Journal of the International Society for the Systems Sciences

PROMOTING SYSTEMIC CHANGE IN OUR EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTIONS THROUGH METACOMPETENCIES THAT DEVELOP TRANSFORMATIVE QUALITIES OF BEING AND AGENCY

2023-11-02T13:15:57-07:00

Education systems in Australia are currently in a state of flux and disruption, with student mental health and engagement at crisis levels. This contribution examines how systems awareness and self-awareness in education cannot be separated from the rest of the curricula for students living with impact of global systems changes including COVID-19 and climate disruption. Moreover, in this context, educators are struggling to keep students engaged and provide skills and competencies needed to navigate uncertain and unsustainable futures. Addressing this challenge, our study examines a proposed set of metacompetencies (or systemic competencies) required for a systems reboot within our educational institutions – including agency, adaptability, creativity, compassion, interbeing, self-awareness and reflexivity – described elsewhere as a Curriculum for Being. Findings of this study have demonstrated systemic metacompetencies have served to build student agency for these times of transition – providing social and emotional learning that helps students develop awareness of self in relation to others and systems. This study analyses the application of these metacompetencies for transformative resilience or transilience in both a secondary school and higher education systems setting. Using methodologies of participatory action research and awareness-based systems change it proposes interventions for a much-flawed current educational paradigm that prioritises individuality and competition over connectedness. The interventions described were prototyped, tested and iterated with students in schools as well as undergraduate students at university, with evidence demonstrating that agency, self-awareness and systems awareness can combine to engage students in profound ways to create a new generation of systemic changemakers.

REFLECTIONS ON THE INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY HONOURS PROGRAM USING A SYSTEMS APPROACH

2023-11-02T12:53:54-07:00

In the South African context, most universities offer a three-year undergraduate degree followed by a further year of study to obtain an honours degree. Programmes in computing, such as information technology and other programmes with computer science majors (collectively IT), follow this same format. The high demand from students and constrained institutional resources for this further year of study necessitate the implementation of a student selection process, all the while being mindful of, among others, the expectations of students, the industry’s demand for graduates, and the university’s own academic requirements and financial constraints. There is also a rapidly changing IT environment that all role-players need to be cognizant of. This results in different perspectives on the honours programme and the handling thereof. This complexity, therefore, demands a critical reflection on the honours programme from different stakeholder perspectives to identify different problems and pressures. Therefore, the problem to be addressed in this research is effectively managing the IT honours programme and training lifecycle. Subsequently, the aim of this paper is to present a systematic reflection to diagnose the problems and posing questions with IT honours students’ training lifecycle, based on the methodology of Churchman’s systems approach: A problem can be referenced in terms of its objectives, sub-systems or elements, environment, resources, and management or coordination of all these. The three questions of Kant on reason are used to guide the process. Results anticipated from this study are the identification of the problems and arising questions within the IT Honours programme as well as the environment in which it functions. This is to be followed up with action research to do further reflective practice to improve the recognised problems. This will be done by examining the programme from several perspectives.

SYSTEM THINKING MEETS DATA SCIENCE/ENGINEERING

2023-12-08T11:39:22-08:00

With the advent of data 3.0 and analytics 3.0, system thinkers are in the position to provide a bigger picture in data science and data engineering. In the data life cycle, a system thinking approach emphasises data-driven decision-making. A System Thinker approaches problem-solving by viewing the problems as part of a wider, data-resourced and dynamic system, and a Data Practitioner supports the data life cycle by collecting, transforming, and analyzing data, and communicating results to inform and guide decision-making. This paper uses explanatory research and a pragmatic case study approach to look at the (i) What is the role of system thinking and data science/engineering skill in data-driven decision-making or organisation? (ii) Is the combination of system thinking and data science/engineering give rise to a new discipline? (iii) What are the skills needed in this new discipline? The research shows that the system thinking skills in the data life cycle are important. System thinkers meet data practitioners to provide a bigger picture of data-driven decision-making. The latter ascertains the position of a system thinker in any industrial revolution (i.e. industry 4.0. and industry 5.0). Furthermore, a Data-System Thinker is proposed as a new career field.

The Application of FMA to Automation Research

2023-11-02T14:17:05-07:00

Process automation is a field of study which is rapidly emerging due to it’s rate of adoption across the world. With the rapid adoption rate, more research energy is being focused within the automation space. Due to the challenges that process automation aims to solve, the use of soft systems methodology (SSM), which focuses on understanding a problem situation, is a suitable approach to understanding the environment in which automation is being researched. Along with SSM, the FMA model (which helps researchers identify area of interest, methodology and framework of ideas) can be generalised enough to be used as a methodology within any automation-orientated research.

