Proceedings of the 57th Annual Meeting of the ISSS - 2013 HaiPhong, Vietnam

Our Stolen Safety: Systems Pathology following the Fukushima Nuclear Disaster and the JR Accident

Shigeo Atsuji, Kazunori Ueda — Fri, 21 Feb 2014 00:00:00 -0800

This Article examines accidents and disasters in the modern era, clarifies the mechanisms involved using real-life examples from Japan, and asks how we can check the underlying pathology and threat of systemic breakdown. In recent years, disasters which have caused enormous misery have occurred across the globe at a frequent rate, while manmade organizational accidents have also followed an inexorable trend toward increase in scale, presenting an urgent issue in all nations for individuals, organizations, regions, and the state. The objective of this research is to explore potential management approaches (parasympathetic systems) and policies to limit the globally expanding problem of manmade disasters, drawing retrospectively on real-life examples from the Japan of recent years. This paper comprises two case studies, namely of the Fukushima Nuclear Catastrophe of 2011 as an example of organizational disaster and the Japan Railway West Accident of 2005 as an organizational accident. Those phenomena can be said to have stolen our safety. It is necessary to consider the robustness of sustainability against manmade disasters and organizational accidents in the near future.

Un-safety: Systems Pathology of the Fukushima Nuclear Catastrophe

Shigeo Atsuji, Kazunori Ueda — Tue, 15 Apr 2014 00:00:00 -0700

The magnitude 9.0 earthquake and tsunami that struck northeast Japan on March 11, 2011, were unavoidable natural disasters, but we consider the subsequent breakdown of the Fukushima nuclear power plants to be a catastrophe created not only by nuclear engineering systems but also by avoidable organizational errors – principally, neglect of nuclear safety issues without the necessary regulation both within the electric companies’ management and from the level of governmental policy making. The present paper reviews, firstly, a complete re-thinking of the non-rational locations of atomic power stations, secondly, an analysis of the irrational decision-making of safety management and nuclear policy, finally, a rational proposal concerning the fade-out of nuclear power throughout the world. These proposals are made with a view to obtain sustainable decision-making for the future, not simply in light of the supply and demand of electrical power, but also in consideration of environmental aspects including the social system and the ecosystem. This article is not criticism against the electric company and their government.

Convergence as a medium scale acephalous group

Victor Ronald David MacGill — Tue, 15 Apr 2014 00:00:00 -0700

We face increasingly complex issues today, many of which may be critical to our survival. If we are to survive, thrive, and find new ways of being, we need to be experimenting with innovative ways of organising ourselves to increase our adaptability and resilience.

Top-down hierarchical organisations have become the norm to the point where we rarely consider alternative ways of organising ourselves even though they divide people against each other and impose power differentials. As we gain an insight into the coercive nature of our organisations we begin to seek alternatives that might be more wholesome and humane.

A group in the South Island of New Zealand called Convergence is exploring alternatives that have much in common with systems principles. It is an acephalous group, in that it has no structured leadership, and yet over three hundred people have been able to gather together as a co-creative alternative community for five days every year for almost thirty years. Avoiding the divisive distinction between management and worker, Convergence has developed a distributed, transient, self-selected leadership style so the group acts more like a forest or a brain without central control that has proved to be robust. This paper explores the organisation of Convergence from a systems perspective to find its strengths and weaknesses, and its applicability to other groups.

Dynamics and viability of the Critically Endangered Cat Ba Langur: A new perspective for conservation actions

Thuc Duy Phan, Ockie J.H Bosch, Nam Cao Nguyen, Tuyen Thanh Le — Wed, 16 Apr 2014 00:00:00 -0700

