bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Systems thinking and management values in the microchip era: An action agenda for institutional transformation
Authors: Ericson Richard F. 
Published: February 2011

AbstractThis era of unprecedented acceleration in technological change is producing severe ‘institutional disarticulation’. The resulting turbulence in organizational environments generates seemingly intractable managerial problems, exacerbated by a growing cleavage between espoused and operative values. In the United States and elsewhere, the urgent need is for a comprehensive societal system design which will effectively integrate appropriate management values and practices with correspondingly optimal organization structures and processes, in a rearticulated (transformed) institutional framework. Microchip technologies are now providing potential for systemic implementation and cybernetic integration of such societal redesign. The crucial question is: Do we have the wit and the will to move toward realization of such a major and transforming undertaking?
Systems closure and enquiry
Authors: D'Arcy Brian G. , Jayaratna Nimal 
Published: February 2011

AbstractAs an emerging paradigm systems inquiry depends upon the credibility of those entities selected as ‘relevant’ and given the notation of ‘system’. The complexity of the subject of inquiry (the ‘real world’), the artificiality of the boundaries selectively imposed on some features of that ‘reality’ and the conditioned limitations of the imposer of such boundaries, combine to challenge, or at least call into question, the credibility of that paradigm. This paper discusses the significance of boundaries and their imposition as determining factors in specifying not just the quality of systems inquiries but, perhaps more importantly, the fundamental nature of such inquiries themselves. In addition, the conditioned limitations within which the inquirer seeks to identify and make manifest those understandings which are both systemic and relevant are examined together with the potential consequences of such limitations. The paper does not claim to exhaust the argument, merely expose it.
Reconstructability analysis: Aims, results, open problems
Authors: Klir George J. , Way Eileen C. 
Published: February 2011

AbstractThe term ‘reconstructability analysis’ has evolved as a generic term for all aspects of a methodology whose aim is to deal with problems associated with the relationship between systems perceived as wholes and their various subsystems (i.e. parts of the wholes). This article is a state‐of‐the‐art report on reconstructability analysis (RA). It contains a description of problems that are studied under RA, a summary of main results obtained within RA, an outline of some important issues associated with RA that require further research, and an up‐to‐date bibliography of RA.After a general discussion of the issues associated with the whole/part relationship and an overview of the aims of RA, the article describes results obtained for two problems that are subjects of study in RA. One of the problems, called an identification problem, is concerned with inferences about an unknown overall system from a given set of its subsystems. A deductive inference from the given subsystems results in the set of all overall systems which yield those very subsystems; it is called a reconstruction family. The ability to identify the true overall system is measured by an identifiability quotient that is inversely proportional to the relative size of the reconstruction family. A selection of one overall system from the reconstruction family requires an inductive inference. It is argued that the selected system should be unbiased and a simple procedure for determining it (called a join procedure) is described.The second problem, called a reconstruction problem, is concerned with the determination of such subsystems, as small as possible, from which the overall system can be reconstructed to an acceptable degree of approximation. The approximation is measured by an information distance between the given and reconstructed overall systems. The reconstruction problem involves a number of computational difficulties. Some approaches to overcoming these difficulties are discussed. The article also contains a description of simulation experiments which contributed toward the determination of some fundamental characteristics of RA for the reconstruction problem.
The national forum on nonindustrial private forest lands
Authors: Christakis Alexander N. 
Published: February 2011

AbstractA National Forum for Nonindustrial Private Forest Landowners was convened by Secretary John B. Crowell, Jr. of the U.S. Department of Agriculture in St. Louis, Missouri from 31 October to 3 November 1983. Using the Interactive Management approach, an Agenda was designed, whereby the Forum would be conducted with the specific intent to achieve consensus on a wide variety of issues, and to ensure ample opportunity for the Participants to make their views heard. In view of the fact that there were 160 Participants, of whom about 20 were designated as Active Participants, the achievements of this Forum, reported in this paper, were remarkable. The Active Participants were engaged directly in the identification, structuring, and resolution of public policy issues confronting the Forestry Community, while the Supportive Participants were able to observe the facilitated discourse by means of TV monitors dispersed throughout the conference room. Numerous caucuses were held, whereby Supportive Participants gave their views to the Active Participants. One of the most positive and productive outcomes of the Forum was the engagement, for the first time, of the various segments of the Forestry Community in collecting ideas on problems and opportunities, developing options for realizing those opportunities, and deciding who should act on those opportunities.
Organizational influence on future information systems architecture
Authors: Beers L. W.(Roy) 
Published: February 2011

