International Society for the Systems Sciences: Journals ISSS
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Resilience and Ecological Citizenship in Socio-Ecological Systems
No full textAs the current discussion of an Anthropocene geological epoch suggests, human planning and intentions have had tremendous effects on the earth’s ecosystems. One lesson has been that there must be a positive feedback loop for the proper resiliency in terms of system processes. Just as resilience is needed in the interactions across and within species for an ecosystem to persist over time, it is also a human imperative when faced with crises such as the massive perturbations of the Earth System we now call the Anthropocene. Among the variety of human capacities that the crisis will call upon, perhaps the most crucial is spiritual recovery. Resilience and sustainability of ecosystems will be possible only through spiritual enlightenment building on the open-minded attitude of individuals around the globe
Using Viable System Model for Chinese Outbound Tourist Market Sustainability
No full textTourism industry benefited worldwide economy providing services to Chinese Tourists who traveled to foreign in 2014 generating income by 165 billion dollars and accounting for 13% of international tourism. Realizing this market’s acquisition means growth opportunities for destinations; as well as the added difficulty in services nature of being unsteady, improvable and involving many factors. This article reaches the assembling of chinese outbound tourism market sustainability through the premise of a different perspective for conceptualizing, designing and delivering tourism services as part of a whole socio-ecological system; and sets out a reflection on sustainable responses to some emergencies derived from the increasing tourist activity of the chinese outbound market system. As examples of a problematic situation are augmenting infrastructure demand, transport and public services in peak season that exceeding load capacity generates negative results for residents and tourists; repercussions on wildlife by large tourist flows during critical moments of migration, breeding or rearing; impacts on local cultures due to the encounter between contrasting lifestyles. Therefore, the opportunity to expand choices grounded on the convenience of systemic approach for sustainable tourism study and decision-making. The outcome is the Chinese Outbound Market System diagnosis and teleology, the determination of recursive levels, interrelations and conflicts; as well as the systemic integration between it’s elements using Viable System Model to configure a holistic construct composed of relevant subsystems oriented to viability and sustainability. It is concluded that tourism planning that omits sustainable character, reduces social benefits severely with consequences not only ecologically harmful, but also economically self-destructive. In that way it could be possible to confront currently systemic socio-ecological issues
Passive Energy Conservation for Sustainable Buildings
No full textThe increasing demand for air conditioning especially in developing countries is a time bomb for the global climate warming. The supplementary electrical energy demand is on the way to be satisfied by means of CO2 emissive energy sources mainly fossil. The passive solutions must be used where it is possible; to decrease at least the energy load and it can be done for a low additional cost especially if it is implemented at the construction initial design stage. Some other promising passives means can be used for existing houses which are the weak point of all energy conservation policies. A passive house uses mainly passive systems to provide the ambient atmosphere treatment (lighting, heating, refreshment, renewal of air) and the associated comfort. A passive system uses and controls the natural energy streams surround the building such as the solar radiation and the wind. The active components of low energy consumption (such as ventilators and pumps) can be associated there and can be powered by renewable energy sources such as photo-voltaic. In fact, traditional architecture has always tried to adapt itself to the climate. The use of massive walls associated with white paint, small windows and narrow alleys in warm countries are a good example. Besides, architecture being a local feature, the original solutions of climate adaptation developed on a giving site on the earth can be unknown somewhere else. There is then the need for globalization to help us to benefit from others experience. If some well known passive techniques have shown a real efficiency in the reduction of the energy needs of the new buildings where they were integrated with the design and the construction, It is not the same case for the existing housing where these passive practices are rarely applicable. An insulation to be really efficient must be made on the outside of the house envelope. This is impractical in buildings already integrated into the urban architecture. It's the same for the thermal mass, the permanent solar protections or the orientation of the housing that are generally an inheritance of several decades of urban development. But recent improvements on some techniques well known by the past but suffering from some inconveniences, make them very promising especially on the adaptation to the existing house. It is the case of using phase change materials, reflecting paints and adapted ventilation strategies. In fact, the reduction of the energy consumption remains the best mean to limit the resort to fossil fuels and make economically viable the use of the renewable energies. It also gives time to the research in this field to succeed and to reach the phase of industrial maturation
