Read Critical Systems Thinking and the Management of Complexity Michael C Jackson 9781119118374 Books
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The world has become increasingly networked and unpredictable. Decision makers at all levels are required to manage the consequences of complexity every day. They must deal with problems that arise unexpectedly, generate uncertainty, are characterised by interconnectivity, and spread across traditional boundaries. Simple solutions to complex problems are usually inadequate and risk exacerbating the original issues.
Leaders of international bodies such as the UN, OECD, UNESCO and WHO — and of major business, public sector, charitable, and professional organizations — have all declared that systems thinking is an essential leadership skill for managing the complexity of the economic, social and environmental issues that confront decision makers. Systems thinking must be implemented more generally, and on a wider scale, to address these issues.
An evaluation of different systems methodologies suggests that they concentrate on different aspects of complexity. To be in the best position to deal with complexity, decision makers must understand the strengths and weaknesses of the various approaches and learn how to employ them in combination. This is called critical systems thinking. Making use of over 25 case studies, the book offers an account of the development of systems thinking and of major efforts to apply the approach in real-world interventions. Further, it encourages the widespread use of critical systems practice as a means of ensuring responsible leadership in a complex world.
Comments on a previous version of the book
Russ Ackoff ‘the book is the best overview of the field I have seen’
JP van Gigch ‘Jackson does a masterful job. The book is lucid ...well written and eminently readable’
Professional Manager (Journal of the Chartered Management Institute) ‘Provides an excellent guide and introduction to systems thinking for students of management’
Read Critical Systems Thinking and the Management of Complexity Michael C Jackson 9781119118374 Books
"As a long time student and teacher of systems thinking I welcome the addition of this book to the Amazon collection. As far as I can tell there is no other book that includes all the major developments in systems thinking over the last fifty years. This lack of a source book has in part meant that systems thinking has taken a back seat in management and business development in Europe.
The book starts by clarifying what the systems language means. As this a language that has been hijacked by colloquialism this section is an excellent primer for those wanting to understand the theoretical and philosophical roots of systems. This is followed by a look at applying systems thinking and in particular the creative nature of developments over the last couple of decades. This is an important aspect to be covered as many assume systems must be technical and rigid.
The bulk of the middle part of the book reviews the major developments in approaches, including Soft Systems Methodology, Complexity Theory and Systems Dynamics. These are clearly labelled, with background history, examples of application and clear illustrations. The value of each approach is explicitly stated in terms of management helping the reader to grasp which method might be most appropriate to their situation.
The final section helps the reader to decide how to maximise the benefit of the different holistic approaches. It draws them together using critical thinking approaches developed by the author and others. Examples of application are given although elements come across as a little too philosophical for the average manager."
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Tags : Critical Systems Thinking and the Management of Complexity [Michael C. Jackson] on . The world has become increasingly networked and unpredictable. Decision makers at all levels are required to manage the consequences of complexity every day. They must deal with problems that arise unexpectedly,Michael C. Jackson,Critical Systems Thinking and the Management of Complexity,Wiley,1119118379,Leadership,Management science,System analysis,BUSINESS ECONOMICS / Management,BUSINESS ECONOMICS / Management Science,Business Economics/Leadership,Business Economics/Management Science,Business/Economics,Great Britain/British Isles,Management Science / Operations Research,Non-Fiction,Scholarly/Graduate,TEXT,Textbooks (Various Levels),Wirtschaft / Management,critical systems thinking; systems research; management systems thinking; decision-making systems; holistic management; operational research systems; behavioral science management concepts; systems sciences; cybernetic sciences; business systems
Critical Systems Thinking and the Management of Complexity Michael C Jackson 9781119118374 Books Reviews :
Critical Systems Thinking and the Management of Complexity Michael C Jackson 9781119118374 Books Reviews
- While writing Service Thinking The Seven Principles To Discover Innovative Opportunities (http//www./Service-Thinking-Hunter-Hastings) Jeff Saperstein and I researched a number of books to guide the application of systems thinking to management challenges. I discovered this one after going to publication on Service Thinking, so it's not referenced. It provides an excellent overview of all the systems thinking genres, their history, pluses and minuses, and where and how to apply them. It provides a great starting point for further inquiry, and I recommend it.
- Great outlines for a complex project overview of the whole.
- This book is prescribed for a programme I am currently doing with the Unversity fo Stellenbosch and I found it so relevant to managers even if the are not studying because our challenges revolve around systems
- This book offer a very good overview about system thinking and add a lot of good examples and reflections. I reallly recommend
- Not the easiest read, but if it's thinking you want, it's thinking you're gonna do.
- Complicated but complete
- As a long time student and teacher of systems thinking I welcome the addition of this book to the collection. As far as I can tell there is no other book that includes all the major developments in systems thinking over the last fifty years. This lack of a source book has in part meant that systems thinking has taken a back seat in management and business development in Europe.
The book starts by clarifying what the systems language means. As this a language that has been hijacked by colloquialism this section is an excellent primer for those wanting to understand the theoretical and philosophical roots of systems. This is followed by a look at applying systems thinking and in particular the creative nature of developments over the last couple of decades. This is an important aspect to be covered as many assume systems must be technical and rigid.
The bulk of the middle part of the book reviews the major developments in approaches, including Soft Systems Methodology, Complexity Theory and Systems Dynamics. These are clearly labelled, with background history, examples of application and clear illustrations. The value of each approach is explicitly stated in terms of management helping the reader to grasp which method might be most appropriate to their situation.
The final section helps the reader to decide how to maximise the benefit of the different holistic approaches. It draws them together using critical thinking approaches developed by the author and others. Examples of application are given although elements come across as a little too philosophical for the average manager. - This book is excellent for those new into systems thinking. I have to note that the book can be considered too academic.
