorly represented by common empirical methods, such as regression and other quasi‐experimental designs; and this mismatch explains some past failures of basic and applied research. Happily, more appropriate quantiative representations, which I usually call capacity expansion (contraction) models, are available and in use.
Purposes and the translation of values into action
Authors: Kinston Warren 
Published: February 2011

AbstractPurpose, a fundamental concept for organized activity and mental functioning, is currently without developed and accepted theory. This paper offers an important component of any practical theory of purpose. The framework has been elaborated and tested in the process of action research. It reveals the structural foundations of purpose to be a five‐level hierarchical system whose function is the translation of values into action. The levels (each of which is a form of purpose) are labelled: Banner goal, mission, political aim, strategic objective and tactical objective. These levels are defined, their operation illustrated, their expression in social forms described and the relations of the levels to each other clarified. Examples of organizational dysfunction directly attributable to deficiency at each level are provided. Further implications and applications of the theory are suggested, and the limitation of its scope is noted.
System stability principles
Authors: Watt Kenneth E. F. , Craig Paul P. 
Published: February 2011

AbstractPrinciples of system instability in the literature fall into seven categories, distinguished by the nature of the system's strategic response to potential sources of instability. Each of the principles is illustrated using various cases, including the Industrial Revolution. The principles suggest an optimal design of quick‐response teams for coping with major social surprises, and seven early‐warning indicators of impending socio‐economic‐environmental surprises.
Succession as an alternative to the concept of product life cycle
Authors: Joseph Sirgy M. , Giles Robert H. 
Published: February 2011

AbstractProduct life cycle (PLC) is shown to be a special case of a more general concept, ecological succession, itself a special case of general succession. The attributes of ecological succession are described in both biological and social—economic spheres. PLC behavior is analyzed using attributes of ecological succession and it is demonstrated to be a special case of succession.
Accounting information systems in the framework of living systems theory and research
Authors: Swanson G. A. , Miller James Grier 
Published: February 2011

AbstractThis paper suggests that general living systems theory (GLST) may provide a conceptual framework to guide practical research on accounting information systems. The accounting information system is described as a subset of the information processing subsystems of GLST, thus demonstrating that research based on GLST may enhance the quality of research on accounting information systems.
Methodological criticism
Authors: Aulin Arvid 
Published: February 2011

AbstractIt is pointed out that a strategy of generalizing proofs underlies the fundamental mathematical theories of exact sciences, as an essential element leading to the accumulation of theoretical knowledge. This element is neglected by the ultra‐empiricists (Popper, Lakatos, Kuhn, Feyerabend, von Bertalanffy), with bad consequences for their followers in the sciences and in systems research.
Complexity in natural and cultural systems
Authors: Serra Roberto , Zanarini Gianni 
Published: February 2011

AbstractThe physics of complex macroscopic systems is developing new concepts and techniques to describe self‐organization and chaotic phenomena. The relevance of these concepts for the study of cultural systems is discussed in this paper. There are at least two levels at which physical concepts may be used for this purpose: One is the metaphorical and analogical level, where physical concepts provide ‘lenses’ through which cultural systems may also be analyzed; the other is the ‘operational’ level where, in certain cases, the same mathematical techniques can be employed. Both are discussed extensively, and a particular example is studied in detail, namely the formation of public opinion through cooperative effects.The major points stressed in the paper are the need to use different description levels in dealing with complex systems, and the relationships among these description levels.
Man as a hierarchical and purposeful intelligent system
Authors: Paritsis Nicholas C. 
Published: February 2011

AbstractMan's intelligence is analyzed as a hierarchical system with five levels. The first level (L1) realizes mainly input and output transformations and is placed between the rest of the intelligent system on the one side and (a) the rest of the organism and (b) its environment on the other side. The second level (L2) is the motivational one and the third level (L3) is the cognitive one. Both L2 and L3 have a structure similar to the classical control systems with the difference that, instead of having a comparator, they have an integrator. The fourth level (L4) observes the regularities of the events in L2 and L3 and achieves a model of functioning of these levels and a model of the world as it is perceived by the human intelligent system. The fifth level (L5) is the linguistic and cultural level which communicates with L4, transcribes it into human language terms and communicates it and contrasts it with the description of (a) L4 and (b) other humans, with the function of forming a model of itself, of others and of the world as it is socially and culturally accepted.
Complexity: A definition by construction of a conceptual framework
Authors: Flood R. L. 
Published: February 2011

