Book Description
Nine innovative methods to think outside the box and solve complex system problems

Managing Complex Systems provides specific tools and guidance needed to be a more creative and innovative thinker. Following the author's methodology, the reader will be better able to devise and implement nontraditional solutions to seemingly intractable complex problems. By challenging the reader to think in new and creative ways, the book offers a road map to success, whether measured in terms of competitive advantage, greater market share, improved productivity, or higher profits, all based upon better solutions to difficult problems.

The first four chapters set the foundation for creative thinking by exploring the nature of large-scale systems and complexity, thinking inside and outside the box, and examples of how an inventive mind solves problems in both management and scientific domains. Subsequent chapters address nine focused methods that the author has formulated to help the reader think outside the box:
* Broaden and generalize
* Crossover
* Question conventional wisdom
* Back of the envelope
* Expanding the dimensions
* Obversity
* Remove constraints
* Thinking with pictures
* Systems approach

Real-life examples are provided for each method that demonstrate how the approach enhances problem solving and decision making in system development and management. Following the discussion of the nine methods, the author examines group decision making as well as additional creative thinking procedures devised by other researchers, including references that assist in exploring these methods in greater detail. The author ends with a wrap-up chapter that includes a test to help readers practice their tendencies toward creative thinking skills and action with respect to solving real-world problems.

The nine methods discussed in this book have broad applicability and can be used successfully by managers with a wide range of responsibilities in business and technology. For anyone who is tired of the same old approach with the same old results, this book is essential reading. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

worse than unfortunate
As a student who had this as a textbook, I can tell you that this is the last book you want to read IF your goal is managing complex systems.In point of fact, this book is nothing less than an "in-the-box" approach to identifying that which is out of the box.Can you hackney the hackneyed?Eisner has proven it so...

Do not buy this book, even if it is in your syllabus.

Wise advices for dealing with complexity
Professor Eisner argues that dealing with complexity is a paramount for the modern technological organization. By having a huge academic and business experience Professor Eisner presents 9 ways of think out sides the box, which means a broad way to look at problems brought about by complexity. Written in a almost informal language this book is pleasant reading that will help a great deal those who must overcome complexity. ... Read more

Book Description
This book explores the exciting new field of complexity. It features in-depth coverage of important theoretical areas, including fractals, chaos, nonlinear dynamics, artificial life, and self organization. It also provides overviews of complexity in several applied areas, including parallel computation, control systems, neural systems, and ecosystems. Contributors examine some of the properties that best characterize complex systems, including algorithmic richness, nonlinearity, and abundant interactions between components. In this way the book draws themes, especially the ideas of connectivity and natural computation, that reveal deep, underlying similarities among phenomena that have formerly been treated as completely distinct. Researchers in a wide array of fields, including ecology, neuroscience, computer science, and mathematics, will find this volume to be a fascinating collection of ideas. ... Read more

Book Description

This book presents a survey of the field of dynamical systems and its significance for research in complex systems and other fields, based on a careful analysis of specific important examples. It also explains the fundamental underlying mathematical concepts, with a particular focus on invariants of dynamical systems, including a systematic treatment of Morse-Conley theory. Entropy and related concepts in the topological, metric, measure theoretic and smooth settings and some connections with information theory are discussed, and cellular automata and random Boolean networks are presented as specific examples.

Book Description

Product Description
This book is the culmination of three years of research effort on a multidisciplinary project in which physicists, mathematicians, computer scientists and social scientists worked together to arrive at a unifying picture of complex networks. The contributed chapters form a reference for the various problems in data analysis visualization and modeling of complex networks. ... Read more

Book Description
This book explains how to apply the most modern systems engineering modeling approaches not only to products, processes and business enterprises, but also to the description of the process of systems engineering. The result is an easily understood description of the systems engineering process which can be tailored to the many methodologies, notations and tools that compete for adoption. The book provides an engineering basis for: specification of near-optimal products and processes; tailoring the systems engineering process to commercial or aerospace projects; selection of a specific methodlogy and notation; selection and development of tools for automation; and training students in a systems development disciplines. ... Read more

Book Description

"The emphasis on change at many levels of organization is critically important as is the first attempt to integrate sophisticated theory and research in organization psychology (e.g., Gersick, Hackman) with social psychological models of development such as Moreland and Levine."