The golden-headed or Cat Ba Langur (Trachypithecus poliocephalus poliocephalus) is an endemic species of Cat Ba Island in northern Vietnam. It is listed as a critically endangered species in the IUCN red list because of its small, isolated sub-populations and low population numbers. This study was undertaken to understand the trend of population development and the risk of extinction of the species in the future. This will help conservationists to minimize the risk of extinction, and develop better conservation strategies for this species. A number of methods were carried out to examine the conservation status and life history of the langurs. This included conducting in-depth interviews with 21 members of forest protection groups and 20 staff of the Cat Ba National Park, gathering secondary data from reports and other publications dating from 1997 onwards, and conducting field surveys. These information and data were then used to construct a simulation model for the dynamics and viability of the langur population. The study found that 12 groups of the langurs consisting of a total of 50 – 60 individuals with an average group size of 4.67 individuals survived on Cat Ba Island. Disturbed social structure is one of the most significant reasons causing the stable population in the past twelve years, and it is predicted to continue to stabilize in the next 10 years, reaching 86 individuals by 2050. The validation tests have confirmed that the model is sufficient to be used as a tool for policy analysis and decision making for conservationists on the island. The effects of reproducing population on birth rate, and birth rate are two factors which have the most influence on the number of langurs. This clearly implies that an increase in the reproducing population numbers and birth rate would have a significant effect on the growth of langur population in the long-term. Relocation of non-reproductive groups to reproductive units, strict protection and management are important strategies to save this critically endangered species from extinction.

R & D PROJECT SELECTION IN ENTERPRISES, UNIVERSITIES AND RESEARCH INSTITUTES

Elvira Avalos-Villareal — Tue, 15 Apr 2014 00:00:00 -0700

^{Technological Development is one of the main country goals. In order to be successful in this goal it is necessary not only to have a good technological plan but execute it. This is possible if a technological plan consists of a set of entrepreneurial or academic; feasible and profitable projects. In this paper a structure to carry on that plan, the way to build a technology foresight framework and a discussion about the project selection are presented.}

^{Governments have to allocate funds for R & D projects to enhance some prototype designs. The criteria for that selection in universities and institutes are proposed also in this paper.}

Bootstrapping Social-Systemic Evolution

Dino Karabeg — Tue, 15 Apr 2014 00:00:00 -0700

An anomaly underlying sustainability-related and other contemporary issues is that relevant information is created but not heard, and not turned into action. Information technology offers building materials for enabling effective communication, but this building has not yet scaled to its potential. We point to a paradigm within which this anomaly can be remedied, and submit that if systems science should make the difference it can and needs to make, its presence within this paradigm may need to be strengthened. This practically means expressing the results and insights not only in printed text, but also in systemic prototypes and most importantly—in real-world systems. We point to bootstrapping social-systemic evolution as a strategy and a practical way to do that, and offer relevant details by describing some of our related projects and ideas.

Complex Thought and Systems Thinking Connecting Group Process and Team Management: New Lenses for Social Transformation at Work Environment

Magda C Kaspary — Tue, 15 Apr 2014 00:00:00 -0700

This paper proposes some discussions about group process and team management in a different paradigm than the classical theories. We recognize an important trajectory made by both strategies, groups and teams, acknowledged here as living systems in our postmodern society, and we were willing to understand why, at some point, teams were elected as "a group with better performance or development". Teams thrive in our zeitgeist in different ways since it is a strategy that affects almost the entire active working population. We can say there is a desire for having work made through teams nowadays, even for those who work from home or in virtual teams. On the other hand, groups have been used for social change in many ways. When well-known authors write "from groups to teams" it is possible to see a position taken within one perspective, mostly from Management. In different disciplines of Humanities, a group - thought as a social strategy - is not called a team - understood as an enterprise strategy - to build the results they are looking to achieve. To integrate often isolated areas of human, economic, social and sustainability knowledge, we propose to think different possibilities on how to understand what happen in group process, what a collective can produce for itself and for the environment. We based this paper in three bodies of knowledge. For didactic purposes we present them in a sequence, but they are like a web, composing each other as an integral systems approach. One body is Complex Thought of Edgar Morin as our method of research, especially as we explore three principles of complexity (dialogic, organizational recursion, and holographic) and the concepts of comprehension and explanation. Second, we discuss systems thinking properties applied to living systems (interaction, interdependence, autonomy and dependency, organization and self production). Third, we connect some thoughts based on the work of Deleuze and Guattari around rhizomic structures in organization development as a mode of knowledge, nonhierarchical or centered, and a possible understanding of a current model in our highly interconnected society - alliances in movement. We propose an exercise to think group process through these three lenses presented. We understand group processes as immaterial human capital with effects on the intra and interpersonal construction (SEMINOTTI, 2007), and seek more comprehension so that their effects converge towards the human development, integrating different dimensions of nature-life-work that cannot be isolated. To incorporate dialogic into dichotomy, organizational recursion into linearity, holographic into unity is a path that allows the expansion for the homo sapiens-demens-faber in other roles in life. We defend we are in an epoch when we can surpass this linear thought of "group then team". There is a political and economic implication to connect groups and teams, since team members are exposed to group process and sometimes they do not know how to deal with it. Also, if teams at work have access to group process we can prospect another level of right livelihood, self reflection and self production for its members, ergo, to our society. No matters which living system we are talking about, groups or teams, we are facing - hologramatically - concepts for the sake of a sustainable society with an ultimate desire of contributing to social transformation.

