CRITICAL SYSTEMS THINKING AND TOTAL SYSTEMS INTERVENTION: SYSTEMS-BASED RESEARCH AND CONSULTANCY IN THE DEPARTMENT OF MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS AND SCIENCES,HULL UNIVERSITY,UK

This paper is a brief overview of the current achievements of a substantial research and consultancy program, which is reflected in our undergraduate and postgraduate taught courses, at the University of Hull, UK. Our ideas are based on critique, which has been found useful in developing an open and conciliatory approach to the diversity of systems-based problem-solving methods. We label this critical systems thinking. The diversity is shown to be a strength as opposed to the failed conception of fragmentation and isolation, which is a weakness. Ail of this is brought together in a pragmatized form, which then provides a creative approach to systems-based problem solving for our consultancy work. We label this total systems intervention.     

THE USE OF CYBERNETICS IN ORGANIZATIONAL DESIGN AND DEVELOPMENT: AN ILLUSTRATION WITHIN AIR FORCE LOGISTICS COMMAND

Abstract

The purpose of this paper is to show how cybernetic concepts can be used to guide organizational design and development activities. The intent of the paper is to demonstrate how a cybernetic model of a viable organization can be used to diagnose potential problems in existing organizations and serve to guide organizational development activities, For illustrative purposes, a case study of the Air Force Logistics Command (AFLC) is used to demonstrate how the cybernetic organizational model can be made operational in the “real world.” The paper is designed to show how this methodology can be used as a road map for integrating and guiding several initiatives which are underway to make AFLC more responsive in meeting potential wartime scenarios. This paper is organized in sections which: (1) describe AFLC mission responsibilities and organization; (2) identify current major problems; (3) describe and use a cybernetic organizational model to diagnose causes of current problems; and (4) develop some observations which can be used to guide future organizational design and development efforts.     

GENETIC ALGORITHMS: A TOOL FOR MODELLING,SIMULATION, AND OPTIMIZATION OF COMPLEX SYSTEMS

Until very recently genetic algorithms GAs were considered to be the proprietary field of general systems theoreticians and important for esoteric or extremely complex optimization studies. This paper endeavors to show that GA are of great utility in cases where complex systems have to be designed and, therefore, rational choices have to be made. The GA approach is based loosely on the theory of natural evolution, genetic diversity, and searching for beneficial adaptations to a complicated and changing environment. GAs can be viewed as a modelling tool and as a technique for simulation of complex systems represented by communities of interacting units. The representation of units can express characteristics, capabilities, or relatively simple strategies. These units compete and are modified by external operators, so that the overall system adapts to its environment. That environment defines the criterion by which the success in adapting can be measured. Genetic algorithms have been successfully applied to many optimization problems including mathematical function optimization, very large scale integration VLSI chip layout, molecular docking, parameter fitting, scheduling, manufacturing, clustering, machine learning, etc. and are still finding increasing acceptance. Modelling and optimization of a Kanban system from the field of flexible manufacturing systems is discussed in the last section.     

ON THE PROBLEM OF REPRESENTATION IN LOCKEAN AND DIALECTICAL BELIEF SYSTEMS: A SYSTEMS APPROACH TO POLICY ANALYSIS

This paper explores the problems that are associated with building a model (representation) of two systems which are central to the field of policy analysis. The systems are the Lockean and Dialectical Inquiring Systems (ISs). Given two or more belief systems, a Lockean IS will attempt to secure maximum agreement between them, whereas a Dialectical IS will attempt to secure maximum disagreement as the basis for forming a policy.