Using Dooyeweerd's 15 Modal Aspects to Diagnose Challenges in Action Research

2023-11-02T13:43:08-07:00

When an interactive action research process is followed, the first of five phases encompassing problem diagnosis, action planning, action implementation, evaluation of action taken, and the identification of learning outcomes, requires the practitioner to attain a comprehensive understanding of a complex situation. Within the critical social theory paradigm, a diagnosis serves to pinpoint issues requiring attention in the subsequent phases. This aids the progression of the entity being researched by suggesting enhancements to current circumstances that is suboptimal. Given the paramount role of accurate problem diagnosis, particularly with the aim of critical social theory being toward participant emancipation, a holistic and sound comprehension of the issue under study is crucial. Limited guidance is provided in terms of how a researcher may structure the diagnosis phase. In an earlier action research study, the five considerations developed by Churchman was used to guide the diagnoses. The approach investigated here, accredited to Dooyeweerd, is also examined within the context of critical social theory, specifically in systems theory—a multidisciplinary exploration of systems. The five Churchman considerations are used to guide the investigation. The aim is to demonstrate the comparative efficacy of the modalities in structuring the diagnostic phase of action research. Dooyeweerd's fifteen model aspects, which address various facets of human experience, are framed as questions for comprehending a system holistically. This approach extends beyond mere insight, striving to unveil power structures.

BEING HUMAN IN AN IT ENVIRONMENT

2023-12-08T22:05:42-08:00

In this paper, the reflection will be on different perspectives of humans living in an Information technology (IT) environment. The paper is based on work done by the researcher over many years in IT-related fields; looking back, seeing what is current and looking forward. Rapid change and emergence, complexity of systems, failed and challenged information systems, information and computer (in)security, lack of awareness and training (inter alia), all have an impact on being human in an IT environment. The problem statement that will be investigated is: "There is a lack of coherent knowledge of what is impacting the human living in the IT environment”. Humans manage their situation within the IT environment in silos and from their own perspectives. This topic is also being studied and addressed in a somewhat narrow, one-sided way, namely from own contexts. Rapid change within IT systems/software and platforms is not adequately adopted and incorporated by humans to understand how new/adapted systems operate and how to interact securely with these changes. There is thus a need is to ascertain what aspects have an influence on being human in the IT world in order to understand it and interact with it in a safe, holistic manner. The research methodology will be a critical systems thinking approach, where holism and emergence are of importance. The method applied will be a critical reflection of the aspects impacting the human living in the IT environment from different perspectives. Kant asked the three questions about reason: “What can I know?” “What must I do?” and “What may I hope?” These questions will lead this reflective paper, considering different perspectives when addressing the problem statement. The “what can I know” question will focus on several IT-related issues, such as information systems failures and challenges and the possible reasons of this, information security awareness, educational efforts to improve knowledge and skills when interacting with (using and developing) IT systems, and how to understand and incorporate the emergence and rapid change in the IT environment. The “what must I do” question will concentrate on the human’s role, e.g., as researcher, subject chair, software developer, engaging in professional societies etc. The “what may I hope” question will focus on how to bring about a better future for humans to cope with and to be living in the IT environment, based on insights and actions (know and do). This is the rationale of this paper – to reflect on how humans can be empowered (involved and affected) to live, work and flourish in the IT environment with all these challenges.

