Showing papers in "Systems Research and Behavioral Science in 2006"

Creative holism: a critical systems approach to complex problem situations

Abstract: The 49th Annual Meeting of the International Society for the Systems Sciences had, as its theme, ‘the potential impacts of systemics on society’. As my contribution to this, I want to discuss why I think a critical systems approach called ‘creative holism’ can help managers address complex problem situations. As is frequently stated, managers today face increasing complexity, change and diversity. Furthermore, the solutions they are offered to help them cope in this situation rarely seem to work. In this paper, it is argued that those solutions fail because they are not holistic or creative enough. The benefits to be gained from holism and creativity (in a systemic sense) are outlined, and a practical approach, ‘creative holism’, is specified which aims to better equip managers to deal with complex problem situations. If the argument is right then systemics has the potential to have both a significant and a beneficial impact upon society in the years to come. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Integrating knowledge management and ERP in enterprise information systems

Abstract: Knowledge is considered as an enterprise's invisible assets. Surviving in today's highly competitive and ever expanding global economy requires efficiently managing corporate knowledge. Increasing requirements for extended enterprises have stimulated the integration of knowledge management (KM) function into ERP systems for knowledge asset management. So far enterprise information systems such as ERP systems are developed and implemented for mainly managing physical assets of an enterprise since 1990s. Due to the fact that both types of assets need to be properly managed, the integration of KM and ERP becomes a strategic initiative for providing competitive advantages to enterprises. This paper discusses how to deploy KM and ERP concurrently in the framework of enterprise information systems, with a discussion of the interaction of KM and ERP systems in systems perspectives. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Treating socio-technical systems as engineering systems: some conceptual problems

Abstract: Systems engineering has been plagued by the problem of how to separate a system from its environment or context, in particular from its social context. We propose to include anything in the system that is necessary for performing its intended function and that may be the object of design. For certain engineering systems, such as civil aviation systems, this implies that human agents and social institutions have to be taken as integral parts of these systems. These ‘socio-technical’ systems are of a hybrid nature because they are constituted by different kinds of elements, intentional and nonintentional: social institutions, human agents and technical artefacts. This paper analyses two different roles that human agents, as elements of socio-technical systems, may play with regard to technical artefacts. Furthermore, it discusses some conceptual problems concerning the modelling of socio-technical systems that are due to the hybrid nature of these systems.

System dynamics and organizational interventions

Abstract: System dynamics models of organizational problems have been constructed since the 1950s. In the second half of the 1970s publications began appearing on explicit procedures to involve clients in the process of model construction. After about 30 years of applying and researching participative modelling approaches, it is useful to consider the extent to which these procedures have matured into a full-blown methodology. Does client involvement in system dynamics modelling yield repeatable results? Is the procedure adequately codified, or does its success depend on the experience and skills of the practitioner? Participative modelling is often associated with beneficial process results, such as consensus and participants' commitment to results. What evidence do we have that these ‘soft’ results actually materialize? Which conditions (types of interventions and client or problem characteristics) are especially favourable to these outcomes? The paper discusses these questions and closes with a set of topics relevant for further development of participative modelling and alternative strategies to study these topics. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Why few organizations adopt systems thinking

Abstract: I frequently talk to groups of managers on the nature of systems thinking and its radical implications to management. In doing so I use several case studies involving prominent American corporations. At the end of the presentation I am almost always asked, ‘If this way of thinking is as good as you say it is, why don’t more organizations use it?’ It is easy to reply by saying that organizations naturally resist change. This of course is a tautology. I once asked a vice president of marketing why consumers used his product. He answered, ‘Because they like it.’ I then asked him how he knew this. He answered, ‘Because they use it.’ Our answer to the question about failure of organizations to adopt systems thinking is seldom any better than this. There may be many reasons why any particular organization fails to adopt systems thinking but I believe there are two that are the most important, one general and one specific. By a general reason I mean one that is responsible for organizations failing to adopt any transforming idea, let alone systems thinking. By a specific reason I mean one responsible for the failure to adopt systems thinking in particular. First, consider the general explanation. All through school, from kindergarten all the way through university, mistakes are treated as

