Steering without Circe: attending to reinforcing loops in social systems
David C. Lane,Elke Husemann +1 more
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System dynamics and ideas from contemporary social theory help to show that even the most complex social systems are, in principle, subject to human influence.Abstract:
Relating system dynamics to the broad systems movement, the key notion is that reinforcing loops deserve no less attention than balancing loops. Three specific propositions follow. First, since reinforcing loops arise in surprising places, investigations of complex systems must consider their possible existence and potential impact. Second, because the strength of reinforcing loops can be misinferred - we include an example from the field of servomechanisms - computer simulation can be essential. Be it project management, corporate growth or inventory oscillation, simulation helps to assess consequences of reinforcing loops and options for interventions. Third, in social systems the consequences of reinforcing loops are not inevitable. Examples concerning globalization illustrate how difficult it might be to challenge such assumptions. However, system dynamics and ideas from contemporary social theory help to show that even the most complex social systems are, in principle, subject to human influence. In conclusion, by employing these ideas, by attending to reinforcing as well as balancing loops, system dynamics work can improve the understanding of social systems and illuminate our choices when attempting to steer them.read more
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Design classes for hybrid simulations involving agent-based and system dynamics models
Chris Swinerd,Ken R. McNaught +1 more
TL;DR: This work proposes three basic types of hybrid agent-based system dynamics simulations, referred to here as interfaced, integrated and sequential hybrid designs, and speculate that the classification presented may also be useful for other classes of hybrid simulations.
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Using system dynamics to develop policies that matter: global management of poliomyelitis and beyond
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors provide details of the system dynamics modeling that underlies their research on polio, and discuss the process they followed to bring scientific modeling of a highly complex issue to policymakers.
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Blending systems thinking approaches for organisational analysis: reviewing child protection in England
TL;DR: The paper closes with an outline of the main implementation steps taken so far to create a child protection system with the critically reflective properties of a learning organisation, and methodological reflections on the benefits of systems thinking to support organisational analysis.
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Information systems research with system dynamics
TL;DR: In this article, the authors present a collection of five applied-research contributions to this System Dynamics Review (SDR) special issue, and place these contributions in their proper context of IS research with system dynamics (SD).
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A model linking clinical workforce skill mix planning to health and health care dynamics.
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TL;DR: A broad endogenous systems model of health and health care which will enable human resource planners to operate within real world variables is produced and the development of simple, computable national versions are considered.
References
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Outline of a Theory of Practice
TL;DR: Bourdieu as mentioned in this paper develops a theory of practice which is simultaneously a critique of the methods and postures of social science and a general account of how human action should be understood.
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The Social Construction of Reality: A Treatise in the Sociology of Knowledge
Peter L. Berger,Thomas Luckmann +1 more
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors present an analysis of knowledge in everyday life in the context of a theory of society as a dialectical process between objective and subjective reality, focusing particularly on that common-sense knowledge which constitutes the reality of everyday life for the ordinary member of society.
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The Theory of Communicative Action
Jürgen Habermas,Thomas McCarthy +1 more
TL;DR: In this article, an apex seal for a rotary combustion engine is disclosed having a hollow, thin wall, tubular, metal core member embedded in an extruded composite metal-carbon matrix, adapted to slideably engage the slot of the rotor in which it rides and sealingly engage the rotor housing against which it is spring and gas pressure biased.
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Systems Thinking, Systems Practice
TL;DR: The Soft Systems Methodology (SSM) as discussed by the authors is an alternative approach which enables managers of all kinds and at any level to deal with the subtleties and confusions of the situations they face.
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Outline of a theory of practice
TL;DR: Pierre Bourdieu develops a theory of practice which is simultaneously a critique of the methods and postures of social science and a general account of how human action should be understood, able to transcend the dichotomies which have shaped theoretical thinking about the social world.