International Society for the Systems Sciences: Journals ISSS
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INTERDISCIPLINARY COOPERATION AND SYSTEM MODELLING AS MEANS TO GOVERN THE ANTHROPOCENE
No full textThe global development has now come to a critical state where humanity act as a new geological force and it is obvious that there are numerous of environmental problems which arise from the present geosphere-biosphere-anthroposphere interactions which urgently need to be addressed. This paper argues that systems analysis and modelling of environmental systems is one necessary part in successful governing of societies towards sustainability. In the 1960th many observations and data made it evident that the environment in most countries was in a bad state. To get a holistic view of the complex problems and to clarify the relationships of structure and function, systems thinking was applied e.g. modelling, cybernetics, systems analysis, life cycle assessment and energy and material flow analysis. Such tools used collectively, conceptualized as 'integrated assessment', can help to communicate fundamental knowledge, and to support decision-making when identifying, developing and implementing precautionary measures and solutions. There are good examples demonstrating the strength of such approaches; Solutions to the ozone depletion by replacing CFC's with more chemically reactive compounds that are degraded within the troposphere. Acidification of European low buffer soils and lakes, sensitive to acid rain, has decreased due to concerted action on Sulphur emission control in large parts of Europe. The handling and recycling of solid waste has resulted in a considerable reduction of deposits in large parts of the world. This basically natural scientific knowledge has also influenced the development within e.g. economy and jurisprudence and today ecological economy and environmental law assume ecological systems as fundamental. The complexity of ecosystems and environmental issues can only be understood by use of advanced scientific tools such as modelling as a base for establishing interdisciplinary co-operation. Each component of such models will of course be an approximation, but validation and verification of the models will serve to make them useful. An ongoing research project at Mid Sweden University aims at building a complete carbon and energy balance model of an entire Swedish region, based on the Danish Samsø-model. Such models will make it possible to refer to a robust scientific base, thereby making it easier to argue for appropriate measures and actions. At the same time it will be clear what data these actions rest upon thereby making it easier to identify possible errors or limitations. Systems analysis and subsequent modes are constructs. According to systems theory and model development they are strategies as the best representations of nature, we can make. At the same time it must be assured, that a continuous adaptation and improvement in a studied area is possible - i.e. that model outcomes are matched with phenomenological observations and that empirical work also is carried out. Model development can therefore be characterized as a dynamic and iterative process. Governance in the Anthropocene must be based on an understanding of the problem picture at hand, and learning how to appropriately address increasingly complex issues. For identifying potential solutions and consequences of policy implementation, systems modelling on relevant levels will be one necessary tool. The current project developing an environmental regional model, illustrates how modelling can provide decision support for the county of Jämtland regarding management of energy resources and planning of future infrastructure, as well as serving regional and national information purposes
PoSITeams – Positive Systems Intelligent Teams, an Agent-Based Simulator for Studying Group Behaviour
No full textSystems intelligence is the ability to act intelligently within complex systems involving interaction and feedback. Organizations and social groups are typical examples of everyday systems. The dynamics of social systems can be difficult to understand because of their systemic nature. This makes positively affecting the state of the system a challenging problem. The effects of positive emotions have been linked with increased performance in social groups and individuals. Thus simulating emotion dynamics can be used to better understand how to act more constructively within organizations. PoSITeams is a web-based multi-agent simulator to study the dynamics of emotions. We present a novel agent-based emotional contagion model based on psychological research to study the dynamics of positive and negative emotions in organizations. The purpose of the simulator is to let the user explore the effects of different behavioural and structural changes in organizations. This facilitates perceiving the organization as a system and also lets the user recognize the potential of changing the system from within, thus promoting systems intelligent behaviour in the organization. The presented emotional contagion model is also considered as an optimization problem to let the simulator suggest systems intelligent actions. The behaviour of the model and the optimization methods are examined with example simulations
Strategic planning during the most recent Anthropocene
No full textDue to the constantly increasing rate of change faced during the current Anthropocene traditional approaches to strategic planning are no longer capable of producing the desired results. Most of them depend on predicting future trends and events so that organizations can prepare for and take advantage of them. Plans are made, priorities defined and action steps outlined based on the originally identified objectives. The problem is that the length of time for which we are able to accurately predict the future is shrinking rapidly so that by the time we get around to implementing our decisions they are too frequently obsolete. What we need is a new paradigm that makes organizations capable of learning continually from their environment and adapting rapidly. Interactive Planning is such a paradigm. After scanning the environment to discover what currently exists, instead of defining project priorities the second step in Interactive Planning is to redefine or redesign the organization's function, structure, and key processes in a way that is highly participative, that integrates the organization on all levels, and that encourages continual learning of the entire workforce. A technique frequently used to accomplish this is Idealized Design. In that Interactive Planning is a never ending process it gives organizations a better chance of deal effectively with the Anthropocene