AbstractThe influence of an organizational structure on the structure of its information processing systems is considered in terms of the present status, current trends, and future directions in information systems; especially in the light of changing technology.Current organizations are structured hierarchically, while information processing systems have little physical structure, and logically can be described as monolithic resources. The possible emergence of new types of information processing systems is evaluated. Technology advances will allow and invite very different forms of system architectures, all of which are likely to support distributed processing systems. Configurations of future distributed processing systems likely will mirror the configurations of the user organizations.
Applicative programming
Authors: Richards Hamilton 
Published: February 2011

AbstractApplicative programming notations offer important advantages over conventional ones both for software development and for the full exploitation of multiprocessor computer systems. They simplify the software developer's tools and techniques, streamline his picture of the equipment on which his software will run, and provide him with powerful modularization facilities for coping with the complexity of application problems. Their simple and mathematically sound semantics support formal reasoning about programs and proofs of their correctness, and the absence of explicit sequencing in applicative programs facilitates their execution by systems of multiple concurrent processors.A familiar—if limited—example of applicative programming is the ubiquitous dynamic spreadsheet. The commercial success of spreadsheet packages demonstrates the appeal of abstractness, and an examination of spreadsheets' “formula” facilities reveals why applicative programming and concurrent processing go so well together.The primary obstacles to widespread adoption of applicative programming are the scarcity of efficient implementations and the novelty and immaturity of the software technology. Applicative programming's fundamental soundness and the leverage it offers in coping with two of contemporary computing's most urgent problems argue that in time these obstacles will be overcome.
Comments on “applicative programming” by hamilton richards: Complementary remarks on applicative systems
Authors: Kluge Werner E. 
Published: February 2011

AbstractThe paper on “Applicative Programming” by H. Richards is a highly recommendable text for those wishing to get acquainted with the idea of applicative programming and system concepts. However, it should also be read by those who still prefer to take the sledgehammer approach to correct and verifiable software engineering and to the problem of nonsequential programming and program execution.
Axiomatic foundations of vector accounting
Authors: Deguchi Hiroshi , Nakano Bunpei 
Published: February 2011

AbstractIn this paper we discuss the structural foundations of micro‐economic exchange. To treat various features of the exchange in a general form, we formulate an algebraic system to serve as an abstraction of a bookkeeping system. First, we introduce the concept of an algebraic system to describe the micro‐economic activities of economic units. Next, we formulate an axiomatic system to capture the essence of economic transactions. Finally, we explicate the bookkeeping system in terms of this axiomatic system and make clear various notions concerning the micro‐economic activities of economic units. In this paper we consider only basic properties of this algebraic system; these become the mathematical foundation for a theory of an economic system.
Response to comments by robert rosen
Authors: Henshaw Philip F. 
Published: February 2011

AbstractThat making one's references clear can be painfully difficult sometimes is well demonstrated to me by Dr Rosen's response to my letter. My introduction of the idea that there had been a lack of attention to the differences between our images and their subjects could have easily been misinterpreted. It was meant only to lead into the succeeding paragraph where the negligence was referred to as applying to the entire history of thought. That makes the subject especially difficult to deal with for all of us, and Dr Rosen's efforts to expand the tasks of science to include it, especially valuable. As he says, one of the main problems in scientific theory is that its congruence with nature is awful. Nature just does not happen in classes of things, but that is all that conventional theoretical science has even the remotest capability of handling.
Can systems theory generate testable hypotheses?: From talcott parsons to living systems theory
Authors: Miller James Grier 
Published: February 2011

AbstractIt is useful for systems theories to distinguish between abstracted and concrete systems. Parsons and his followers have emphasized the first sort; Miller and others have emphasized the second. Scientific work can be conducted in terms of either sort of system, but concrete systems theory has elicited more quantitative research. In addition it brings social science closer to the natural sciences. Abstracted and concrete theories also differ in their categorization of subsystem processes. Recognition of the similarity of subsystems at various biological and social levels of systems facilitates the development of cross‐level hypotheses and quantitative research to test the existence of formal identities across levels.Few cross‐level formal identities have yet been investigated empirically, but such interdisciplinary fundamental research can confirm or disconfirm very powerful integrative systems principles. In recent years interest in such cross‐level research has been rising. Ten cross‐level studies are described.
Now is the time
Authors: Platt John 
Published: February 2011