Global Supply Chains, Disasters and Externalities

Andreas Udbye — Tue, 15 Apr 2014 00:00:00 -0700

Sprawling and global supply chains are doing a decent job of providing consumers with inexpensive and timely products. However, their size, complexity and lack of accountability make them originators of serious risks and disruptions. Such disruptions are not contained to the closed systems of the respective supply networks, but bleed over into society and the surrounding communities as negative externalities. Consequently, modern supply chains can expect to be subject to greater scrutiny and pressures to reduce risks and provide compensation for the costs imposed on others involuntarily

IDENTIFYING ARCHETYPES OF AN ENHANCED SYSTEM DYNAMIC CAUSAL LOOP DIAGRAM IN PURSUIT OF STRATEGIES TO IMPROVE SMALLHOLDER BEEF FARMING IN JAVA, INDONESIA

Novie Andri Setianto, Donald Cameron, John B Gaughan — Tue, 15 Apr 2014 00:00:00 -0700

More than 70% of the national beef herd of Indonesia is controlled by smallholders, who therefore play a vital role in beef cattle development programs. This paper reports on a study into disappointing results of recent government policy initiatives on practices of smallholder beef farmer groups in rural Java, Indonesia. Despite funding aimed at increasing the national beef herd and domestic beef production though enhancing smallholder productivity, perverse effects of declining reproductive rates and breeding cow numbers are being observed. Smallholder beef farming is a complex system. It involves multiple actors including farmers, farmer groups, farmer households, researchers, government officers, and traders. The interactions of these stakeholders are characterised by power asymmetry, whereby smallholders, whether as individuals or as members of groups possessing social entity, experience less power and access to privileges than other actors. For effective research aimed at system improvement, an approach capable of recognising system complexity, multiple perspectives and social power asymmetry is necessary.

In the body of systems thinking, System Dynamics (SD) is considered to be a powerful tool, as it enables the construction of rigorous models and visualisation of the causal linkages among variables which might influence the system’s performance. One of the fundamental essences of SD is the identification of system archetypes: generic systems structures describing the common dynamic processes which characterise the behaviour of the system. System archetypes provide simplified insights into the system’s structures. Analysing system archetypes can assist in the identification of system leverage points, i.e. the places where an intervention should have the most influence on systems behaviour.

However, when dealing with a social entity like a smallholder group, SD is considered to be a researcher-centrist methodology, as it lacks the instruments to engage multi-stakeholders’ perspectives which are likely to be varied, and is insensitive to the issue of societal power structures. This paper reports on research in which these deficiencies are addressed through complementary application of Soft System Methodology (SSM), which has strength in acknowledging multiple perspectives, and emancipatory Critical System Heuristics (CSH), which can explicitly address power asymmetry, in an effort to enhance SD.

A series of interviews and workshops was undertaken to identify the problematic situation of smallholder beef farming in Java. The main research instruments of Rich Picture development, CATWOE analysis of SSM, and the 12 boundary critique questions of CSH were applied sequentially in the problem analysis stage, resulting in a four dimensional structure incorporating motivation, power control, knowledge and legitimacy. Applying SSM and CSH ensured that the perspectives of all stakeholders, including those of the less powerful, were acknowledged, thereby enriching and enhancing subsequent SD modelling.