EXPLORING THE TRANSFORMATIVE POWER OF VISUAL ART: A PRACTITIONER-RESEARCHER'S JOURNEY TOWARDS SELF-REFLECTION

2023-11-02T12:23:45-07:00

This paper explores how visual art can be utilised as a tool for reflection in the transformative learning process of the practitioner-researcher in chemistry education. It aims to explore the use of visual art as a means of self-reflection and self-transformation by the practitioner-researcher. The goal of this study was to explore the potential use of visual art as a complementary tool for facilitating personal growth and transformation, with a focus on a practitioner-researcher’s self-reflection and self-transformation in the context of chemistry education. The researcher used imaginative teaching practices in chemistry as a means of driving self-transformative learning. The study was guided by critical social theory, interpretivism, and a living theory approach within an action research methodology. As part of the reflective process, the researcher made use of pen and ink sketching as a means of self-reflection in her reflective visual diary. By conceptualising emotions and feelings in the form of detailed pen and ink artwork, the researcher was able to express, and visually represent thoughts and emotions in a more tangible and meaningful way. The process of sketching allowed the researcher to explore her inner world and to externalise inner dialogue in a way that traditional writing or verbal expression may not have allowed. Through this process, the researcher was able to better understand her own emotions and thought patterns, and in doing so, was able to drive her self-transformation. The detailed artwork in the reflective visual diary served as a visual reminder of the researcher’s growth and transformation throughout the study, providing a tangible representation of progress and a source of motivation to continue the journey towards self-improvement. Data was collected through two main action cycles, with sub-cycles addressing imaginative teaching, transformative learning, and personal reflection. The study highlights the potential of visual art as a complementary tool for facilitating personal growth and transformation, specifically in terms of the transformative learning theory as proposed by Jack Mezirow.

Listening to the affected: Security in a Home Area Network

2023-11-02T13:30:32-07:00

With the advent of smart appliances and objects, a smart home has never been this complex. Today’s homes are equipped with all kinds of smart objects capable of internet connectivity. Just a few years ago, a Home Area Network (HAN) only had personal computers and mobile devices making up the network. Today the picture is different, fridges, televisions, coffee machines, aircon, thermostats, and gate motors, just to name a few, are all now capable of communicating with each other and to the internet. This interconnectivity of various systems introduces a level of complexity to a HAN. For instance, these smart appliances and objects might be using different communication protocols, each manufacturer may implement security differently. With the lack of standardization when it comes to Internet of Things (IoT), this complexity opens up loopholes in the security of the smart home.

By looking at a smart home as a complex system made up of sub-systems that may impact the security of the whole network, systems thinking will be a suitable approach to address this problem. Systems thinking was developed as a means to address the complexity created by the interdependency of various systems, both existing and new ones.

In this paper, we propose addressing the data privacy issues of smart homes by looking at the problem from a systems thinking perspective. With this perspective in mind, we can address the security problems in a smart by looking at it as a complex system. We relate the smart home as a system to Churchman’s definition of a system as a set of parts coordinated to accomplish a set of goals. In this research, Critical Systems Thinking has been adopted as the preferred methodology for this research.

GAME-BASED LEARNING TO IMPROVE CRITICAL THINKING AND KNOWLEDGE SHARING: LITERATURE REVIEW

2023-11-20T05:50:00-08:00

Game-based learning is an innovative approach that combines educational content with interactive gameplay, providing students with an engaging and immersive learning experience. By incorporating interactive and engaging elements, games have the potential to create an immersive learning environment that fosters active participation and deep understanding. However, despite the growing interest in this field, there is still a need for further exploration and understanding of how game-based learning can be effectively utilized to improve critical thinking and knowledge sharing. The purpose of this paper is to explore the potential of using games as an effective educational tool. It aims to investigate how game-based learning can enhance knowledge sharing among learners and foster the development of critical thinking abilities. To achieve this purpose, the research conducted in this paper includes a literature review on game-based learning and its impact on knowledge sharing and critical thinking skills. Additionally, the paper presents a case study that demonstrates the effectiveness of a specific game-based learning approach. The findings of this research contribute to the understanding of how games can be utilized to enhance educational outcomes and promote active engagement among learners. The paper provides guidelines for implementing game-based learning in educational settings and offers recommendations for designing effective game-based learning experiences.

A critical systems approach to conference organisation

2023-11-02T13:06:21-07:00

The problem this research addresses is organising an academic conference to cater for stakeholders with various worldviews participants successfully. The task of organising the conference is often placed on an academic with a specific worldview who may fail to consider the limitations they impose on the conference direction. Churchmann's systems approach widens the conference organiser's perspective to ensure all stakeholders are considered. A holistic view of components and how they interact and influence each other is taken by modelling the conference organisation as an open system. The distinction between the 'involved' and the 'affected,' as proposed by Ulrich, is central to this work, requiring a witness to represent the conditioned reality of the affected. Conference organisers are challenged to review their assumptions and those of others involved to identify limitations and opportunities that may have been overlooked. Minimising the uncertainty surrounding the dynamic changes in different conference streams can ensure a conference's survival and growth. The research is practically demonstrated by analysing the objectives and components of the SAICSIT 2023 and ISSS 2023 conferences. Overall, this research highlights the importance of adopting a systems thinking approach to conference organisation to successfully incorporate many perspectives into their conference planning activity to cater to all participants.

ISSS 2023 Program Booklet

2024-01-30T20:41:57-08:00

This file contains the Program Booklet for all activities and speakers at the ISSS2023 Conference.