AbstractWithin the next few years, our increasing international stresses seem likely to lead either to catastrophe or to major structural change. Our global technologies and global problems are pressing us inexorably toward a global level of human organization. But most of our current thinking about such problems is limited to the context of the present unstable system of more or less independent nations. It does not deal with the question of what new kind of global management structure we may have to adopt in order to get more security and more stability. “We are floundering for lack of a long‐run vision of where we want to be.”Could we begin to design such a structure? There have been brilliant advances in “social technical knowledge” in the last 40 years, for example in cybernetics, systems theory, game theory, psychology, management theory, micromotives and macro‐behavior, and the science of negotiation. These new disciplines might make possible the invention of various kinds of new self‐stabilizing social structures with democratic or mutual self‐management by the nations and peoples involved. Such forms based on modern principles and experiments might actually work much better than most of our present old‐fashioned and patchwork political arrangements.A discussion is given of the basic requirements for a global peace‐keeping system of this kind, if it is to be both effective and acceptable, with minimum interference with existing governments. Many variations are possible (as with biological organisms) as long as certain stability rules are not violated. If an experienced multinational group representing several disciplines could work out the principles of such a global management structure—one that offered a hard‐headed improvement in security and positive advantages to the major powers—it might give a larger view that would change the context and the thinking in many of our confrontations today.At crucial times in history, there have been astonishingly sudden step‐ups to new levels of organization, sometimes by deliberate design. In the next few months or years, at some moment of crisis, with international shock and public pressure, it could happen again. Now is the time to apply our new social knowledge to the drafting of a new global peace‐keeping design that could be ready for consideration when that moment comes.
The nature of existing systems
Authors: Bahm Archie J. 
Published: February 2011

AbstractA fuller and more detailed exposition of the organicistic general systems theory criticizing inadequacies in previous systems philosophies, especially emergentistic (exemplified by A. Koestler) and structuralist (exemplified by E. Laszlo), focuses on the nature of naturally existing systems. Additional exploration of the nature of abstracted and constructed mental systems has been postponed for later treatment. The nature of existing systems involves (1) existing and thus all essential characteristics of existence, (2) existing as something in itself (being an entity, having individuality, and being not any other system), (3) existing as a whole of parts with their interrelations (negation, interdependence, interaction, intercausation and dialectic), (4) existing as an organic unity of whole and parts (which is complex, multinegative, partial, variable and entitive), (5) existing in a world of other systems (including its parts as systems, higher‐level systems in which it is a part, coordinate systems, and larger and more comprehensive, multi‐leveled systems including the universe) with which each interrelates multi‐varyingly, intercausingly (involving novelty, interlevel causation, hierarchy, quanta and cessation) and (6) existing as an organic unity not only of its whole and parts but also of its participation in other systems (at all levels, including the universe as a whole) interdependingly, interactingly, intercausingly and dialectically.
Towards implementing the menon report: A systems approach using ISM
Authors: Ayiku M. N. B. 
Published: February 2011

AbstractThis paper discusses one procedure for examining technology policy objectives. A set of technology policy objectives was selected from a report prepared by a group of Commonwealth experts. These were then partially structured using Interpretive Structural Modeling (ISM) methodology. The resulting structure is presented and discussed. Deductions made from these are used to indicate a possible mode of efficiently implementing the main policy recommendations of the expert report consistent with the value system of the society concerned.
Adult cognitive and epistemological development in systems education
Authors: Salner Marcia 
Published: February 2011

AbstractThe purpose of this paper is to identify competencies that are essential to systems learning in undergraduate and graduate education. Specifically, the paper describes various stages of adult cognitive development, utilizing the theoretical framework of William Perry, and shows how these stages are related to basic epistemological issues and concerns that have predominated in the evolution of the philosophy of science. The paper identifies the stage of adult cognitive development and its related epistemological position that is most compatible with the assumptions of general systems theory. The paper argues that general systems theory cannot be adequately understood or applied by undergraduate or graduate students until their thinking has reached a particular developmental level and they have integrated particular epistemological assumptions into their world views. The paper demonstrates that the goals and requirements of systems learning are compatible with the goals and requirements of liberal or general education and suggests that educators in all disciplines, not just systems experts, must contribute to the development of systems competencies.
Toward a general systems theory of social behavior: A psychocybernetic perspective
Authors: Joseph Sirgy M. 
Published: February 2011