CUSTOMER RELATIONSHIP MANAGEMENT SYSTEMIC MODEL IN MEXICAN SMALL, MICRO AND MEDIUM ENTERPRISES FOR THE HOTELIER SECTOR
No full textCurrently in Mexico and the world the economy is characterized by factors such as socio/political/monetary issues competitiveness, technological innovation and the global nature of markets. Given this complex, random and demanding environment, companies must adopt new management practices to ensure their viability and competitiveness in the market. To survive in today's competitive environment, they must be transformed from their roots; its management philosophy will be focused on achieving sustainable competitive advantages based on knowledge of “what makes a difference” from the competition. To achieve this distinction, companies must generate value added services, i.e. require insight into customers to properly understand their needs, so it is essential to establish relationship activities with them, allowing them to achieve that knowledge. In this paper it is presented the Information and Communications Technologies (ICT) as an essential tool for improving the competitiveness of Small and Micro companies, enabling their presence in complex markets. Thanks to advances produced in ICT, particularly in areas such as management and data storage and capabilities of the Internet, individualized relationships with many customers and greater knowledge of them is possible. CRM (Customer Relationship Management) arises inside of ICT. It was in the 90s and has become a key tool for managing today's businesses. Taking a strategic analysis of the current situation of this sector in Mexico, it is possible to note that hotel companies face an increasingly competitive environment, in which the contest is the increase in quality without increase in price, while loyalty to the customer is decreasing. It has been found the customers are now more experienced and demanding and there is a growing monopoly in the industry and a strong increase in available hotel offers. The systemic knowledge will study the tourism sector, conceptualize, and observe the sector as a system and fully display the mature of their interrelationships. Therefore, the concept of hotel companies will be addressed from the systemic approach. Furthermore, at present the degree of development and implementation of CRM in the Mexican hotel industry cannot be considered fully examined and part of the problem is to determine characteristics of this sector, which affect to a greater degree the implementation of CRM. This research arises to ascertain if the implementation of a CRM initiative involves organizational change and therefore is feasible to design a systemic model for its implementation that has valid measurement scales and is reliable for different variables of the proposed model. These variables could influence the success and result of a CRM strategy. We therefore propose a new definition of CRM from a systemic point of view
SYSTEMIC APPROACH TO EXAMINE THE STRUCTURE, CONDUCT AND PERFORMANCE MODEL OF AGRICULTURE IN AFRICA, EVIDENCE FROM GHANA
No full textThe continuous growth in population and consumption, the intensity of competition for land, water, and energy, and the overexploitation of the ecosystem, have affected Ghana’s ability to sustain food security and it natural resources. Over the years, many promising agricultural development initiatives could not provide sustainable solutions to agricultural challenges in most parts of Africa, including Ghana, leading to food system failures. The agricultural industry is a complex system and requires a holistic approach to dealing with root causes of challenges. This research therefore uses systems thinking tools including Casual Loop Diagrams (CLDs) and Bayesian Belief Network (BBN) modelling to develop new structural systems models where stakeholders determined the components and interactions between the Structure, Conduct and Performance (SCP) of the agricultural industry in Ghana using the Evolutionary Learning Laboratory (ELLab). The results illustrates how the SCP elements interact together to influence the survival and growth of the agricultural industry among driving forces. The study identifies that stakeholders adopt several strategies to survive and compete, which lead to the overexploitations of the ecosystem. The results from BBN models indicate that the implementation of systemically determined interventions, policies and strategies could significant improve the rate of business survival and growth from 58.8% to 73%, while the chances of improving the SCP could be increase from 39%, 28.3% and 36.4% to 80.1%, 55.9% and 62.4% respectively. This paper contributes to the systemic approach to SCP in that, the improvement of production and allocative efficiency may usher a greater potential for improving food security and the natural resources and further strengthen agricultural sustainability
A CYBER-SYSTEMIC APPROACH TO EXPLORE A VIABLE ORGANIZATION FOR AN ELECTRIC VEHICLE SYSTEM
No full textThe purpose of this paper is to explore a viable organization for an Electric Vehicles System (EVS) for a big city, to contribute to reduce the pollution impact of the current system based on fossil fuels, to improve the Anthropocene status in general and to improve the environment on a big city on particular A brief review of systems concepts, theories and methodologies of system dynamics (SD) and the viable system model (VSM) will be given before the proposal application of both streams of Cyber-Systemic Sciences. The paper will conclude with a theoretical estimation of the benefits generated by the EVS such as: reduction of pollution/, strategies for evolution, sustainability, etc. We think this is the first time that it is made a viability exploration of the organization of an EVS for a Big City, which support the benefits mentioned before
Workability and Mobility of Construction Machinery:Systematic Approach to Engineering Matters