Enhancing competitive edge through knowledge management in implementing ERP systems

Abstract: Using data from 170 manufacturing companies, we identified five facilitators for knowledge management in an ERP environment. Additionally, we examined the relationship between knowledge management and manufacturing companies’ competitive advantages in the E-business environment. The result of the study suggests that adopting organizational preparation for KM, employee education and learning, information and data network, knowledge sharing process and knowledge scanning as knowledge management facilitators will have a synergistic positive effect on firms’ competitive advantages. Copyright # 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

System Dynamics and the Evolution of the Systems Movement

Abstract: The purpose of this contribution is to give an overview of the role of System Dynamics (SD) in the context of the evolution of the systems movement. This is necessary because SD is often erroneously taken as the systems approach as such, not as part of it. It is also requisite to show that the processes of evolution of both SD in particular and the Systems Movement as a whole are intimately linked and intertwined. Finally, in view of the purpose of the paper the actual and potential relationships between SD and the other strands of the systems movement are worked out. This way, complementarities and synergies are identified.

Living systems theory and social entropy theory

Abstract: Although Living Systems Theory (LST) has been widely recognized for its major contributions to scholarship in general and systems theory in particular, the full extent of its contribution has never been explicitly presented. The purpose of this paper is twofold: first to discuss LST, and then to relate it to Social Entropy Theory (SET). The paper first presents 20 major contributions of LST. This is not an exhaustive list, but is simply designed to present simultaneously the wide range of contributions made by Miller, some of which have not been sufficiently recognized nor appreciated. Miller's contributions focused upon the actions of concrete components in fulfilling the critical subsystems processes required by systems at each level. He placed less emphasis on the key systems variables such as population and technology. Fortunately, Social Entropy Theory has explicated a set of key variables. The second part of the paper discusses Social Entropy Theory, and shows how it complements and extends LST. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

A philosophical discussion of the root definition in soft systems thinking: an enrichment of CATWOE

Abstract: After a brief review of some problems in CATWOE analysis in Checkland's soft systems methodology, we suggest that they may be ameliorated by employing Dooyeweerd's multi-aspectual philosophy. A systematic approach is taken to reconceptualize each element of CATWOE within a Dooyeweerdian framework, the relevant portions of which are explained. In the process our understanding of CATWOE is enriched and made easier for the SSM apprentice to grasp. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Knowledge management in OSS—an enterprise information system for the telecommunications industry

Abstract: Knowledge management in Enterprise Information Systems (EIS) has become one of the hottest research topics in the last few years. Operations Support Systems (OSS) is one kind of EIS, which is becoming increasingly popular in the telecommunications industry. However, the academic research on knowledge management in OSS is sparse. In this paper, a knowledge management system for OSS is proposed in the framework of systems theory. Knowledge, knowledge management, organization and information technology are the four main interactive elements in the knowledge management system. The paper proposes that each subsystem of the OSS is to be equipped with knowledge management capacity, and the knowledge management of the OSS is to be realized through its subsystems. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

A knowledge management system for ERP implementation

Abstract: An enterprise resource planning (ERP) is an enterprise-wide application software package that integrates all necessary business functions into a single system with a common database. Its implementation is a complex process in terms of technology preparation and organizational change management. Although the importance of knowledge management (KM) in ERP implementation has been recognized, how to conduct knowledge management has not received deserved attention till now. The main objective of this paper is to develop a KM system to manage the knowledge of ERP implementation process. To accomplish this, the article first identifies the types of knowledge in ERP implementation. It then summarizes various KM activities based on a six-stage model. At last, it proposes a KM system that consists of cooperative working platform, consulting platform, individual KM platform, organizational KM platform, and knowledge transfer platform. This system can effectively manage knowledge and provide support for the successful implementation of an ERP system. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Theories of Viability: a Comparison