--Reuben M. Baron, Emeritus, University of Connecticut

"Arrow, McGrath, and Berdahls Small Groups as Complex Systems will change the way you think about groups, the way you think about research, and even the way you think about science." --Donelson R. Forsyth, Psychology, Virginia Commonwealth U

"The book is excellent, one of those very rare works that will have substantial impact on the field. I would use the book without hesitation in any advanced graduate seminar dealing with groups."

--Donelson R. Forsyth, Psychology, Virginia Commonwealth U

"A conceptually elegant analysis of groups as systems. Although the systems approach has been growing more influential in various fields of social psychology in the last ten years, no one has put forward a definitive analysis that applies with fidelity the general systems approach to group processes. McGrath and his colleagues fill that gap, not by paying lip service to popular scientific concepts such as recursive causality, open systems, attractors, and complexity theory, but by fully integrating these concepts into their no-nonsense analysis of such group level processes as formation, task performance, composition, development, and termination. Empirical work is folded into the theoretical mix along the way, but the focus is unrelentingly conceptual with the result that the authors deliver on their promise of developing a powerful, unified theory of group dynamics."

--Donelson R. Forsyth, Psychology, Virginia Commonwealth U

"Theirs is an ambitious book. They have profound ramifications for experimental social psychology. It is worth mentioning that AMD (Arrow, McGrarth, and Berdahl) list an ethnographic approach, which often implies the adoption of hermeneutic and semiotic methods (a hallmark of the anti-Enlightenment tradition in psychology), as a possible way forward."

--Yoshihisa Kashima, American Journal of Psychology

What are groups? How do they behave? Arrow, McGrath, and Berdahl answer these questions by developing a general theory of small groups as complex systems. Basing their theory on concepts distilled from general systems theory, dynamical systems theory, and complexity and chaos theory, they explore groups as adaptive, dynamic systems that are driven by interactions among group members as well as between the group and its embedding contexts. In addition, they consider not only the groups members and their distribution of attributes, but also the groups tasks and technology in order to understand how those members, tasks, and tools are intertwined, coordinated, and adjusted. Throughout the book, the authors focus our attention on relationships among people, tools, and tasks that are activated by a combination of individual and collective purposes and goals that change and evolve as the group interacts over time.

Customer Reviews (3)

College Book
This book is required for my Masters class ... it arrived as described and in a very timely manner.

An outstanding guide, one that has long been needed.
Just as our transportation system, like most complex systems, has grown ever more sophisticated, so have the means of investigating when those systems suffer failures.For years, a pronouncement of "human error" signaled the end of an accident investigation; now it often marks the beginning.It is no longer sufficient to conclude that an error occurred; investigators must now determine why it occurred and what can be done to prevent a recurrence.Yet surprisingly, there has been little in the training canon to prepare the accident investigator for this central function.That is, until now, because Dr. Barry Strauch has masterfully filled that gap."Investigating Human Error: Incidents, Accidents, and Complex Systems" is that rarity in the literature of any discipline: a text that is thorough, well-organized and also a pleasure to read.Strauch is clearly at home in both the academic world and the gritty, high-stress environment that surrounds the investigator in the field.Each page of his book is informed by his years of experience as an investigator, an educator and a human factors psychologist.With the systematic, insightful approach presented by Strauch, complex systems are no longer impenetrable to the investigator; human error ceases to be a conundrum.Furthermore, Strauch's audience extends well beyond the ranks of investigators alone.His book will be profoundly appreciated by the people who work in airlines and other complex systems, by those who manage them and by those who analyze and regulate them.In fact, Strauch's work will be a compelling read for anyone who is fascinated and perplexed by humans failing to perform as they should in critical missions.