AbstractA general psychocybernetic theory of human behavior is introduced in this paper. The theory, referred to as ‘congruity theory’, is designed to explain both cognitive and affective behavior at both the individual and group levels. Cognitive phenomena are postulated to be determined by different patterns of perceptual congruity analyzed from four different analytical perspectives. Examples of cognitive phenomena examined include information processing, communication, adaptive learning and cognitive development. The four analytical perspectives are: (1) intrapersonal, (2) interpersonal, (3) situational/ecological and (4) developmental. In contrast, affective phenomena are postulated to be determined by different patterns of evaluative congruity analyzed from the four different analytical perspectives. Examples of affective phenomena examined include evaluation, exchange, strategic decision making and affective development. Both perceptual and evaluative congruity processes are described in terms of a cybernetic comparator function involving the valence property of the perceived stimulus and a referent belief. Perceptual congruity is argued to be directed by the need for cognitive consistency, whereas evaluative congruity is directed by the need for emotional enhancement.
Correspondence: Genetic epistemology of intelligent natural systems
Authors: Maccia George S. 
Published: February 2011

AbstractGeneral systems theory requires that system properties be distributed. In the cognitive domain, intelligence is a concept that characterizes cognitive behavior. Through philosophical analysis, the systemic distribution of artificial and natural intelligence are evaluated with respect to logical primitives in pattern recognition (qualitative intelligence). In order to determine the extent of that distribution, relevant cognitive conditions in machine programs, infrahumans and humans are examined. Qualitative intelligence is shown to be distributed in infrahuman and human systems but not in machine systems.
Toward escape from the limitations of economic systems analysis: Introduction of dimensionality
Authors: Xu Li Da 
Published: February 2011

AbstractThere is an inherent limitation in the reductive economic systems analysis that prevents its applicability to complex socio‐economic systems. In this paper, it is found that: (1) the concept of dimensionality, set forth by Warfield, provides us with a conceptual framework for modeling complex socio‐economic systems; and (2) the resultant dimensional analysis provides us with important insights that are not obtainable with other methods. The techniques of dimensional analysis are also discussed.
Entropy, aging and death
Authors: Hershey Daniel , Lee William E. 
Published: February 2011

AbstractIncreasing entropy is a measure of disorder in an aging system, where death is the ultimate or maximum disorder. Excess Entropy and Excess Entropy Production characterize the entropic distance from and the rate of approach to maximum disorder. Excess Entropy and Excess Entropy Production were calculated from the thermodynamics of irreversible processes for 39 human subjects now dead. Longevity tracks were calculated, based on these concepts. Comparisons of lifespan projections from these entropy tracks against actual longevity were: Within one year (16% of the subjects); within 4 years (48%); within 7 years (74%). These Excess Entropy tracks can be useful as diagnostic tools, such as when medical stresses drive the subject off the normal decreasing (type I) track onto a rising (type II) track. Recovery from the medical stress yields a resumption of decreasing (type III) track.
Correspondence: Education for systems practice
Authors: Mcwhinney Will , Bushnell Don 
Published: February 2011

AbstractThis paper presents a discussion of the requirements of training for systems praxis, indicating the system theories, epistemologies, and choice making skills that are needed for work in social change. It is proposed that a person working with social systems must recognize that the client systems will be using not only contemporary but many earlier forms of system thinking. Similarly, it is argued that the epistemologies we are using today do not support systemic thinking and modes of change. An alternative epistemology is proposed. A professional program leading to a doctorate in Human and Organizational Systems is described which is based on training in analysis, synthesis and choice. The program has been designed to be self‐reflective, employing systemic modes of learning for planning and executing systemic change.
A total framework for inquiry
Authors: Kinston Warren 
Published: February 2011

AbstractThe total framework for inquiry is formulated as consisting of seven hierarchical levels. The lower five, as described previously (Syst. Res. 2 (1985), 95–104), are concerned with representing knowledge; the sixth level has the function of testing and contains ‘inquiring systems’; and the seventh level contains the function of wonder. The inquiring systems are an image of the framework and therefore also form a seven‐level hierarchy, in which the lower five levels have been identified previously by Churchman (The Design of Inquiring Systems, Basic Books, New York, 1971). Two further inquiring systems are described: The sixth is the ‘dialogic’ and the seventh is the ‘contemplative’. The core testing processes which underlie each of the seven inquiring systems and provide each with its different guarantee of truth are distinguished. Each core testing process (and hence each inquiring system) is shown to be underpinned by a particular level in the inquiry framework. Various symmetries and the possibility of homology between the two hierarchical structures are briefly explored.