Abstract: Given the growing complexities in the environments of organizations and societies, the concept of viability has become ever more important as an orientator for those in charge. The Systems Approach has bred powerful theories of viability, which can help actors in the socio-technical domain to cope with complexity. The two main manifestations of the Theory of Viability are Living Systems Theory (LST) by Jim & Jessie Miller on one hand and the Viable System Model (VSM) by Stafford Beer on the other. In this paper, both are analysed and compared in terms of their relevance and potential with respect to social systems. Also, a brief overview of the state of pertinent applications is given. The paper comes to an unexpected conclusion: LST and VSM are not competititors, but most probably complementary.

Roadmapping as a way of knowledge management for supporting scientific research in academia

Abstract: Motorola Inc. first introduced the concept of a roadmap in the 1970s as a kind of strategic planning tool. This paper argues that roadmapping can also be a useful way to manage knowledge in academia and to support scientific research. By applying the principles of interactive methodology, this paper puts forward a new methodology for making personal academic research roadmaps as a way of knowledge management in academia. This methodology is composed of six phases: forming groups, explanation from knowledge coordinators, description of present situation, current status and idealized design reports from every member, research and study schedules, and implementation and control. After introducing the approach, a case study describing the application of the methodology at the Japan Advanced Institute of Science and Technology is given.

Deriving information from CRM for knowledge management—a note on a commercial bank

Abstract: In today's highly competitive global economy, many companies are enhancing their enterprise information systems that include enterprise resource planning (ERP), customer relationship management (CRM) and supply chain management (SCM). In this study, we report some preliminary results of integrating customer satisfaction index into knowledge management in a commercial bank in Shanghai, China. The result of the study indicates that the most influential factors that affect corporate customers' satisfaction are customer relationship and service process. Both factors are served as inputs to knowledge management which generates some new ideas for improving customer services. CRM is a component of enterprise information systems. The study can be a reference to other commercial banks to improve their competence of CRM and knowledge management. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

System dynamics modelling for strategy implementation—case study and issues

Abstract: System dynamics have over the years proven its usefulness in corporate strategy forming. The purpose of the paper is to investigate, how system dynamics modelling can be supportive for strategy implementation in organizations. In order to do so, we briefly discuss prospective features of strategy implementation interventions. Besides conceptual considerations, we base our arguments on a detailed case study from a high-tech company. Findings of this paper are that system dynamics modelling can be helpful for strategy implementation in regards to both strategy refinement and transfer of insights and understanding underlying the strategy forming. Research implications comprise the further evaluation of the approach and the discussion of potential ethical issues. The originality of this paper lies in the proposition of the usage of system dynamics modelling in change management settings, where the field of system dynamics traditionally make use of flight simulators or qualitative system dynamics, rather than formal modelling and simulation. © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Technical and social innovation determinants of behaviour

Abstract: Technical and social innovations are relatively new in human history. These innovations appeared in the last two-tenths of one per cent of the time that humans have lived on earth. Prior to innovations, human behaviours could be described and quantified in terms of the same determinants of behaviour as other living systems. A living system science has been developed that is equivalent to the other natural sciences for all, except humans that exhibit innovation behaviours. A brief description of that living systems science is given herein that provides a foundation for treating the technical and social determinants of recent human behaviours. This article treats technical and social determinants of human behaviour as they relate to that living systems science. The article also relates the science back to James G. Miller's seminal work in living systems theory. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

A knowledge warehouse system for enterprise resource planning systems

Abstract: In this paper, a model of a data warehouse based on an ERP system is presented. A traditional data warehouse has the function of providing data to decision support systems (DSS) or online analytical processing systems (OLAP) but not knowledge. This paper proposes that an existing data warehouse can be extended to create a knowledge warehouse for knowledge management. The knowledge warehouse can manage not only data and information but also the knowledge assets of an enterprise. Both tacit knowledge and explicit knowledge can be analysed, integrated, and converted; new knowledge can be created through the synergistic interactions within the knowledge warehouse. In this paper, knowledge warehouse architecture based on ERP, how it works, and related technologies are discussed. The knowledge warehouse will provide more effective support for DSS and OLAP. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Transdisciplinary unified theory