The structured problematic situation was then used to guide investigation of variables which were thought to be contributory. The results were visualized in a conceptual model which was then translated into a causal loop diagram (CLD) consisting of 17 reinforcing and 13 balancing loops which map the feedback loops of the 4 dimensional situation of the smallholder beef system.

The CLD was then investigated to identify the system archetypes. Five archetypes were identified: limit to growth, shifting the burden, success to successful, tragedy of the commons fixes that fail. The nature of each archetype is described, and the implications for identification of the possible system leverage points are discussed.

INTENTION IN INTERVENTION: A CONCEPTUAL MODEL

Jorge Ivan Velez-Castiblanco — Tue, 15 Apr 2014 00:00:00 -0700

Intentions serve multiple roles in human action. They help in making sense of our actions and those of others, and on this basis, coordination is possible. They cause, guide and sustain our actions. Additionally, they are about the present when we do act intentionally, but also they are about the future when we intend to do something later. From the aforementioned characteristics, it can be argued that intentions have a fundamental part in organizational interventions. Based on this assumption the paper proposes a model to make use of intentions in interventions. It aims to help in describing, conducting and learning about intervention processes. The model uses the graphical language advanced by the Soft Systems Methodology. The concept of intention and the assembling of the model, draw from Philosophies of Action, Language and Explanation and by the Theories of Relevance, Boundary Critique, and Complex Adaptive Systems.

The Concept Design of Cause Related Marketing Utilizing Wants Chain Analysis Proposing the Method and Validation through Value Co-Creation Workshops

Tue, 15 Apr 2014 00:00:00 -0700

In this study, we propose a methodology for designing a Cause-Related Marketing (CRM) strategy using Wants Chain Analysis (WCA). To delineate the methodology, the authors introduce the concept of WCA to design CRM through a concrete and effective process in a standardized manner. The methodology can help create new types of concepts of CRM that are not only donation-based but also make relationships and supply substance or service. The authors validate the efficacy of a WCA-based CRM by conducting experiments during workshops held for value co-creation, in which various CRM stakeholders participated to create concrete designs for CRM.

The Relations between Two Koreas under Roh Moo-hyun Administration: Matter-Energy and Information Flow

Yeon-soo Shim — Tue, 15 Apr 2014 00:00:00 -0700

Under the Roh Moo-hyun administration(2003–2008), two Koreas continued improvement in relations begun by the previous Kim Dae-jung administration. The flow of matter-energy and information between two Koreas consistently expanded during these administrations. Comparing growth rates in information and matter-energy, we find that the growth rate in information ran faster than that in matter-energy from 1989 to 1994; since 1995, both have run at a similar rate. This shows that the two Koreas recognized the relative advantage of information in relation to matter-energy, but focused on the flow of matter-energy. The two Korean governments recognized the significance of the state of affairs in the region surrounding the Korean Peninsula. At the same time, external pressure had a significant influence on the two Koreas’ relationship. Historically, the two Koreas’ relationship has been dependent on external pressure from the big powers.

Enacting Systemic Change of Health Promotion with Simplicity and Transformability of ϕ [fi]

YU-WEN HU — Tue, 15 Apr 2014 00:00:00 -0700

In the past decades, health promotion has been undertaken in the linear process between health and disease. Healthcare education has been advocated "multi-professional" for most undergraduate medical students to build "the skills necessary for the priority health problems of individuals and communities that are known to be particularly amenable to team-work" (The World Health Organization, 1988). Nowadays, medical education and clinical practice have become increasingly important approaches to deal with human disease problems. They have yet paid adequate attention to the prevention care which focuses on the core value and knowledge of maintaining a healthy life rather than searching the best treatments of disease. In Taiwan, the many thorny problems challenging the governmental health system, such as the burnout medical staff, excessive medical treatment, unevenly distributed medical resource, food products with contaminated by plasticizer etc. It is time that we collectively counteract these intertwined social, economic and biological problems with a systemic approach applicable to health promotion education and daily clinical practice. Indeed, neither health nor disease is an absolute or static state.