Systems Practice for Professions

2023-12-02T11:47:25-08:00

The ISSS is providing a unique annual meeting experience in June 2023. The main conference takes place from June 19 -23 in the Kruger National Park in South Africa. The conference will provide an opportunity for networking and scholarship for systems practitioners and academics in the midst of a complex social and natural ecosystem.

Foreword for the 2023 Proceedings by Professor Roelien Goede

2024-01-30T20:26:55-08:00

This file presents the content of these Proceedings and the aims and objectives of the 67th Meeting of the ISSS in South Africa.

There is a full description of our actiivities and presentations, and a list of the Editorial Committee who reviewed all papers.

STORY TELLING TO FOSTER EMOTIONAL INTELLIGENCE , DISTRIBUTIVE LEADERSHSHIP AND MULTISPECIES RELATIONSHIPS

2023-11-02T14:10:40-07:00

McIntyre-Mills J.J.^[i] with Makaulule, M^[ii]., Lethole, P^[iii]., Pitsoane, E^[iv]., Mabunda, B^[v], Romm, N. ^[vi]

[i] Adjunct Prof Extraordinarius, University of South Africa and Adjunct Visiting Researcher, Adelaide University Janet.mcintyre@adelaide.du.au

[ii] Univen (M.A) student, Leader: Dzomo ḽa Mupo Makaulule Mphaṱheleni <mupofood@gmail.com>

[iii] "Lethole, Pat" <Lethovp@unisa.ac.za> University of South Africa

[iv] "Pitsoane, Enid" <tlhabem@unisa.ac.za>

[v] "Butshabelo Mabunda" <mabundabutshabelo@gmail.com>PGSA PGS body is PGS SAhttps://www.pgssa.org.za/

[vi] University of South Africa, Prof. Extraordinarius. Norma.romm@gmail.com

The paper addresses a multispecies systemic approach to uniting indigenous knowledge systems with earth jurisprudence and wild law using a systemic approach to storytelling and a range of mixed methods to develop rapport and relationships with participants who are members of an ongoing community of practice. The focus of this paper is on process and the space we have co-created through relationality. Our members pool diverse ways of knowing and being to focus on social, economic and environmental praxis to support multiple species. Ontologically and epistemologically we apply co-leaning to our praxis, and axiologically we assume that all transformative interventions should enhance fairness, transparency, and accountability as a basis for our case studies on risk reduction and the enhancement of wellbeing. The problem we are exploring in a forthcoming volume is whether pilot projects that put in place the principles of earth jurisprudence and organic farming (in partnership with members of PGS and the Wild Law institute) can make a difference to social and environmental justice. Our multidisciplinary and cross cultural team draws on indigenous knowledge systems as well as many other ways of learning and knowing through respectful dialogue to address our area of concern. Success is bench marked in terms of establishing a co-operative, the growing number of social enterprises striving to comply with organic farming principles, tree planting, seed collections for an organic seed bank and the perceived social, economic and environmental indicators of wellbeing. Our relational methodology applies participatory action research and storytelling to draw out themes which are mapped to assess progress towards re-generative living . Turning points for the better are indicated by a revised version of the UNSDG with a focus not on growth but on creating a cyclical economy that protects people and their shared multispecies habitat. To date our community of practice has managed to grow the number of participants and partners and our next goal is to set up two seed banks, one at the coast and one inland in South Africa in two case study areas in the Cape and Limpopo. This paper reflects on the process and methodology.

A GENDER SENSITIVE APPROACH TO UNITING INDIGENOUS VIEWS ON NATURAL LAW WITH RELATIONAL GOVERNANCE FOR PROTECTING THE COMMONS

2023-11-02T12:38:41-07:00

McIntyre-Mills J.J.^[i] , Makaulule, M^[ii]., Lethole, P^[iii]., Pitsoane, E^[iv]. Mabunda, B^[v], Mbodi, T.C.[vi] , Romm, N. ^[vii] Luxomo, V^[viii]. Mothudi, H^[ix] , Makahane,F^[x]., Ṋetshandama, V.^[xi]

[i] Adjunct Prof Extraordinarius, University of South Africa and Adjunct Visiting Researcher, Adelaide University Janet.mcintyre@adelaide.du.au

[ii] Univen (M.A) student, Leader: Dzomo ḽa Mupo Makaulule Mphaṱheleni <mupofood@gmail.com>