Maturity Models in Systems Research and Practice
No full textIn 2016, a team of scholars met at a gathering sponsored by the International Federation for Systems Research (IFSR), to discuss how systems research could support the increase of systems literacy worldwide. Members of this team developed a conceptual model of the role of systems research in developing such literacy. One consideration this model identified was that people engage with the “systems world” from the vantage point of numerous roles: systems scientist, systems researcher, system engineer, systems philosopher, etc.. Each of these roles demands particular competence with respect to systems theory and practice. Future research must be done to identify a maturity profile for each role – how we can assess the degree to which a person is effectively executing the competencies required to do good systems work. Maturity models are utilized in several industries, in the attempt to cultivate and evaluate people’s ability to effectively execute complex tasks. This paper will examine current thought about the value and pitfalls of maturity models. To further the IFSR’s work of promoting world-class systems research, it will identify principles and exemplars that can guide the development of maturity models for the varied roles people take in the systems world
A Systemic and Hyperdimensional Model of a Conscious Cosmos and the Ontology of Consciousness in the Universe
No full textThe existence of consciousness in the universe as a consequent dimension of reality and a force able to shape material reality has to be integrated in cosmological physics theories whose stated aim is to describe the whole universe. General Systems Theory is a substantial global systemic framework that, blended with hyperdimensional physics, can ground such modeling. It is a fact that only by positing hyperdimensions can actual physics succeeds in reaching a near-unification of the four forces by blending the frameworks of Relativity Theory and Quantum Mechanics (such as in Witten’s 11-dimensional M-Theory). This paper argues that the only way to integrate the dimension of consciousness in a theory of the universe is by modeling a complex hyperdimension of consciousness (or ‘syg hyperdimension’) consisting in complex semantic fields (operating at all levels, from the cosmic to the biosystems levels), and entwined with a hyperspace and hypertime. The well substantiated ‘nonlocal’ dynamics of consciousness, experimentally evidenced, show mind processes constantly violating Newtonian-Einsteinian space and time constraints, and following instead complex systems dynamics based on connectivity and meaning. The Infinite Spiral Staircase theory (ISST) postulates that this triune hyperdimension operates at a sub-quantum scale, at the origin of the universe before the very Planck scale that allows the existence of particles (matter), as well as space and time. It is a Kaluza-Klein compact 5th dimension with a bulk pervading and encompassing our universe; the virtual particles of tachyonic speed populating it, the sygons, instantiate the very meaning-driven dynamics of our minds and allow for instant connectivity at a distance and two-way influences between semantic fields or minds and bio- and matter- systems
After the Anthropocene: A Degrowth Perspective on the Shortest Geological Period of all Times«
No full textThe narrative of the »anthropocene« is gaining traction. On the bandwaggon we find classical environmentalists who are using the term as the starkest form of warning against human self-destruction, as well as technological optimists of a Kurzweilian kind eager to accelerate the path of human technological domination of nature. Regardless if there truly »is« something like the anthropocene unfolding, if it is perceived to be real from a growing number of followers, it is real in its consequences. Such a reality of the anthropocene leads to different kinds of proposals how to deal with it. In this talk we will take a degrowth-oriented perspective (French: Décroissance; German: Postwachstumsökonomie) on the anthropocene and deconstruct it together with the economic growth paradigm. If at all, the anthropocene can at best be connected to the availability of high energy sources in combination with the expansionist economic regime of late capitalism. As growth slows and turns this regime into some form of postgrowth development, the human footprint will decelerate and the anthropocene will pass as a short-lived episode of human history. In the end it will be argued that Boulding's notion of »spaceship earth« does not equate with the coming of the anthropocene but with its hopefully civilized undoing
The Thinking Space: The Enactment of a Platform for Critical Systems Practice