AbstractThis paper is concerned with the development of a transportable conceptual framework (a definition) of complexity which will contribute to its understanding in a wide variety of contexts. To achieve this, the concept of complexity is related to both systems and people. Complexity is shown to be related to systems via the number of elements and relationships, and later via non‐linearity, asymmetry and non‐holonomic constraints. Complexity is also shown to be related to people via their notions and perceptions, and interests and capabilities. The paper then ties the ideas of two‐dimensional science, hierarchy and emergence, and a new development of Weaver's three ranges of complexity, to this framework.
Analysis of soft trends in systems thinking
Authors: Kijima Kyoichi , Mackness John 
Published: February 2011

AbstractThis paper aims to investigate characteristics of recent ‘soft’ problem solving approaches in OR as well as in systems science. A general scheme is first developed in which the inquiry processes of systems approaches are discussed. This scheme also reveals the essential ingredients of a systems approach which determine the ‘softness’. Then, three soft systems approaches are analyzed, i.e. hypergame analysis, cognitive mapping analysis and soft systems methodology. Finally, the properties, in terms of general systems theory and cybernetics, of these soft systems approaches are discussed assuming that their inquiry processes are directed at producing improvement as well as explanation and accommodation to the real world situation.
Matching design methods to system type
Authors: Banathy Bela H. 
Published: February 2011

AbstractThe basic premise of this paper is that when engaging in design in the context of human activity systems, the design methods chosen should match the type and characteristics of the system we are designing. The presentation is grounded in a general theory of human systems, a systems approach to design, experience in designing design inquiry, and carrying out design in the context of human activity systems. The paper is developed in three interdependent components that jointly constitute the argument for the need to select design methods that are appropriate to the type of system we are designing. These components are as follows.1. The construction of a map that will enable us to make distinctions among the various types of human activity systems and their systemic characteristics.2. The implications of the different system types and characteristics in the construction of criteria in selecting design methods that are appropriate to various system types and match their characteristics.3. The examination of the implications of the findings of the exploration introduced in this paper to: (a) design inquiry, (b) design education, and (c) design research.An example highlights the issue of selecting design methods that match system type and systemic characteristics.The focus of this article is on the exploration of the relationship between design methods and system types, which is only one of the aspects of the richness of considerations one has to contemplate in design inquiry.
Comparing civilizations as systems
Authors: Bahm Archie J. 
Published: February 2011

AbstractComparison of Western, Indian and Chinese civilizations as cultural systems exhibiting persisting ideals constituting important structural differences reveals that two taproots of Western civilization (the Hebraic stressing will and the Greek stressing reason) as characteristics essential to the nature of the world and man, are opposed in Hindu culture idealizing Nirguna Brahman as complete absence of both will (desire) and reason (distinctions) and yogic endeavor designed to eliminate both from persons, are partially integrated as complementary opposites in Chinese taoistic yin‐yang ideals about both the universe and man. Opportunities for further research comparing cultural systems seem unlimited.
On the modelling relation
Authors: Kampis György 
Published: February 2011

AbstractSome conceptual problems which are related to the way data (i.e. empirical information) are represented in model building are discussed. Elements of a framework for modelling are proposed in which a constructive relationship between the data and the modelling relation itself is incorporated. The main novelty of this approach is the use of the notion of information set, which is defined as the set of observed values of those observables which are actually available as data sources for a given model, as contrasted to a complete set of observations where questions of restricted availability cannot be raised. This permits the application of complexity theory in a new way. Some examples are given where, as a consequence, essential differences between descriptions, otherwise considered equivalent, will be revealed. One application, showing the existence of fundamentally inequivalent forms of dynamics which belong to different information sets, is elaborated in more detail.la science occidentale est fondée sur la doctrine monastique d'un univers ordonné, créé par un Dieu qui reste hors de la nature et la gouverne par des lois accessibles á la raison humaine.
Correspondence: An application of interpretive structural modeling to a university research committee's grant decisions
Authors: Rappaport Allen , Scott Cawelti G. , Ratliff Ruth E. 
Published: February 2011

AbstractUniversities maintain many systems that help order activities. Among these are the systems that provide financial support for research activity. One frequently occurring system is a university level committee that reviews the merits of research funding requests. In this study. Interpretive Structural Modeling is used to generate the hierarchy of criteria employed by a university research committee to evaluate and fund proposals from faculty in the arts, music, mathematics, science, and the applied disciplines. Thirty‐four elements and 20 levels are developed. The resulting hierarchy is a preference list suitable for judging proposals that lend themselves to formal research design. The existing system using the current project evaluation framework to simultaneously encourage creative work in art and music along with traditional research in other disciplines is deemed unsatisfactory. A separate allocation system for the arts and music is under study.
Correspondence aging and evolving systems
Authors: Hershey Daniel 
Published: February 2011

