Complex adaptive system

About: Complex adaptive system is a research topic. Over the lifetime, 3190 publications have been published within this topic receiving 111947 citations. The topic is also known as: Complex adaptive system, CAS.

Complex Adaptive Systems Engineering (CASE)

Abstract: We suggest a portfolio of distinct but related systems engineering activities that collectively may work well in very difficult environments. The CASE methodology acknowledges the human factor and encourages exerting influence rather than control. We advocate their consideration and application in limited domains, at first, to gain confidence in their viability.

Applying Complexity Theory: Whole Systems Approaches to Criminal Justice and Social Work

Abstract: Approaches based around complexity theory are increasingly being used in the study of organisations and the delivery of services. This is the first book to explore the application of complexity theory to difficult practice issues in criminal justice and social work and is intended to stimulate debate. It brings together experts in this emerging field to address complexity theory from a range of perspectives (positivist, realist, and constructivist), providing a detailed but accessible discussion of the key issues to whole systems approaches. The chapters cover theory and research on the nature of complex adaptive systems, their application to key areas of service delivery and the efficacy and ethics of criminal justice and social work interventions. The book argues for the usefulness of applying complexity theory to address significant and intractable social problems and also challenges the reductionist approaches to solving those problems currently favoured by policy makers. It will be of interest to academics and postgraduate students in social work and criminal justice.

The Intelligent Complex Adaptive System

Abstract: As we begin to understand and hopefully anticipate the behavior of the current and future environment, it becomes clear that neither the classic bureaucratic nor the current popular matrix and flat organizations will provide the unity, complexity, and selectivity necessary for survival. A different approach is needed to create an organizational system that can enter into a symbiotic relationship with other organizations within its enterprise and with the external environment while retaining its own unity of purpose and selectivity of incoming threats and opportunities, i.e., turning the living system metaphor into a reality. This organization builds on the currently anticipated knowledge organization to become a living system composed of living subsystems that combine, interact, and co-evolve to provide the capabilities of an advanced, intelligent technosociological adaptive enterprise. The system we propose can best be described as an intelligent complex adaptive system (ICAS).

The social dynamics of diverse and closed networks

Abstract: Inherent to the dynamics of social networks is a paradoxical trade-off between closed networks that promote cooper- ation and efficiency and diverse networks that are flexible to new resources and ideas. Since actors cannot simultaneously max- imize both facets of a network, this has created a sharp debate on the social capital performance of closed and diverse network relationships. Research on this social capital debate has often focused on these described network affects without explaining the origins and dynamics of network performance. This paper advances a cognitive diversity approach that is based upon the subjec- tive and alert behaviors of Austrian entrepreneurs. These are key causal drivers to this paper's theoretical model of social dynam- ics and performance of closed and diverse networks. Such network behavior is subsequently modeled as a Complex Adaptive system. Using agent-based simulation, an agent-based model of entrepreneurship and social network dynamics is constructed to test the relationships described by the proposed theoretical model. The simulation results support the described hypothesized relationships. These findings also suggest the benefits of closed and diverse networks are logically distinct and, thus, should not be viewed as an either-or phenomenon. Agent-based simulation results show entrepreneurs can construct a balanced network of closed and diverse networks to optimize the benefits of both networks.