In this paper, the author intends to re-conceptualize the linear model of disease and health by reframing health promotion from the systemic perspectives with simplicity and transformability of ϕ[fi]for both the professional and the public.

The author will first explicate the essence of (1) Theory U and Golden ratio, (2) fundamentals of applying action learning, and (3) health promotion theory and practice. Then, she would inquire s three main research questions in order to explore the simplicity and transformability of ϕ[fi] to enact systemic change in health promotion. The three research questions are as below:

(1)What approaches or viewpoints have been repeatedly used for health promotion?

(2) How divergent or convergent are these approaches, and what is the fundamental approach needed?

(3)How could health promotion arguments and modles be re-conceptualized for systemic practice?

In this study, the author will use discourse well as reflexive method, including collecting, comparing, reorganizing and representing images and icons. The presumption of this study is that health promotion should not be approached in a linear process, but a spiral process (Figure 1.& Figure 2.). The primary findings of this study include:

(1)The smallest unit for enacting systemic change (the spiral process) is ϕ (Figure 1.) which originates from the concept “Golden ratio (Figure 4.&Figure 5.)”by Leonardo diser Piero da Vinci.

(2)The spiral process integrates the essence of the U-process manifested in Theory U by Otto Scharmer (2007), Hero’s Journey by Joseph Campbell (1949, 2008), Mythic Structure by Christopher Vogler (2007), and double helix model of DNA structure by Watson and Crick (1953).

(3)The ϕ [fi]is a prototype signifying one to infinity and infinity to another one through a series of process: (A) shaping into U or V, (B) inverting and conjunctive, (C)replication and convergence, (D)separation and divergence, (E)reshaping the prototype, and (F) overlapping prototypes with the same or the different (Figure 6.).

The ϕ[fi] is Φ[fi] of lower case, pronounced as /ˈfaɪ/ in English, and it is the 21st letter of the Greek alphabet, and it is a unit in many kinds of disciplines (Wikipedia, 2013).It could be the ideal prototype of the spiral of action research and action learning in the practice communities: (1) plan, (2)act, (3)observe, (4)reflect, and (5) back to zero or re-contemplative (Figure 7.).It is expected that with thoughtful application of the simplicity and transformability of ϕ, we can bring great benefit to healthcare education and clinical practice in the future.

Life chances of children and young people in institutional care in Sri Lanka: A critical review of policy and governance with reference to case studies

Eshantha Ariyadasa — Tue, 15 Apr 2014 00:00:00 -0700

ABSTRACT

One in every two hundred children undergo alternative care in a children’s home in Sri Lanka, denied of basic human rights by being deprived of parental care and by being labelled orphaned, abandoned or destitute. These figures are problematic in a multi-religious and diversely cultured state where moral rhetoric abounds, but concerns need to be translated into practice. The need for institutional children’s care must be investigated, as does the ability of these organizations to provide a quality upbringing and life preparation for children. In this paper I address these contemporary issues through a critical review of the policy environment and the governance practices of these institutions with reference to specific case studies.

My field study was carried out across all nine provinces in Sri Lanka, involving policy makers and service providers of institutionalized children. All nine commissioners of the provincial departments of probation and child care services were interviewed to collect information on policy implications and their role in the policy making process. All 298 probation officers, 287 child rights promotion officers, and matrons and wardens of all 416 children’s homes were included in a questionnaire census approach. Of these, approximately half responded. Thirty managers from different children’s homes were interviewed to ascertain information with regards to their service provision.

My critical systemic approach in the field has identified many issues of policy implication and service provision across institutions charged with care of children and young people. This paper presents the initial findings regarding the quality of life and the enhancement of life chances of children in alternative care in Sri Lanka. Further, it will also give direction to policy makers and service providers on the provision of high quality child support. This takes into account their natural birth environments, their institutionalization period and subsequent reintegration. These guidelines can maximize the potential of these institutionalized children and is well suited to this year’s conference theme, “Curating the conditions for a thrivable planet” as the well-being of children and the planet are inextricably linked. A critical approach to maximizing the potential of institutionalized children will, in turn, enable them to positively contribute to the emerging “global eco-civilization”.