Abstract: Numerous complex issues of the most varied kinds are emerging in our ever more interconnected man–planet settings. Such situations cannot be anymore managed by the piecemeal and uncoordinated interventions that result from growing chasms between multiple specialized disciplines. Accordingly, interdisciplinarity and multidisciplinarity should be framed or, in cases, replaced by transdisciplinarity. Transdisciplinarity in turn supposes the existence of a specific language of concepts and models. It should be understandable and usable by any specialist in need to collaborate with a variety of colleagues of other fields. Such a language has emerged since 1950 as Cybernetics and Systemics (or so-called systems sciences or sciences of complexity). It is still becoming richer and better connected internally as it steadily acquires new conceptual tools adequated to the study of dynamic, simultaneous, multiple and interdependent interactions in complex issues. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Narratives and Transdisciplines for a Post-Industrial World

Abstract: As society moves to a post-industrial posture, technology rescales human activities into new contexts. A changed context makes meaning different. In that new setting, complexity appears because problems arise scaled outside prevailing disciplines. Without the conventions of established disciplines definitions are lost, and that causes complexity to arise in the equivocation that follows. Rosen suggests that complexity cannot be modelled, precisely because of uncertainty and contradiction, which can be defined away, but only at the loss of complexity. Paradigms work to facilitate modelling with narratives told to make complexity simple enough to model. Complexity disappears into mere complicatedness upon deciding what is significant as opposed to incidental, structural as opposed to dynamical, discontinuous versus continuous and rate-independent rather than rate-dependent. With those decisions in hand, one can create and test models to improve the meaning of narratives. Meaning is found in the plan embodied in the Aristotelian formal cause (e.g. DNA) and in the significance of whole structure in the final cause. Aristotle's material cause, the existence of the substance of the whole, is constructed by the interaction of the plan of the formal cause with the Aristotelian efficient cause of the driving gradient (e.g. food, energy). The narrative of the biological or social system moves forward each time an updated material cause forces change on the meaning of the final cause. Narratives can address complexity because they are not about objective reality, but are statements of what is significant. Narratives facilitate commensurate experience as humans construct a post-industrial society, invoking post-normal science and post-modern postures. Transdisciplines face complexity until they self-consciously develop a new story of their own. The complexity arising from technological rescaling and redefinition of our world can be addressed with sophisticated use of narrative, a central device in systems science. This paper presents a protocol for employing narrative with precision. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Autopoiesis and knowledge in the organization: conceptual foundation for authentic knowledge management

Abstract: Traditionally, Knowledge Management (KM) has focused primarily on the implementation of information technologies, with greater emphasis being placed on technology rather than on information or knowledge, understanding them as epistemological entities. This has had serious consequences, for there is the risk of converting KM in a mere fashion or even a commercial name designed to sell certain Information Technology tools. This paper suggests that authentic knowledge management must start with the study of the cognitive phenomena inside the enterprise. It should not be related only with individual knowledge and learning, but rather mainly to organizational knowledge and learning. This paper also suggests that there is such thing as corporate learning, beyond individual learning, for both—individuals and corporations—are cognitive systems. The scientific arguments supporting that corporations, regarded as systemic wholes, are indeed cognitive systems lie in the understanding of the enterprise as an autopoietic entity. The fact that the enterprise is an autopoietic system implies that not only it has the capacity to acquire knowledge, but also that knowledge itself, understood as effective action, determines the viability and, indeed, the very existence of the enterprise. Hence, Knowledge Management ceases to be an alternative administrative tool and becomes an inherent necessity for the proper functioning of the enterprise. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Towards a science of systems