No full textA new computerization technology is proposed and described in the field of construction machinery. As for social requirements, the need for prompt feedback about actual or potential performance deviation on job sites is growing because the margins of profit are getting smaller, and industry needs to be competitive. The history of the industrial automation has deeply related to the world economy so far. The design system (CAD), the production processing system (CAM) and the industrial robotics which has been developed afterwards in the 1960s, have greatly contributed to productivity improvement. Recently multi-copters (drone: small flying robot) are being developed already at some construction sites. Robotics has four major functions; A) operation (manipulation, hand and thumb, teach to art), B) movement (locomotion, foot, drive to run), C) sight (observation, eyes, sense to view), D) intelligence (artificial intelligence, brain, think to act). As for the construction machinery, A and B mentioned above deeply participate to their functions, together with C and D. Each function of A and B is related to robotics and mobility, linked together hand work and foot work. Systematic approach to engineering matters is described as a thinking process to analysing and organizing engineering system. In the long history of human activity, culture, tradition, customs, life style, language have been formed gradually based upon politics, economics, natural and social environments. Experienced theory and praxis of human activity are evaluated from different angles in the field of design and construction works. Workability and mobility of robots are similar to human and animal acts. When looking at human growth and history of evolution, the tools and parts of machinery are deeply associated with human workability/mobility (sitting/standing, working/walking, handwork/footwork).The man-made systems are sometimes unstable and fragile against natural hazard and human errors. Their originality bases on nature laws and rules. Risk management of engineering matters is associated with those nature laws, rules and finally ISO standards. Positioning and mobility is described by displacement (distance), velocity (speed) and acceleration (force) which are generating trajectory of movement. It is newly suggested that the trajectory is controlled by speed ratio of steering and driving successively and continuously instead of positioning by numerical data. Speed and Trajectory Control (STC) method is newly proposed, which contributes to remarkable reduction of controlling data and to easy modification of plan data on line at site. Induction method has less quantity of updated data than deduction method, and there are various kinds of advantages. The updated processing by GPS and laser beam instruments makes it possible. The STC method bases on induction, updating planed data by observation in dynamics. Some application examples of the STC method are explained about their acts and validity. Keywords : construction machinery, computerization technology, robotics, nature laws, workability and mobility, risk management, Speed and Trajectory Control ( STC ) method, bulldozer, inertial land navigation, human activity, theory and practice  
Viable System Model of Political Parties
No full textA VIABLE SYSTEM MODEL OF POLITICAL PARTIES Allenna Leonard, Ph.D. 34 Palmerston Square Toronto, Ontario M6G 2S7 Canada <allenna_leonard@yahoomcom> www.audemanriver.com ABSTRACT Political parties exist in western democracies as a means of reducing variety by formalizing factions and allowing for a more manageable choice for voters. I will be using the system in the United States as an example although comparisons with parliamentary systems will be noted at times. Political parties are nested hierarchies that proceed from the national committee level down through the state and county/municipality. The rules that govern them range from the formal, such as the rules established by the Federal Election Commission to the informal and sometimes quirky such as the “we don’t want nobody that nobody sent”. Party discipline is far broader and far looser in the United States than it is in a parliamentary system. Voters usually indicate a party preference when they register to vote although about a third of the electorate now counts itself as ‘independent’. Depending on the state, independents may or may not be restricted to voting in the general election. Joining a political party is as easy as checking a box. In contrast, in parliamentary systems, a minority of voters join a party by paying a subscription fee which allows them to attend the party caucus that nominates candidates for that party. Party discipline is much stricter in the parliamentary system where the leader and his or her advisors determine the position on a vote and an office holder who votes against the position can be expelled from the party unless the special circumstance of the free vote is in force. In the United States, all votes are free votes. Party discipline is enforced by the party whip but the means used is persuasion, augmented by arm-twisting, horse trading and the occasional threat. The activities of the five systems of the VSM are not evenly distributed throughout the recursion levels. For example, the party platform does appear in System Five, but aspects may be ignored or repudiated by individual candidates often without heavy consequences. Most System Four activities are concentrated on winning the next election, although shorter and longer term planning is done and issues are debated for possible inclusion in the platform or for legislative or judicial initiatives. Public relations and strategy also appear here. Systems Three and Three Star adjust resources among activities depending on election cycle calendar and other priorities with System Two coordinating whatever is applicable at the particular recursion level. System One activities include, again depending on the election cycle calendar, voter registration, candidate training, and fund raising. All may involve incumbent officeholders and candidates although the particular campaigns are separate organizations. The VSM analysis will show some strengths and weaknesses of the present system and some possibilities for coordination with like-minded issue groups.  