Superb
Dr. Barry Strauch's book is a superbly written and researched account by an investigating expert.He weaves an informative tale that maintains an anecdotal and entertaining tone throughout.Dr. Strauch is, quite simply, a literary wizard.His book is truly a gift to the aviation world.His first-hand account of many infamous accidents combined with his expertise and step by step techniques make this an educational yet interesting read.This reader highly recommends this book to anyone in the field of aviation or any person with an interest in the field. This book is a classic in the vein of "Normal Accidents," Charles Perrow's masterpiece.Five stars. ... Read more

Book Description
There has been recently some interdisciplinary convergence on a number of precise topics which can be considered as prototypes of complex systems. This convergence is bestappreciated at the level of the techniques needed to deal with these systems, which include:

1) A domain of research around a multiple point where statistical physics, information theory, algorithmic computer science, and more theoretical (probabilistic) computer science meet: this covers some aspects of error correcting codes, stochastic optimization algorithms, typical case complexity and phase transitions, constraint satisfaction problems.
2) The study of collective behavior of interacting agents, its impact on understanding some types of economical and financial problems, their link to population and epidemics dynamics, game theory, social, biological and computer networks and evolution.

The present book is the written version of the lectures given during the Les Houches summer school session on "Complex Systems", devoted to these emerging interdisciplinary fields. The lectures consist both in a number of long methodological courses (probability theory, statistical physics of disordered systems, information theory, network structure and evolution, agent-based economics and numerical methods) and more specific, 'problem oriented' courses. Lecturers are all leading experts in their field; they have summarized recent results in a clear and authoritative manner. The "Les Houches lecture notes" have a long tradition of excellence and are often found to be useful for a number of years after they were written.

The book is of interest to students and researchers with various backgrounds: probability theory, computer science, information theory, physics, finance, biology, etc.

· Topical and comprehensive survey of the emerging, interdisciplinary field of "Complex Systems", covered by recognized world experts
· "Les Houches lectures notes": a long tradition of excellence and long-lasting impact
· Of interest to a broad audience (mathematics, physics, biology, informatics, finance, geology, etc.)
· Some applications may have concrete impact
· Selected topics in complex systems: forefront of research in the field ... Read more

Product Description
The universe is a massive system of systems -- for example, ecological systems, social systems, commodity and stock markets. These systems are complex, constantly adapting to their environment, and many are essential to the very existence of human beings. To fully understand these systems, complex adaptive systems research uses systemic inquiry to build multi-level and multidisciplinary representations of reality to study these systems.

Applications of Complex Adaptive Systems provides a global view of the most up-to-date research on the strategies, applications, practice, and implications of complex adaptive systems, to better understand the various critical systems that surround human life. Researchers working in the field of complex adaptive systems and related fields such as machine learning and artificial intelligence, multi-agent systems, and data mining, as well as professionals in related applications such as defense, bioinformatics, and sociology will find this book an indispensable, state-of-the-art reference. ... Read more

Book Description

Complex Systems Science in Biomedicine
Thomas S. Deisboeck and J. Yasha Kresh

Book Description
In this book David and Alex Bennet propose a new model for organizations that enables them to react more quickly and fluidly to today's fast-changing, dynamic business environment: the Intelligent Complex Adaptive System (ICAS). ICAS is a new organic model of the firm based on recent research in complexity and neuroscience, and incorporating networking theory and knowledge management, and turns the living system metaphor into a reality for organizations. This book synthesizes new thinking about organizational structure from the fields listed above into ICAS, a new systems model for the successful organization of the future designed to help leaders and managers of knowledge organizations succeed in a non-linear, complex, fast-changing and turbulent environment.Technology enables connectivity, and the ICAS model takes advantage of that connectivity by fostering the development of dynamic, effective and trusting relationships in a new organizational structure.

This book outlines the model in chapter four, and then breaks down the model into its components in the next two chapters. This is a benefit to readers since different components of the model can be implemented at different times, so the book can guide implementation of one or all of the components as a manager sees fit. There are eight characteristics of the ICAS: organizational intelligence, unity and shared purpose, optimum complexity, selectivity, knowledge centricity, flow, permeable boundaries, and multi-dimensionality.

* Clear portrait of the successful organization of the future using latest research in knowledge management and complexity theory
* Shows concretely how to design an organization that can successfully respond to constant change and uncertainty.
* Practical examples woven throughout the discussion. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (5)

A Great Treatment od a Complex Topic
The Bennet's provide a dialogue of complex systems that is exceptionally thought provoking.They have a logical progression in developing their concepts and are mindful of reinforcing the basic concepts by continually referring the reader back to the basics of the introductory chapters.Experienced managers will be able to relate the concepts presented in this book to the ones they have experienced.It will allow those mediocre managers to set their goals in proper line and also help those who have been successful in either reinventing their organization from the ground up or honing a functioning organization into a finer running machine.This is not a book you can read and absorb in a short time.In fact, my first reading took several months.My second reading continues in an even more deliberate way, selecting certain chapters that relate to my real world.