Abstract: Three unique and still timely aspects of Miller's text Living Systems were his citation of 173 specific ‘cross-level’ hypotheses, his unification of a vast number of phenomena from the biomedical sciences to the social sciences using a consistent taxonomy of seven hierarchical levels and 20 subsystems, and his consistent effort to make systems hypotheses more testable. This article describes and discusses 20 similarities and dissimilarities between ‘cross-level hypotheses’ and the transdisciplinary ‘linkage propositions’ between 100 systems processes used in an alternative ‘system of system's processes’. It contrasts Miller's use of 20 ‘critical subsystems’ versus use of these 100 ‘systems isomorphies’ as the basis for classification and application of systems knowledge. It also presents analysis of empirical data published in peer-reviewed natural science journals to ‘test’ the validity of Miller's hierarchical levels with some unexpected preliminary results. It relates Miller's biomedically-based vision of ‘measurable systems parameters’ to the tenets of the new field of Systems Pathology. The paper concludes with an evaluation of Miller's contributions in terms of recent developments in the natural sciences, systems science and the newer complex systems movement. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Lessons learned from unsuccessful modelling interventions

Abstract: This paper reports several related failures of modelling interventions. Atrive, an organizational consulting company, set out to adapt a canonical housing association model named ITS to the specific circumstances of its clients. The ITS adaptation process, however, demonstrated rather annoying dynamics and finally had to be terminated due to negative business results. This paper provides a background on the relevance of failure case studies and ventures into the symptoms and warning signs. We reflect on a systems thinking intervention within Atrive to learn from these experiences and improve business strategy. The problems encountered correspond to several archetypes. We end this paper by summarizing several known and one possibly new factor in explaining failure of modelling projects and pose several questions for further research. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Designing ERP systems with knowledge management capacity

Abstract: Globally, over the past decade, there has been a tremendous proliferation of the traditional enterprise resource planning systems in businesses. In addition, the economy has evolved into a knowledge-based economy that has made knowledge a valuable asset for businesses. As knowledge-based economy evolves and businesses implement enterprise resource planning systems, it is inevitable that there is a need to integrate enterprise resource planning systems and knowledge management. In this paper, we discuss the design issues of enterprise resource planning systems in the knowledge-based economy environment. Enterprise resource planning systems based on knowledge management combine traditional enterprise resource planning and knowledge management effectively and are suitable in the knowledge-based economy as the new requirement of enterprises. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

The social dimension of system dynamics‐based modelling

Abstract: In this paper, the social dimension of system dynamics (SD)-based modelling is explored. Three manifestations of this dimension are identified: SD-models are made of social systems, they are built in social systems, and SD-models are built for social systems. The paper (1) explains the nature of these three manifestations of the social dimension, (2) discusses problems emerging from them and (3) gives an overview of knowledge, required to deal with these problems.

Construction of knowledge in the mass media. Systemic problems in the post‐modern power‐struggle between the symbolic generalized media in the Agora: the Lomborg case of environmental science and politics

Abstract: The present article analyses the Lomborg case of environmental conflicts in the Agora of the mass media by viewing science, politics, economics, religion and the big news media as differentiated systems using what Luhmann calls symbolic generalized media. Each has its own simplified code and interest that make it easier and faster to canalize messages. But the problem for the public good then becomes that they cannot communicate directly with each other. Each system is closed around its own code and specialists. There are no rules of engagement for the benefit of the greater system of society. Is that a good thing or could the public knowledge generation processes be improved? This article analyses the Lomborg case viewed as a problem of public knowledge management in democratic societies with free presses. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Functional modelling in engineering design: a perspectival approach featuring living systems theory

Abstract: Complex engineering systems (e.g. aeronautic vehicles and automobiles) consist of many different interfacing parts and are subject to numerous requirements and constraints regarding aspects of performance, manufacturability, economics, etc. Their design requires the collaboration between people from various disciplines—each retaining different, but necessary, perspectives of the system under design. Here, perspective is defined as a particular context that a human utilizes to create personally meaningful understanding. The key, then, to developing complex engineering systems lies in accommodating and negotiating different perspectives such that a comprehensive and highly integrated design is achieved. We offer a methodology for performing design that explicitly incorporates the multiplicity and diversity of perspective encountered when developing complex engineering systems. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Integrating systems thinking into IS education