No full textThis paper focuses on describing the process of enactment of a ‘platform’, namely, The Thinking Space (TS), as a device for Critical Systems Practice CSP. This is part of a research project that generated a series of findings contributing to the study of the process whereby different systems methodologies, methods, tools and techniques are used in combination. This process is known as Critical Systems Practice (CSP). The study yielded ‘defensible generalisations’ from a series of research themes explored. These defensible generalisations or contributions relate to three research issues relevant to CSP, namely, (a) pluralism, (b) improvement, and (c) the role of the agent. The learning derived from these research themes led the researcher to formulate the ‘transferable problem solving capability’ of the study: the enactment of ‘platforms’ as devices for operationalising CSP. Platforms are defined as ‘organisational and intellectual spaces’ enacted by actors and evolving with the changing nature of actors’ moment-to-moment interactions, by means of engaging in a continuous mutual research endeavour and of engaging in enhancing collective competence, in order to pursue an informed practice (to pursue CSP). The study is the result of reflection and debate, which has been reciprocally enriched by theory and practice. The project was not undertaken to falsify a hypothesis but rather to suggest a path towards developing new understanding on agents’ operationalisation of critical systems thinking concepts and ideas. It presents the findings of an organisation-based action research project, where the researcher entered into a real-world situation and aimed both at improving it and acquiring knowledge about the experience. He became, for a period of three years, involved in the flux of ‘real-world problems’ within an engineering company that invited him to do research by using systems ideas in practice. This paper thus recapitulates on the contributions that this research endeavour had on the three research themes focusing on the emergence of a particular platform, the Thinking Space (TS), as a device for operationalising CSP; the fourth ‘emergent’ research theme. Concerning the ‘transferable problem solving capability’ of the study, the TS is one particular device considered to provide evidence for proposing the research theme of ‘platforms’
RESILIENCE MANAGEMENT: FROM FUKUSHIMA DISASTER TO BOILING OCEANS AND NORTHWARD VIRAL SPREAD
No full textWe reviews the necessity of ‘resilience based on disaster management’ (Chroust, G., 2015). Firstly, it examines non-resilience, showing the current status of nuclear fuel debris, contaminated water and radioactive waste after the Fukushima Nuclear Disaster, since when radioactive contamination has damaged the local community and socio-economic systems. Secondly, it presents evidence of global spread of super-typhoons and unusual weather patterns, with the location of maximum typhoon intensity having moved northward by approximately 150-200 km compared to 1982, and at the same time expanded due to the ‘boiling ocean’ effect. Thirdly: it considers ir-resilience, ‘global ocean warming’ through the multiplier effects of hydrospheric and CO2 atmospheric warming. Finally: it discusses un-resilience, arising from the spread of infectious tropical diseases to the northern hemisphere caused by global ocean warming, as part of the irreversible environmental change caused by our artificial systems, which will increase the risk and crisis of disasters for all human beings. Re-consideration of our living systems is therefore necessary to create awareness of the ‘five functions of resilience management’ for all-round sustainability
Sustainable development - behavioral changes with a view to a more sustainable future
No full textThe heading clearly splits in three different parts. Above all: Sustainable Development. As an introduction, the first part of the paper will be influenced by the work of Donella Meadows and Dennis Meadows, which has been done in the seventies of the last century (The Limits to Growth). Other authors, who the paper refers to, are the economists Tim Jackson and Herman Daly, as well as the German post-growth economist Niko Peach. Since the term “Sustainable Development” means a wide range of possible interpretations, this definition is fundamental at the beginning. According to behavioral changes, it needs to be worked out, who has to change the way of living in a non-sustainable setup and, even more important, why. The American scientist Jared M. Diamond has done a whole lot of research, regarding the possibility of catastrophic near-future consequences to mankind, which many of us have to endure already, especially in poor countries. In order to get an idea why sustainability is a good choice, several concepts will be considered. A very important concept to measure fairness is the ecological footprint. It measures the human demand on the Earth’s resources and is distributed highly unfair between monetary rich and poor countries. Based on the results of Kate Picketts work “The Spirit level - Why More Equal Societies Almost Always Do Better”, published in 2009, worldwide fairness will be proven to be the only way to a