I wrote an essay on non linear thinking. It applies non linear dynamics to open systems in order to explain operations.
Operations are the competitive application of military force to achieve the objectives of strategy.
I took the view that most military doctrine, like business theory, applies a reductionist, static and linear approach to explain competitive behaviour. I used non linear concepts, including the Boyd Cycle to create an holistic, dynamic and non linear understanding of the complex interdependency between competiting systems. These concepts are relevant to business competition as well as military competition. Because of the focus of the subject area I was studying at the time I used three case studies to highlight the limitations of linear thinking being applied to the command, leadership and management of operations in the information age. The case studies are NATO's Air Campaign in Kosovo, Task Force Ranger Operations in Mogadishu and the Australian Army's Army in the 21st Century Review.