The Display/Pickup Paradigm and Practice: A Unifying Systemic Approach to School and Workplace Renewal
No full textPublic education, a wonderful creation of human society, is currently troubled by a cycle of increasing decline. Ever-increasing demands leave educators less able to address their own student, school and district issues. So, school quality goes down, for a 19 + 1 = 18 effect. That is: if school quality is 19, add a new demand (+1), school quality goes down to 18. Then, desperate new policies are mandated every year -– too quickly for schools to keep up. Over three years, the process looks like 19 + 1 = 18 … 17 … 16. This paper explains this increasing decline as caused by flawed practice built on flawed and conflicting assumptions. A systems approach yields improved assumptions in a new unifying DISPLAY/PICKUP paradigm for education and management. Corresponding theory and practices are proposed, with the goal that 19 + 1 = 20 … 21 … 22. The path to the new paradigm begins with a dramatic shift in agency--from teacher as agent to learner as agent. This shift is as dramatic and far-reaching as the earth/sun rotation paradigm shift in astronomy. Whether behavioral laws and causes relate to gravity or human agency, both paradigm shifts here are proposed as hard science--a result of extensive empirical observation, rather than speculation. However, the shift in instruction/management theory is only a partial answer, typically resulting in two conflicting camps: those who propose that the leader is sole agent and must control the supervised vs. those who argue that the supervised are agents of their own learning/ performance and need total flexibility. Boulding’s Nine-Level Typology of System Complexity clarifies how both control and flexibility are needed. Levels 1- 3 systems—frameworks, clockworks, and control systems—are Things (T), which can be predicted and regulated. Levels 4 – 7 are organisms, which are self-regulating and behave according to interiorly prescribed criteria, especially sophisticated in Level 7, people (P). Levels 8 – 9 are social and transcendent systems with transient boundaries, while Levels 4 -7 boundaries are fixed. Thus, Level 7 (individual human) needs are mandatory; Level 8 (organization) needs are optional. It follows that people must meet their personal needs before their organization needs. Boulding’s nine system levels group neatly into three domains with different behavioral laws, resulting in TPO Theory (Things/technical; People/personal; and Outcomes/organizational). This theory proposes that when Things (T) are designed/displayed to optimize pickup by People (P), the result is improved Outcomes (O). Further, the key to organization health becomes the system’s adjustment capacities (cf. Boulding’s Level 3: “Thermostat”). The Display/Pickup paradigm explains that leaders DISPLAY (T) subject matter, policy, procedures, and so forth. Learners/workers (P) acquire them by PICKUP, each at their own pace. A corresponding new practice is the 30/30 RoundTable, an activity designed for 30 people to give and hear others’ views in 30 minutes. The RoundTable adds no new demands because educators use it for their own purposes in their existing classrooms and meetings. RoundTables are thus seeds for systemic renewal, defined as enrichment and transformation from within, where the agency lies. Corresponding systems design/redesign is then achieved at users’ own pace, by the users themselves, each within their own (sub)system. This allows for the almost infinite variability and complexity from system level to system level, and from system type to system type. The RoundTable planted and flourishing, two new prongs/displays are gradually added for a three–pronged iterative activity at three entry points in the system: 1- 30/30 RoundTable (bottom-up); 2- TPO Thermostat (top-down); and 3- Triple-Bottom-Line or 3BL (in -out - in) or current goals/outcomes - 3BL holistic/comprehensive goals - revised goals/intended outcomes
Risks, Crisis and the European Union Law: Implications and Parallels for Addressing Financial, Energy Security and Environmental Catastrophe
No full textThis paper compares crisis narratives and descriptions of the anthropocence to the institutional and substantive changes that have been brought on the way by the creation of the Banking and Energy Union in the EU. From the aims alone it becomes clear that both the Banking and the Energy Union were born out of the political desire to make each of the systems more robust, but that the visions themselves fall short of significant substantive change or a reinvention of the system itself. Whilst the explanation of this is almost entirely political, some of the reasons also have to do with the functioning and the mechanisms of the law. The law, in particular public law, stands and falls with formal legal principles, has a particular difficulty dealing with, defining and coming up with solutions for risk whilst staying true to formal principles such as certainty and proportionality. Risk detection requires the introduction of new procedures and agencies (institutions). The mitigation of risks requires a multicontexual and multipolar balancing of rights and interests. Both proceduralism and a complex act of balancing can guarantee the intergrity of law and its methodology, but they do not bring about substantive change.This paper sees a third method of risk mitigation in the creation of new institutions (such as the Energy Union, but also the United Nation or NATO). This is perceived as the creation of something that is larger than the threat it addresses (“super strucutres”), but substantively ends up enforcing little more than the “lowest common demominator”. This paper therefore suggests abandoning such methodological approaches and changing the principles on which the EU and the law of the common market is based instead. It proposes a “first best” and a”second best” solution. The first is the introduction of new and prevalent aims and principles and an actual change of the economic system. The second (though more likely solution) proposes a mere extension of the goals of the European Union, which results in a careful act of balance between more sustanainability and the development of the internal market project