A book you keep on a nearby shelf to pull down periodically for a short read about a specific organization concept of interest.

The Application of ICAS to KM Education
At Kent State University our graduate interdisciplinary program, Information & Knowledge Management (IAKM), was founded two years ago by a number of departments and schools: Communication Studies, Computer Science, Graduate School of Management, Journalism & Mass Communication, Library and Information Science, and Visual Communication Design. This rich mosaic of experience and knowledge is a seedbed for teaching the Intelligent Complex Adaptive System (ICAS) as described in Organizational Survival in the New World: The Intelligent Complex Adaptive System, by Alex and David Bennet.

Many of our learners in the IAKM Program are mid-career professionals, managers, and executives who seek a blueprint and framework for constructing and sustaining the new, Second Generation Knowledge Management (SGKM) organization. Alex and David have provided a rich foundation in the theory behind ICAS and draw in a resulting learner dialogue that demonstrate how theory can be practically engaged in the dynamic environments of our evolving institutions, businesses, and governments. This handbook will be used to design a new course in IAKM that prototypes a successful and innovative ICAS organization-covering aspects of its architecture, structure and infrastructure, culture, leadership, problem-solving and decision-making apparatus, collaboration, and potential institutional outcomes.

Alex and David Bennet are exemplary Master Builders who draw upon Complexity Theory. This book fulfils the needs displayed by many highly motivated learners who wish to comprehend and apply the elements and theories that are required to construct and launch a competitive and agile ICAS organization.

Of particular value to me was Part IV: The Knowledge Solution, which focused on the new skills and competencies needed by the new knowledge worker to help attain organizational survival and, more importantly, organizational success. This seminal monograph has augmented the goal of my research into the development of a Knowledge Management Educational Framework (KMEF) because it contains rich material with which I can effectively teach KM as well as fertile substance for my academic research agenda. I highly recommend this book because it will prove useful to academics as well as practitioners.

Breakthough for Organizational Thinking
This is one of only a few books to attempt a fresh expansive view of new organizational infrastructure, principles, and tools in nearly a half-century of post-industrial society experience. One might say that until the last decade of knowledge management thinking, there has not been the perspective to do this.But, I don't buy it.Fritz Machlup's work in the 50's extensively described the impact of knowledge work on the economy.Drucker clearly saw it in the 50's.What have we been thinking about?

You can't read this book without disagreeing with the Bennets.They touch too many subjects too dear to too many of us.Still, give them credit for so many new ideas.They have laid the basis for a broad dialogue grounded in the credible view of complexity theory.The Bennets have sent out the invitations, they have set the table, who will join the feast? It is challenging for me to read this book.I constantly want to be able to discuss it with others.There is so much depth and breadth at the same time.Also, you may not be able to read it without being remorseful about your own organization, especially if you work in a complex enterprise.Recommend you scan the table of contents and then start reading.As the Bennets say, go to Chapter 19 if you need grounding in complexity theory.I found it useful to jump ahead and read chapters as my interest was peaked. Then go back and pick up from where you left off.

The Bennets' research alone has immense value.This book should become a college text for graduate work.They are well grounded in complexity theory, nevertheless, they pull from many fields, disciplines, and theorists to build this new body of knowledge. The book would rock an MBA program.

Drucker says that figuring this sort of thing out will determine how well we'll compete in this new century.The Bennets give us new frameworks for describing what we're working with and how we can organize for breakthroughs on multiple levels.In the meantime, hopefully a leader at Homeland Security is reading this book.