THE CONCEPT OF RESILIENCE IN COMMUNITY AND ENGINEERED SYSTEMS - A CROSS SECTORAL FEEDING OF IDEAS

Timothy LJ Ferris — Tue, 15 Apr 2014 00:00:00 -0700

This paper outlines some recent work in organising the metaphor of "resilience" in application to engineered systems. This work provides an approach to the identification of threat types and magnitudes and the acceptable or desired outcomes to instances of the threats which can be used for specification of engineered system. The paper then explores the usage of the word family "resilience" in The Australian Journal of Emergency Management, a sector journal published by the Australian government. It is found that "resilience" is used as a metaphor, which is often described, in various ways, but not tightly defined. It is concluded that the emergency management sector would benefit from exploring the broadening and application of the engineering concepts to the less crisp issues related to the impact of threats on distributed community systems, so that appropriate disaster resilience development responses are made.

SYSTEMATIC PLANNING FOR THE MEXICAN SATELLITE SYSTEM

Cirilo Gabino León Vega, Erick Velázquez Lozada, Ciro David León Hernandez — Tue, 15 Apr 2014 00:00:00 -0700

A systematic planning model for the Mexican satellite system consisting of the analysis of a domestic and international satellite system was diagnosed using SWOT (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, Threats) it´s mission, vision, values and strategic objectives were proposed and the strategies raised by the following combinations of SWOT: SO, ST, WO and WT. Finally, the plan of action and the feasibility of carrying it out were proposed.

Based on analysis and diagnosis one of the great strengths found in the country is the development of special scientific research, but it is isolated and therefore tends to establish humanist satellite companies to promote and preserve ecology and self-finance public and mixed wealth or private initiatives that systemically integrate basic and applied science among other companies which are engaged in the design, construction and launch of satellites with the purpose of contributing to technological development. This provides an efficient, fast, safe and cheap way to meet the demands of domestic and international users.

The Importance of the Rural Telephone Line Satellite in Mexico

Cirilo Gabino León Vega, Oscar Dolores Vázquez, Ramón Marín Solís — Tue, 15 Apr 2014 00:00:00 -0700

This work is aims to study the importance of the rural telephone line satellite in Mexico, for the period comprising the year 2000-2012.

The rural telephone line satellite service is provided by the government and private companies. The work is focused on the service provided by the Federal government for Mexican localities whose population density is in the range of 60-499 people, where cellular and fixed service does not exist. This has been achieved by targets set in the National Development Plan, 1995-2000.

First, data was obtained from the Secretariat of Communications and Transportation (SCT) which shows as has been for the rural telephone line satellite in the years mentioned above, and based on the data performed a first hypothesis which states that this service has decreased because rural areas have declined.

Information was taken from the National Institute of Statistics and Geography (INEGI) which showed that rural areas in the country have increased over time. This data was included from the years 1995 to 2010, so our hypothesis was rejected.
Following the refuted hypothesis, we made a second scenario on which we are working, in which it is argued that rural telephony has declined due to commercial phone penetration (mobile and fixed).

Study of Intelligent Impedance Control Using a Fuzzy Neural Network

Yoshishige Sato — Tue, 15 Apr 2014 00:00:00 -0700

This paper presents study of adaptive force control that takes into account object characteristics using a fuzzy neural network. This study applies fuzzy theory to position control and force control, similar to those actually implemented by industrial robots, to enable automatic establishment of optimum parameters for different environments and autonomous, flexible motion.

