John Mingers

Bio: John Mingers is an academic researcher from University of Kent. The author has contributed to research in topics: Information system & Soft systems methodology. The author has an hindex of 63, co-authored 193 publications receiving 17164 citations. Previous affiliations of John Mingers include Kent State University & University of Warwick.

Combining IS Research Methods: Towards a Pluralist Methodology

Abstract: This paper puts forward arguments in favor of a pluralist approach to IS research. Rather than advocating a single paradigm, be it interpretive or positivist, or even a plurality of paradigms within the discipline as a whole, it suggests that research results will be richer and more reliable if different research methods, preferably from different (existing) paradigms, are routinely combined together. The paper is organized into three sections after the Introduction. In §2, the main arguments for the desirability of multimethod research are put forward, while §3 discusses its feasibility in theory and practice. §4 outlines two frameworks that are helpful in designing mixed-method research studies. These are illustrated with a critical evaluation of three examples of empirical research.

Rational analysis for a problematic world revisited : problem structuring methods for complexity, uncertainty and conflict

Abstract: Contributors. Preface. Acknowledgements. A New Paradigm of Analysis (Jonathan Rosenhead and John Mingers). SODA ---- The Principles (Colin Eden and Fran Ackermann). SODA ---- Journey Making and Mapping in Practice (Fran Ackermann and Colin Eden). Soft Systems Methodology (Peter Checkland). Soft Systems Methodology in Action: Participative Creation of an Information Strategy for an Acute Hospital (Peter Checkland). The Strategic Choice Approach (John Friend) Gambling with Frozen Fire? (Allen Hickling). Robustness Analysis: Keeping Your Options Open (Jonathan Rosenhead). Robustness to the First Degree (Jonathan Rosenhead). Drama Theory and Confrontation Analysis (Peter Bennett, Jim Bryant and Nigel Howard). The M&A Play: Using Drama Theory for Mergers and Acquisitions (Nigel Howard). An Overview of Related Methods: VSM, System Dynamics and Decision Analysis (John Mingers and Jonathan Rosenhead). Multimethodology ---- Mixing and Matching Methods (John Mingers). Mixing Methods in Practice (Richard Ormerod). Diverse Unity: Looking Inward and Outward (John Mingers and Jonthan Rosenhead). Index.

Critical Heuristics of Social Planning: A New Approach to Practical Philosophy

Abstract: CONTEMPORARY MODELS OF RATIONAL DISCOURSE. Karl R. Popper's Critical Rationalism: Blind Criticism? Jurgen Habermas' Critical Theory: Toward a Transformed Transcendental Approach. FROM KANTIAN A PRIORI SCIENCE TO CRITICAL HEURISTICS. Introduction to Kantian A Priori Science. Kantian A Priori Science and the Systems Idea: The Critically-Heuristic Turn. Kantian A Priori Science and the Process of Unfolding: The Dialectical Turn. APPLICATION. Toward a "Purposeful Systems" Paradigm of Planning. Project Cybersyn: The Chilean Experience with Cybernetics, 1971-73. Health Systems Planning: The Case of the 1976 Areawide Health Systems Plan for Central Puget Sound. Epilogue. Bibliography. Indexes.

An Empirical Comparison of Pruning Methods for Decision Tree Induction

Abstract: This paper compares five methods for pruning decision trees, developed from sets of examples. When used with uncertain rather than deterministic data, decision-tree induction involves three main stages—creating a complete tree able to classify all the training examples, pruning this tree to give statistical reliability, and processing the pruned tree to improve understandability. This paper concerns the second stage—pruning. It presents empirical comparisons of the five methods across several domains. The results show that three methods—critical value, error complexity and reduced error—perform well, while the other two may cause problems. They also show that there is no significant interaction between the creation and pruning methods.