Outstanding Book for Executives in a Competitive Environment
The authors provide a valuable resource for executives striving to assure their companies excel in a competitive and complex environment. Dave and Alex Bennet use their practical management experience and excellent insight in knowledge theory to address the challenges facing organizations in a rapidly changing world. Their explanation of the Intelligent Complex Adaptive System ICAS provides a model for successfully handling the increasing demands of a swiftly changing business atmosphere. As background, the book provides a description of the differences between Bureaucratic and World Class organizations. It explores the emergent properties of the ICAS and how it works in practice. The Bennets present a variety of new and innovative techniques for improving organizational performance. The ICAS and the processes described in this book are a roadmap for organizations to achieve sustainable competitive advantage. I highly recommend this book for executives who strive to excel in a complex and ever changing competitive environment.

Outstanding Book for Executives in a Competitive Environment
The authors provide a valuable resource for executives striving to assure their companies excel in a competitive and complex environment. Dave and Alex Bennet use their practical management experience and excellent insight in knowledge theory to address the challenges facing organizations in a rapidly changing world. Their explanation of the Intelligent Complex Adaptive System ICAS provides a model for successfully handling the increasing demands of a swiftly changing business atmosphere. As background, the book provides a description of the differences between Bureaucratic and World Class organizations. It explores the emergent properties of the ICAS and how it works in practice. The Bennets present a variety of new and innovative techniques for improving organizational performance. The ICAS and the processes described in this book are a roadmap for organizations to achieve sustainable competitive advantage. I highly recommend this book for executives who strive to excel in a complex and ever changing competitive environment. ... Read more

Book Description
Comprehension of complex systems comes from an understanding of not only the behavior of constituent elements but how they act together to form the behavior of the whole. However, given the multidisciplinary nature of complex systems, the scattering of information across different areas creates a chaotic situation for those trying to understand possible solutions and applications.Modeling and Control of Complex Systems brings together a number of research experts to present some of their latest approaches and future research directions in a language accessible to system theorists. Contributors discuss complex systems such as networks for modeling and control of civil structures, vehicles, robots, biomedical systems, fluid flow systems, and home automation systems. Each chapter provides theoretical and methodological descriptions of a specific application in the control of complex systems, including congestion control in computer networks, autonomous multi-robot docking systems, modeling and control in cancer genomics, and backstepping controllers for stabilization of turbulent flow PDEs.With this unique reference, you will discover how complexity is dealt with in different disciplines and learn about the latest methodologies, which are applicable to your own specialty. The balanced mix of theory and simulation presented by Modeling and Control of Complex Systems supplies a strong vehicle for enlarging your knowledge base a fueling future advances and incredible breakthroughs. ... Read more

Book Description

This book is devoted to the explanation of freeway traffic congestion, a fact of life for many car drivers. Results of empirical observations of freeway congestion, which exhibit diverse complex spatiotemporal patterns including moving traffic jams, are analyzed. Empirical features of these reproducible freeway traffic patterns only recently sufficiently well understood are reviewed. In the first part, three-phase traffic theory can be found, which is the basis for a physical theory of traffic phenomena and its applications in engineering. In the second part, the empirical spatiotemporal patterns are examined and, finally in parts III and IV, the mathematical model and the engineering applications are addressed. The Physics of Traffic addresses researchers and practitioners alike.

Book Description

This book consists of lecture notes of a summer school named after the late Jacques Louis Lions.

Book Description
This digital document is a journal article from The Leadership Quarterly, published by Elsevier in 2006. The article is delivered in HTML format and is available in your Amazon.com Media Library immediately after purchase. You can view it with any web browser.

Description:
This article contrasts the assumptions of General Systems Theory, the framework for much prior leadership research, with those of Complexity Theory, to further develop the latter's implications for the definition of leadership and the leadership process. We propose that leadership in a Complex Adaptive System (CAS) may affect the organization indirectly, through the mediating variables of organizational identity and social movements. A rudimentary model of leadership in a CAS is presented. We then outline two non-linear methodologies, dynamic systems simulation and artificial neural networks, as appropriate to enable development and testing of a model leadership under the assumptions of Complexity Theory. ... Read more

Book Description

This work is a research-level monograph whose goal is to develop a general combination, decomposition, and structure theory for branched coverings of the two-sphere to itself, regarded as the combinatorial and topological objects which arise in the classification of certain holomorphic dynamical systems on the Riemann sphere. It is intended for researchers interested in the classification of those complex one-dimensional dynamical systems which are in some loose sense tame. The program is motivated by the dictionary between the theories of iterated rational maps and Kleinian groups.