Abstract: IS failure has been observed and documented in various articles (Barker and Frolick, 2003; Beresford et al., 1976; Bostrom and Heinen, 1977; Bussen andMichael, 1997; Heeks, 2002; Kay et al., 1999; Kaye, 1990; Keil and Robey, 2001, Mitev, 1994). Many researchers have tried to understand the phenomenon by studying success or failure factors (Birks et al., 2003; Peterson et al., 2002; Poon and Wagner, 2001; Schmitt and Kozar, 1978; Senn, 1978) with the hope that IS professionals can learn from these lessons (Ginzberg, 1981; Lyytinen and Robey, 1999). For example, Clemons and Row (1995) found that reasons for BPR failures are unrelated to the technical ability of organizations to implement information systems, but were instead due to the organization’s inability to understand its uncertain future strategic needs and its inability to make painful and difficult changes in response to these future strategic needs. Lorenzi and Riley (2003) have shown that reasons for IS failure include problems in communication, complexity, organization, technology, and leadership. They classified IS failure into four major categories: technical shortcomings, project management shortcomings, organizational issues, and the continuing information explosion. It is our view that we need to investigate the root of the problem of IS failure: IS education. Lyytinen and Robey (1999) noted that IS professionals commonly assume that their biggest challenge is to acquire new technical knowledge, and this is one of the barriers preventing IS professionals from learning from IS failure. A systems view would provide a more useful paradigm to understand IS failure in organizations. They call for reforming IS education to make the learning process effective for IS professionals. In this paper, we argue that the problemwith many IS failures comes partly from the lack of systems thinking in the IS curriculum. We suggest the incorporation of a systems thinking component into IS education as a longterm strategy to improve IS professionals’ capacity and to deal with the IS failure problem. The paper is organized in the following manner. We first view IS in organizations as a complex system and IS as an interdisciplinary field. Thenwe discuss the nature of many current IS curricula focusing on linear thinking and a single perspective. The next section reviews current trends of systems thinking and how they

Designing, utilizing and evaluating ‘technology‐creating Ba’ in a Japanese scientific research institution

Abstract: The School of Knowledge Science at Japan Advanced Institute of Science and Technology is the first school established in the world to make knowledge creation the core of its scientific research. At this graduate school, knowledge management research is focusing on knowledge conversion theories, knowledge-systematizing models and methods for the development of creativity. It aims at enabling researchers to achieve robust innovation in research frontiers of natural sciences. For this purpose, it is necessary to establish a ‘Ba’ that supports the development and practice of scientific knowledge creation. This paper considers the advantages and disadvantages deriving from the vagueness, depth, diversity and flexibility of the definition of ‘Ba’, stresses the need of redesigning ‘knowledge creation Ba’ using systems concepts, incorporates insights from the structure–agency–action sociological paradigm, and proposes a systems methodology to design and evaluate ‘Ba’ for technology creation in academia, with illustrating evidence from a preliminary survey. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

A new discipline in the era of knowledge economy: material flow science and technology

Abstract: The paper puts forward a new Chinese concept of ‘Wu Liu’ (material flow) which is different from the concepts of logistics and physical distribution popular in the West and Japan in four aspects: characteristics, contents, properties and applications. The paper points out that the research on material flow science and technology in China has lagged far behind, especially in the application aspect of material flows which is not in line with the position that material flow holds as the third biggest backbone industry group of the national economy. The paper also discusses issues in researching material flow in economic development, social development, as well as natural sciences. At the end, a framework of material flow science and technology is proposed which includes four components: disciplines supporting material flow science and technology, engineering and technological disciplines supporting material flow science and technology, theoretical disciplines supporting material flow science and technology, and other disciplines supporting material flow science and technology. About forty disciplines are related to material flow science and technology which need to be either built or enhanced. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.