[iii] "Lethole, Pat" <Lethovp@unisa.ac.za> University of South Africa

[iv] "Pitsoane, Enid" <tlhabem@unisa.ac.za>

[v] "Butshabelo Mabunda" <mabundabutshabelo@gmail.com>PGSA PGS body is PGS SAhttps://www.pgssa.org.za/

[vi] Constance Mbodi tcmbodi5@gmail.com PGSA PGS body is PGS SAhttps://www.pgssa.org.za/

[vii] University of South Africa, Professor Extraordinarius. Norma.romm@gmail.com

[viii] University of South Africa"Luxomo, Viwe" <luxomvg@unisa.ac.za>

[ix] "Mothudi, Hector" <HMothudi@unisa.ac.za> University of South Africa

[x] "Makahane, Fhaṱuwani" <Makahfr@unisa.ac.za>

[xi] "Vhonani Ṋetshandama" <Vhonani.Ṋetshandama@univen.ac.za> University of Venḓa

The key theme of this paper is that climate change, high costs of living and movement to the cities threaten food security but this does not mean that small farmers should be threatened by the corporatisation of food production or factory farms. Localisation and food sovereignty is about owning the means of production of the food cycle and preventing the monopolisation of seed.

The paper discusses learning within nature’s classroom in the Limpopo region of South Africa, through on line and face to face facilitation supported by University of South Africa, the University of Venda, Adelaide University and PGS^[i] ( an organic farmers network). This research aims to contribute to the literature by uniting indigenous views on natural law with earth jurisprudence and Wild Law to protect the commons and habitat for multiple species. Law is first and foremost a construct according to Peter Burdon . Firstly, we make a case for systemic principles and a systemic approach to protecting multiple co-dependent species and a shared habitat that supports living systems. Jurisprudence, rights and wild law concepts underpin the discussion which also addresses land rights, dispossession, displacement and the dangers of land claims by mining companies . Secondly, we make a contribution to the discussion on the draft policy on South Africa’s Biodiversity, Conservation and Sustainable Use . Thirdly, we explore ways in which principles could be applied through education and community governance to protect living systems. Fourthly, we discuss the activities of a ( growing) community of practice that supports intergenerational earning, learning and growing a future by protecting people and the environment through social enterprises to support growing food in ways that protect and nurtures people, community and the natural environment. We are building on the established networks of the team members who are pooling our knowledge and resources. Members of the community recently reported on how much we have learned from one another already and how many enterprises they have set up and that are continuing to grow. Meanwhile we have also benefitted from the involvement of PGS (learning about organic farming and drawing also on traditional wisdom regarding this). In this way we have focused on avoiding a green washing approach which suggests that growth can be sustained or that commodifying every step of the food production process is justifiable. Sustainable Development Goal no 8 stresses Decent work and economic growth, but growth is the issue which William Rees , who coined the ‘ecological footprint’ warns us against (2021, 2022) when he stresses that overshoot is more than a problem associated with climate change. It is a problem linked with human-centred thinking. Vandana Shiva ( 2022 a,b) stresses the importance of working with young people and empowering women farmers (Shiva, 1989) so that the soil and communities remain healthy. By protecting business as usual, monocultures (Shiva 2012,2016) and destruction of small farmers through setting up agro industries that destroy multiple species – we will destroy the cycle of life which depends on photosynthesis to make oxygen out of carbon and to create the molecules of life. The commodification of seeds, the use of chemical fertilisers and the promotion of fake food will only hasten desertification through destroying the soil as stressed in the launch of ‘growing life’ at the International Food Summit in 2022 and at the Feminist Food Summit in 2023.

[i] PGS body is PGS SAhttps://www.pgssa.org.za/

There are Systems and Systems: Towards an Integrated General Systems Theory

2023-11-02T13:10:13-07:00

This paper provides an overview of key concepts of Biomatrix Systems Theory and a framework for classifying systemic methodologies by means of mind-maps.

The theory was co-developed by the Biomatrix Research Group in an interdisciplinary PhD programme at the University Cape Town, South Africa with the aim of co-producing an integrated trans-disciplinary systems theory.

We suggest that the concept of the biomatrix and its different types of systems can be the foundation on which an integrated General Systems Theory can be further developed.

Those concepts and some others are briefly described in the paper and illustrated with graphics.