AbstractModels describing the history of systems are discussed, from the stable equilibrium state to the aging non‐equilibrium stationary state to the evolving, order through fluctuations state. Social systems, traditionally equilibrium states, are shown to be more suited to an evolution model. Living systems as well as corporations are similarly better served when viewed as dissipative systems which find stability through fluctuations.
The fall of capitalism and socialism
Authors: Kostopoulos Tryphon 
Published: February 2011

AbstractNomocracy is the new mode of production that is replacing capitalism. Intelligence and knowledge are replacing capital and commodity. Knowledge appears as the objectivized reflection of nature and its laws. Nature and man acquire an abstract twin in formula form, and the aggregation of formulas makes the Nomos that gradually takes one crucial role in the production process. Material production becomes a derivative of knowledge. Advances in modern sciences are making mass production into hypermass, and the market system unworkable. Scarcity of knowledge is replacing scarcity of commodities, and accumulation and concentration of knowledge displaces that of capital. A shift to knowledge production sweeps all our preconceptions of work, administration, justice, racial equality, freedom, ethics, etc. from the board. We are moving into a situation where the real material world (inclusive man) will be subordinated to the abstract Nomos.
A theory of practice in the social systems sciences
Authors: Ackoff Russell L. 
Published: February 2011

AbstractThe principles that guide the practice of the author and the reasons for them are presented. These principles have been extracted from 40 years of applying the systems sciences to managerial problems in practitioner—client relationships. These principles focus on the role of the practitioner in encouraging and facilitating the development of the relevant stakeholders during an engagement. This is done primarily through participative idealized redesign of the system which has the problems being addressed. What the practitioner must bring to the design process, his or her personal relationships with the responsible decision maker, and ‘selling’ are among the other aspects of practice that are discussed.
Towards designing an information‐flow‐structure of resource wastes for national planning
Authors: Gupta M. P. , Gupta Sushil 
Published: February 2011

AbstractGlobal concern for the severe resource crisis and environmental upsurge has emphasized the need to review the economic policy and planning process and explore the possibility of incorporating waste management aspects in it. This paper specifically deals with the issues related to the development and design of an information‐flow‐structure about resource wastes, with the understanding that waste management is a matter of serious concern for policy formulation, subsequent planning and implementation at the national level. This structure should support the national planning system based on an I–O–W (Input—Output—Waste) model which is the logical extension of an I–O model. Identification of informational needs of national planners about wastes would be the starting point towards designing such a structure. Interpretive Structural Modelling (ISM) is found to be a powerful technique to transform the complex mental models into a visible and well‐defined structural format. This is proposed here to be used for the development of the necessary information‐flow‐structure parallel to the existing productive systems, which should support the informational needs of top‐level planners and decision‐makers.
Design of the modern inquiring system—ii. the contemporary computer
Authors: Van Gigch J. P. 
Published: February 2011

AbstractThis is the second installment of a series of articles which attempts to trace the development of the modern inquiring system (IS), a system dedicated to the acquisition, production and dissemination of knowledge. The system which the writers of this column have in mind is a conceptual entity which need not be embodied in an actual piece of hardware, although the modern version of the computer has propelled the design of the IS system to previously unheard of capabilities
The kondratiev phenomenon: A systems perspective
Authors: De Greene Kenyon B. 
Published: February 2011

AbstractDuring periods of social and economic malaise, such as the present, there tends to be renewed interest in Kondratiev cycles or economic long waves. However, the existence of these forms is highly debated. This paper redefines the issues to emphasize deep evolutionary sequences of societal structural changes within which more surficial periodic and aperiodic cycles and spatiotemporal waveforms can be recognized. The history of long‐wave studies and controversy is discussed. The original findings of N. D. Kondratiev are briefly reviewed. The characteristics of the present downturn are discussed. A systems summary of the Kondratiev phenomenon is presented. Then evidence for the existence of the Kondratiev phenomenon and its associated manifestations is provided. Considerable evidence comes from the analysis of time‐series data. However, major emphasis is placed on systems theory and the explanatory role of system dynamics, catastrophe theory and dissipative‐structure theory. The importance of macropsychological driving forces is briefly summarized. Kondratiev theory is interpreted as paradigm shift. The relevance of Kondratiev theory to societal systems planning, policymaking and design is stressed. This paper deals with the levels of the society and supranational system of living systems theory.