Towards A Sustainable Tourism Definition From Systems Science Perspective

Abraham Briones-Juarez, Ricardo Tejeida Padilla, Isaias José Badillo — Tue, 15 Apr 2014 00:00:00 -0700

The tourism system has as main components, social, economic and natural subsystems, which are linked together to give rise to tourism activities in particular contexts called destinations. Tourism to be regulated under a legal framework on protected areas, to offer interpretations regarding commercial activity and the natural protection, which at first seem contrary relations, arising from excessive use of natural and cultural resources to generate tourism services. However, under the perspective of these antagonistic, Systems Science can be considered as complementary. The purpose of this paper is to study the complexity of sustainability case study taking as a destination in the Mexican Caribbean, to highlight, through the Viable Systems Model, complementary relationships between economic development and natural care which converge in production of tourism services. This implies a holistic view that encompasses the subsystems (social, economic and natural) and the system above (sustainable tourism) described in the elements and relationships that make up the 5 sets of viable model.

ENGAGING TO HARNESS COMMUNITY CREATIVITY FOR SUSTAINABLE URBAN PLANNING

Barbara Dickens — Tue, 15 Apr 2014 00:00:00 -0700

The paper reflects on different approaches to public participation in the highly complex field of urban planning. It is based on research, personal experience, case studies and theories. Engagement principles are discussed and recommendations made for harnessing community creativity to achieve sustainable planning outcomes for current and future generations.

This exploration is triggered by several factors, primarily: a realization of the shortcomings of current approaches to urban planning to create healthy, integrated, liveable and sustainable communities; increased pressure by those citizens whose lives are affected by planning outcomes to influence planning decisions; and the concurrent increased focus by the Australian government, across all three tiers, on engaging citizens.

These factors in turn are to a major extent driven by the effect of technological advances on communications, which is increasing communities’ access to information, fueling the social media revolution and providing ever-increasing potential options to include more voices.

Approaches to urban planning and their outcomes are affected by key issues of democracy and participation in public policy making at local and regional level, the role of the private sector and the balance of markets, government and civil society.

The political system focus on short-term benefits (Hoggett), a containerized approach by government, and a heavy reliance on the market to deliver government policy, results in much urban planning failing to recognize ‘the relationship between our choices now and their consequences tomorrow’ (Integrated Design Commission) particularly in terms of sustainability.

Increasingly, governments, planners, architects and communities are realizing that ‘Sustainable communities cannot be designed using the same methods that produced unsustainable ones’ (Condon). Also, gradually, the focus is changing from seeking solutions to identifying problems and understanding how everything inter-connects (IDC).

Urban developments can take decades to plan and deliver, and therefore need a flexible, holistic approach to respond to changing conditions, multiple stakeholders and ‘the multiple layers and components of social systems’ (Sarkissian et al). There also is no one way in which to plan and design the urban landscape and no one way in which to engage.

At the heart of both planning and engagement needs to be creativity, ‘using methods that honour people’s individual and collective knowledge about their lives and their environments’ (Sarkissian & Hurford).

In identifying creativity as the key to a better future, McIntyre-Mills argues that ‘policy and practice needs to consider social, economic and environmental implications for all life’ (McIntyre-Mills) the challenges of which ‘are unprecedented’ (McIntyre-Mills) and she asks ‘Can we design systems and technologies that sustain a future environment, or will we design systems that destroy our future?’ (McIntyre-Mills).

This raises the question of whose creativity can and should be harnessed, and how. It is neither a task for government alone, nor for experts across the public and private sectors, to determine how communities and individuals should live. Recognising this, the Premier of South Australia said that community engagement is central to urban renewal projects.

Analysis of the engagement approaches all emphasise that we citizens ‘are the dots and we are the interconnections. They are one. We make or break the connections’ (McIntyre Mills & de Vries). Engagement also needs to be guided by principles to determine both the process and the outcomes and to be ‘as open and transparent as possible’ (Cook).

McIntyre-Mills recommends development of ‘a cycle including discursive democracy, deliberation on areas of concern – such as the multiple and complex issues associated with urban planning – based on structural dialogue and then voting on decisions’ (McIntyre-Mills & de Vries). The recommended mix of approaches to public participation in urban planning explored here can contribute towards achieving that objective.