Architecture, Ecology, and Hubris

2023-11-02T13:44:23-07:00

In the context of the emerging environmental consciousness of the 1960s and 1970s, cybernetician Gregory Bateson identified one root cause of ecological crisis as Western culture’s hubristic tendency to see humans as separate from, above, and in competition with the environments on which they depend. While Bateson framed this hubris as “epistemological error”, addressing hubris is not simply a matter of adopting a better epistemology. In this paper I explore how hubris is reinforced by the aesthetics of the conventional built environment, such as in the (literal) construction of sharp distinctions between human and ecological worlds. I then discuss an example of how architectural design can present a challenge to hubris by embodying something of the complex entanglements of humans within ecosystems. I conclude by reflecting on the importance and difficulties of escaping hubris.

VARIETY DYNAMICS

2023-11-02T12:34:42-07:00

This paper provides an overview of the development of Variety Dynamics.

Variety Dynamics is an extensive body of theory and a new suite of systems methods to address the management and control of complex systems.

The development of Variety Dynamics includes: the development of a new mathematical field; the basis of a new approach to managing and controlling complex and hyper-complex systems; over 45 axioms for analysis and development of successful systems management decision-making; new and improved definitions of complex systems and hyper-complex systems; a complete replacement explanation of the phenomena and theories to date referred to as ‘wicked problems’ along with new approaches to address them; a formal explanation of the limitations of existing traditional systems methods and an explanation of why they fail; and, in short, a new foundation for the international systems sciences field.

The paper will first explain limitations of exiting systems methods and the centrality of different forms of prediction in all systems management and control activities pertaining to complex and hyper-complex systems. It will then outline the above elements of the Variety Dynamics field with examples from real world complex and hyper complex systems.

A SYSTEMIC ANALYSIS OF PARTICIPATORY LAND AND WATER GOVERNANCE IN THE TSITSA RIVER CATCHMENT, SOUTH AFRICA

2023-12-08T22:24:03-08:00

Participation of diverse stakeholders is essential for adaptive governance of land and water resources, along with the complex social-ecological systems in which the resources are embedded. Local manifestations of participation vary considerably. Successful resource governance requires arriving at compromises and trade-offs. This paper documents the findings from a systemic analysis of participatory governance in the Tsitsa River Catchment in the Eastern Cape of South Africa. A multi-method approach was designed to compare mental models elicited from actors with narratives crafted from participant observation data. Here, we focus on meaningful participatory governance that we define as being intelligible and significant to the actors involved as well as relevant to and coherent within a broader, multi-level governance system. The findings suggest that while there are multiple available options for enabling participation, there are also multiple obstacles inhibiting participatory governance. Challenges relate to accessibility and mobility, allocation of governance capacity, change resistance to power sharing, and persistent mental models that perpetuate old habits. Despite widespread support for more participation in governance, the application of participatory approaches should avoid becoming box-ticking exercises that are tokenistic or manipulative. We highlight the importance of context for enabling meaningful participation and the need to pioneer appropriate analysis methods.

DIGITAL PHRENOLOGY: ALGORITHMS AND ETHICS FROM A SYSTEMS PERSPECTIVE

2023-11-02T13:24:54-07:00

Decisions made by machine learning algorithms have societal impacts, both good and bad. This study acknowledges the great good that machine learning algorithms contribute to society while also pointing out that there are negative im-pacts such as bias, discrimination and misrepresentation of data, etc. Algorithms often use either irrelevant or incomplete data to make life-changing determinations about certain groups of society. The algorithmic use of data that does not repre-sent the true or actual ability of individuals or groups of people leads to digital phrenology. When algorithms are designed and tested outside the real world, it may not be obvious that digital phrenology may be caused. The ethical conse-quences of this problem can be mitigated if algorithms are not viewed as separate from the world it is eventually deployed into. Therefore, a more holistic systems view of algorithms, including their ethical consequences, should be taken. The purpose of this paper is to show that digital phrenology exists and that, once de-ployed, algorithms become part of a societal system where ethical values cannot be ignored. Various efforts and approaches to mitigate the ethical concerns related to unethical algorithmic behaviour have either done well in raising awareness or produced promising results. However, very little attention has been given to the explicit use of ethical theories as a possible approach to alleviating the problem. Therefore, two major ethical theories are proposed to assess the ethicality of hypothetical machine learning scenarios. A critical analysis of related literature and case studies is central in this study's inquiry method. Results show the existence of digital phrenology. It also reveals how viewing algorithms as a single compo-nent of a larger societal system can give a better perspective on the possible ethi-cal consequences that arise from their use. This research contends that the use of ethical theories can contribute to addressing digital phrenology by viewing algo-rithms as one of many components in a larger system.