Multimethodology: Towards a framework for mixing methodologies

Abstract: In recent years the predilection for Systems/OR practice to be underpinned by a single methodology has been called into question, and reports on multimethodology projects are now filtering through into the literature This paper takes a closer look at multimethodology It outlines a number of different possibilities for combining methodologies, and considers why such a development might be desirable for more effective practice, in particular by focusing upon how it can deal more effectively with the richness of the real world and better assist through the various intervention stages The paper outlines some of the philosophical, cultural and cognitive feasibility issues that multimethodology raises It then describes a framework that can attend to the relative strengths of different methodologies and provide a basis for constructing multimethodology designs Finally it presents a systematic way of decomposing methodologies to identify detachable elements, and the paper concludes by outlining aspects of an agenda for further research that emerges out of the discussion

Data Mining: Concepts and Techniques

Abstract: The increasing volume of data in modern business and science calls for more complex and sophisticated tools. Although advances in data mining technology have made extensive data collection much easier, it's still always evolving and there is a constant need for new techniques and tools that can help us transform this data into useful information and knowledge. Since the previous edition's publication, great advances have been made in the field of data mining. Not only does the third of edition of Data Mining: Concepts and Techniques continue the tradition of equipping you with an understanding and application of the theory and practice of discovering patterns hidden in large data sets, it also focuses on new, important topics in the field: data warehouses and data cube technology, mining stream, mining social networks, and mining spatial, multimedia and other complex data. Each chapter is a stand-alone guide to a critical topic, presenting proven algorithms and sound implementations ready to be used directly or with strategic modification against live data. This is the resource you need if you want to apply today's most powerful data mining techniques to meet real business challenges. * Presents dozens of algorithms and implementation examples, all in pseudo-code and suitable for use in real-world, large-scale data mining projects. * Addresses advanced topics such as mining object-relational databases, spatial databases, multimedia databases, time-series databases, text databases, the World Wide Web, and applications in several fields. *Provides a comprehensive, practical look at the concepts and techniques you need to get the most out of real business data

Out of the Crisis

Abstract: According to W. Edwards Deming, American companies require nothing less than a transformation of management style and of governmental relations with industry. In Out of the Crisis, originally published in 1982, Deming offers a theory of management based on his famous 14 Points for Management. Management's failure to plan for the future, he claims, brings about loss of market, which brings about loss of jobs. Management must be judged not only by the quarterly dividend, but by innovative plans to stay in business, protect investment, ensure future dividends, and provide more jobs through improved product and service. In simple, direct language, he explains the principles of management transformation and how to apply them.

Programs for Machine Learning

Abstract: Algorithms for constructing decision trees are among the most well known and widely used of all machine learning methods. Among decision tree algorithms, J. Ross Quinlan's ID3 and its successor, C4.5, are probably the most popular in the machine learning community. These algorithms and variations on them have been the subject of numerous research papers since Quinlan introduced ID3. Until recently, most researchers looking for an introduction to decision trees turned to Quinlan's seminal 1986 Machine Learning journal article [Quinlan, 1986]. In his new book, C4.5: Programs for Machine Learning, Quinlan has put together a definitive, much needed description of his complete system, including the latest developments. As such, this book will be a welcome addition to the library of many researchers and students.

In a Different Voice. Psychological Theory and Women’s Development. Cambridge, MA (Harvard University Press) 1982.

Abstract: Introduction 1. Woman's Place in Man's Life Cycle 2. Images of Relationship 3. Concepts of Self and Morality 4. Crisis and Transition 5. Women's Rights and Women's Judgment 6. Visions of Maturity References Index of Study Participants General Index

The knowledge-creating company : how Japanese companies create the dynamics of innovation

Abstract: How has Japan become a major economic power, a world leader in the automotive and electronics industries? What is the secret of their success? The consensus has been that, though the Japanese are not particularly innovative, they are exceptionally skilful at imitation, at improving products that already exist. But now two leading Japanese business experts, Ikujiro Nonaka and Hiro Takeuchi, turn this conventional wisdom on its head: Japanese firms are successful, they contend, precisely because they are innovative, because they create new knowledge and use it to produce successful products and technologies. Examining case studies drawn from such firms as Honda, Canon, Matsushita, NEC, 3M, GE, and the U.S. Marines, this book reveals how Japanese companies translate tacit to explicit knowledge and use it to produce new processes, products, and services.