global sustainable development. After the definition of “A sustainable future” has been done, the last part of the paper deals with the accuracy of predictions and the limits of models. Do mathematical models, even highly sophisticated, really describe reality in a sufficient way? Certainly not! Yet, we are not even able to describe a comparatively simple subsystem as the weather. It is just too complex, to be predicted for as little as just a few days in advance. Besides that, a few more questions will be considered. Since we know, that systems are adaptable, one can argue that today nobody cares about the fall of Easter Island. People have learned to deal with the different situation and abandoned the Island. Indeed not voluntarily at all. What we could learn as society for our present situation is: To exclude the possibility that mankind will settle other planets one day would certainly be wrong. To assume, it will happen within the next days too. Before the background that the earth will be there for about another three billion years, it is safe to say, that we are not in a hurry. At least for the construction of space ships there is plenty of time left
Management as Evolutionary Epistemology: A Machian Genetic Critical Perspective as Basis for a Second Order Science
No full textThe paper sketches an argument how an evolutionary (‘genetic’) epistemological model of actors’ perspectives can be used to develop an enlightened approach to management of complex systems, such as organizations, along Popper’s dictum ‘The future is open’. This enlightened approach uses ideas from the history and philosophy of science and links into the program of second order science as discussed from different point of views by the authors in the 2008 volume of Constructivist Foundations and specifically for this conference by Lissack among others. Based on Mach, it takes a metaphysically critical, neutral monist approach that complements and may integepisterate other perspectives on second order science. The development of concepts in management follows similar patterns as the historical development of scientific concepts. In line with Oeser, Management is based on heuristic information processing and condensation into action based on actors’ perspectives organized in multiple layers of information processing. These filter information and perspectives and may lead to flawed interpretations and errors ranging from minor mistakes to large scale failures, if adopted uncritically for wide-ranging decisions. One major issue in management is thus to decide on a ‘model of the world’ and to identify misinterpreted signals to be able to adapt the model. These risks can be easily ‘blended out’ through the filters of company culture, reporting procedures and variables reported in MIS. Management takes place via actors’ heuristics, involving organizational procedures, management information and reporting systems, which lead to - sometimes flawed – interpretations and subsequent errors ranging from minor mistakes to large scale failures. While the epistemological issue is often defined as that we cannot know the future, we can know it enough to construct a vision and build models of what may (likely) happen. However, the bigger risk here is that the mental model of managers is partially wrong and the associated ‘politics’ of arguing for and against specific models lead to painful choices which are ‘discovered’ only in the future. Thus it is necessary to identify early on indicators for deviations from the ‘imagined world’ and to adapt models and assumptions (,hypotheses’) as quickly and as fluidly as possible. Mach’s genetic epistemological view based on a ‘fluent’ gestalt concept is helpful in this. To describe the challenge and develop hints on how to deal with such situations, I employ physicist-psychologist-philosopher Ernst Mach’s genetic perspective on the evolution of knowledge in the history of science. According to Mach, knowledge develops based on the adaptation of thoughts to observed facts and to each other. Scientists’ statements on the nature of reality need to be based on observations, which require an analysis of the ‘psychological worldview’ in and from which observations are identified, measured, analyzed and interpreted. The thought system, the worldview of scientists influences observations, interpretations of observed facts and identification of causality in models of reality. In turn, observations lead to adaptations of the thought structure of scientists as much as to a selection of observations that are deemed legitimate to support or refute a hypothesis. This process often uses analogical reasoning to what is already known, which serves as basis for the further ‘agglomeration’ of thought structures. This type of reasoning is already used by managers, as it allows for quick decisions. It also poses the risk of making wrong decisions based on scarce information, if the underlying basis in an originally empirical, epistemological approach is not considered. The development of the worldview of managers and the psychology of epistemology and perception thus take center stage for the development of ‘enlightend’ approaches to humane management of members of organizations and information processing in organizations.