Sciencing and Philosophizing on Threads in Systems Thinking

2023-11-02T13:34:09-07:00

Systems thinking rose in 20^th century industrial society largely from post-WWII research. Psychologists Eric L. Trist and Fred E. Emery were early in human relations, later turning towards sociology. Philosophers C. West Churchman and Russell L. Ackoff were cofounders of Operations Research, applying pragmatism to problem-solving of complex issues. The texture of Socio-Technical Systems (STS) and Socio-Ecological Systems (SES) perspectives interweaves with management science and inquiring systems.

In the 21^st century, the service economy and ecological Anthropocene followed advancement of the Internet and globalization through the 1990s. Resurfacing Trist-Emery and Churchman-Ackoff for a new generation not only revisits their sciencing, but also philosophizing.

Trist-Emery Socio-Psychological Systems (SPS) and STS perspectives extended the structuralist psychology of Gestalt, through Andras Angyal and Kurt Lewin. The SES perspective built on the pragmatist metaphilosophy of Stephen C. Pepper. Sciencing by Churchman-Ackoff encouraged Operations Research beyond math towards collaborative decision-making. Postwar applied philosophizing built on the experimentalism of Edgar A. Singer Jr. This lineage traces from the Metaphysical Club circa 1890, through the 1980s.

Philosophizing in the 21^st century provides new lenses for the system sciences. Through ecological anthropology, Tim Ingold depicts the lives of lines, and texture in weaving. Through Classical Chinese Medicine, Keekok Lee distinguishes yin qi and yang qi. In post-colonial constructionist program of Rethinking Systems Thinking, principal concepts of (i) rhythm, (ii) texture, and (ii) propensity have become the core of Systems Changes Learning practices, theory, and methods.

A new world hypothesis of (con)textural-dyadicism is proposed, combining STS and SES features. The associated systems theory foregrounds time-space changes over defining space-time systems and boundaries. Philosophizing across Western and Classical Chinese traditions requires deeper inquiry and education.

Professionalising systems thinking in practice: what’s not to celebrate?

2023-12-08T22:26:10-08:00

2020 marked a significant landmark for professional recognition of systems thinking in practice (STiP) in the UK. Government approval was secured for a new Level 7 (postgraduate) Apprenticeship Standard associated with an occupational role for the systems thinking practitioner (STP). Professional recognition for the STP can be celebrated on several counts; primarily with installing greater confidence amongst users of, and potential commissioners for, STiP. But professionalization also prompts potential systemic downsides. The paper provides a systemic inquiry into the professionalization of STiP based on a lite-touch framing of four sources of influence from critical systems heuristics (CSH): who gets what (motivation)? who owns what (control)? who does what (knowledge/ expertise)? and who suffers what (legitimacy)? The framing opens up conversation and questions regarding four key stakeholding issues: (i) what value is generated by STiP as a profession and for whom? (ii) what are appropriate governance structures for steering STiP ? (iii) how might the increasing diversity and creativity of STiP be guaranteed and (iv) what ethos of professionalism might circumscribe purposeful development of STiP? On this last question, the paper contrasts two models of possible direction for STiP – client professionalism and civic professionalism. The latter suggests STiP as ultimately generating value as a ‘public good’ (source of motivation), through ‘public work’ with appropriate governance to allow for autonomy (control) enabling trusted expertise based on resonance and relevance as much as reliability (knowledge), and adaptable for variable contexts informed by an ethos of social justice and ‘public service’ (legitimacy); an ethos not to be confused with serving only the public sector. The two models can be considered as occupying opposite poles on a systematic - systemic spectrum of professional development, with client professionalism caricatured as a Systems-industrial complex and the more systemic civic professionalism retaining features of a Systems-adaptive complex. Maintaining ongoing conversation around features of each model may help mitigate concerns around STiP losing her ultimate transformative power – similar to the Ancient Greek tragedy regarding the God of Fire - Prometheus Bound.

W/Holistic Participatory Democracy: An Ideal Societal Governance Design

2023-11-02T13:32:26-07:00

This paper proposes the ideal design of a W/Holistic Participatory Democracy, based on the application of generic concepts of Biomatrix Systems Theory.

The model distinguishes between the development of the nation as a coherent whole (i.e. as a social organism with a unique ethos) and its functional development.

Based on this distinction, it proposes different government forums and various measures that encourage a more direct participation of citizens in societal governance. It also suggests that citizens participate in national governance as equal members of society and in functional governance as member of the specific function of which they are part.

DOCUMENTING EMERGENT KNOWLEDGE TO EXPLORE COMMON PERCEPTIONS OF WELL-BEING

2023-11-02T13:28:34-07:00

This paper explores the potential role of systemic research and experiential learning to document emergent knowledge among somatic movement practitioners. Somatic practitioners study physical sensation to hone motor skills and body-centered awareness. I explored how somatic practitioners related movement experiences to their perceptions of physical and psycho-spiritual well-being. I used an online systemic research tool, WindTunneling (developed by systemic science researchers Bruce McKenzie and Jane Lorand), to gather individual experiential learning insights as an integrated part of a 16-week somatic movement program in 2022. This program introduced 978 international participants to a body-centered well-being philosophy. Participants studied bodily sensation, practiced somatic communication, and explored techniques to use movement to enhance their physical and psychological well-being. WindTunneling uses a structured process of anonymity and transparency to pool collective knowledge, which facilitates pattern emergence and sense-making by the researcher and the community at-large. I used WindTunneling with the aim to identify common perceptions of well-being. The discovery of commonalities could be a meaningful measurement of the program’s curriculum to develop individual capacity to use movement to enhance well-being. During the program, participants recorded 1,164 anonymous body sensation insights in 13 WindTunneling knowledge pools. These insights correlated to 13 somatic skills. Insights were transparently available to all participants to read and comment. I am synthesizing these insights to discover shared perceptions within the global practitioner community. Successful implementation of this research methodology should foster shared understanding, meaningful participation, and community belonging among global practitioners.

The 2 FEEDBACK LOOP AXIOM: WHY PARTICIPATORY SYSTEMS METHODS FAIL AND ARE INAPPROPRIATE FOR COMPLEX SYSTEM PROBLEMS

2023-10-19T11:17:26-07:00

It has been widely assumed in systems disciplines and systems professional practices that there are no intrinsic limits on individuals’ abilities to mentally understand and address complex systems situations. This paper describes how this assumption is mistaken and the implication for systems research, systems science science, theories, methods, and practices

This paper identifies an explicit, biologically based cognitive bound on individuals’ abilities to mentally predict system behaviours and outcomes. It identifies this bound applies when system behaviours are shaped by two or more feedback loops.

The analysis develops through exploring the central and essential role of prediction in addressing system problems, understanding system behaviour, and managing complex systems situations. As part of this exploration, the author draws attention to the existence of a widely held individual subjective delusion that such a bound on predicting systems outcomes does not exist, and does not limit the ability of individuals to understand and predict behaviours and outcomes of such systems regardless of the evidence otherwise.

The author suggests the above faulty assumption and concurrent delusion has led to systems professionals and others mistakenly claiming to be able understand and make valid decisions about complex systems when they are physically unable to do so.

The implications of this 2-feedback loop limitation on human mental abilities to understand and managed impact several traditional assumptions of systems theories and practices. Firstly, this limitation on individuals’ abilities to mentally understand complex systems, and correctly predict systems behaviours when they derive from 2 or more feedback loops, means it is obviously of no advantage to ask multiple people, who are all incapable of understanding such system and predicting their behaviours if these are shaped by feedback loops beyond the 2-feedback loop boundary.

This, then, obviously defines a boundary on the validity and applicability of participatory and consultative systems methods that ask individuals or groups about their understandings and suggestions for interventions because participants biologically-based lack of ability to correctly predict means such methods are invalid beyond the 2-feedback loop boundary.

Secondly, for the above reason, it is suggested the two-feedback loop boundary provides a more appropriate basis for the definition of complex system and defines the boundary and difference between complex and merely complicated systems.

Framing Semantic Data Warehousing from a Systems Perspective

2023-11-02T13:35:34-07:00

The challenge associated with data warehousing has escalated in the era of big data with masses of fast-moving heterogeneous data sources. As organisations attempt to exploit an ever-growing complex and dynamic datasphere, traditional data warehousing practices seem to produce systems that are inflexible and unable to scale. In a dynamic world of flux and change, systemic process thinking provides an alternative paradigm from which to approach the data warehousing challenge. This paper provides a framing of semantic data warehousing from such a systems perspective. Semantic data warehousing involves data semantification – enriching data with its context and meaning – to achieve higher levels of automation and adaptability. The framing elucidates the inherent systems approach of incorporating semantic technologies and automated dimensionalisation in data warehousing. It provides a case for the data management community to appreciate and accept complexity and multiple perspectives, and to incorporate systemic process thinking and semantic relativism into data management practices.