Being, having, doing and interacting: towards ethical democracy, governance and stewardship

Janet Judy McIntyre-Mills, Natasun Binchai — Tue, 15 Apr 2014 00:00:00 -0700

The presentation of the attached user guide aims to address the conference themes by considering the challenge posed by Stiglitz (2010) to the Australian Productivity Commission, namely to foster an understanding that the wellbeing of humanity is dependent on the global commons. The focus of the research is on addressing social, economic and environmental factors that help to mitigate and adapt to climate change. Joseph Stiglitz past president of the World Bank has stressed (at the invitation of the Australian Productivity Commission) that the bottom line is wellbeing – this requires building stocks for the future ( Stiglitz, et al, 2010). Wellbeing is crucial to re-designing economics.

USER GUIDE: ENGAGEMENT TO ADDRESS CLIMATE CHANGE THROUGH PARTICIPATORY DEMOCRACY AND GOVERNANCE

Janet McIntyre-Mills, Natasun Binchai — Tue, 15 Apr 2014 00:00:00 -0700

No abstract

Teaching communitarian ethics from systemic perspectives

Jae Eon Yu — Tue, 15 Apr 2014 00:00:00 -0700

This paper describes and examines a theoretical and empirical proposal for systemic research and practice that appreciate ‘communitarian ethics’ that come from a holistic ways of thinking and acting. We explore the nature of the process of action-based learning that examining one’s own actions and learning about the complexity of educational practice from both Western and Eastern systemic perspectives. As a virtual life regards as the good life from MacIntyre’s ethical perspective, we offer a theoretical basis for our approach to communitarian ethics that takes place from an experiential approach to reflective social practice, the narrative unity of a human life, and the systemic inquiry to the nature of a social practice where it needs to reassess where it is going, and how we will build our good life that communicates and shares with ‘others’ in society. Based on critical Eastern thoughts, we appreciate and present Zhuang Zu (Chuang Tzu)’s theory of Daoism in order to understand reflective social practice. It allows participants to be ‘critical thinkers’ in the given situations.

Keywords: Communitarian ethics; Western and Eastern systemic perspectives; Zhuang Zu (Chuang Tzu)’s theory of Daoism

A Study on Water Resources in Vietnam: Current Status, Problems and Solutions for Sustainable Consumption

Minh Thi Vu, Hoa Thi Hoang Nguyen — Tue, 15 Apr 2014 00:00:00 -0700

In this paper we discuss the current situation and issues of water resources in Vietnam, and also provide suggestions to improve this status.

Vietnam has 2360 rivers with differently small and big sizes. Annually, flow of surface water is estimated to be about 830 billion m³ in total, of which 63% is water originated from other foreign countries. In terms of water use, the total use volume in a year is about 80 billion m3 with 82% used for agricultural production. The proportions of water used tend to increase for industry, fishery and domestic purposes.

The current main problems of water resources in Vietnam are the pollution of surface water, the decrease in quality of groundwater’s quality, and water salinity in coastal areas. Irrational exploitation of water resources is believed to be one main reason for these. In fact, there are 154 industrial and large scale processing zones in the whole country but only 43 of them are equipped with concentrated wastewater treatment systems.

The management models of centralized water supply systems include state-owned enterprises, private enterprises, joint-stock companies, centers for rural water supply and sanitation and co-operatives under management of People’s Committees or of communities. The responsibility for state management on water resources at national level belongs to the Government, Ministries and ministerial-level agencies with the major duties belonging to the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment. The responsibility also belongs to the People’s Committees at provincial and lower levels. There have been about 24 issued legal documents related to water resources. The law on water resources was composed in 1998 and ratified in June 21, 2012.

In order to protect water resources from depletion for future’s sustainable consumption, Vietnamese Government has been trying to improve water use’s management systems, to reform institutions, to set up law, to plan schemes, to raise people’s awareness of the water’s role water’s role, as well as to educate them to use water economically and reasonably. However, the current management is still facing many difficulties, containing technical, managerial, policy and institutional problems. These problems are believed to mainly come from five reasons. First, the information and communication are weak and inefficient. Second, people have not been aware of saving water. Moreover, there is almost no standard for the use of water in economic sectors and water has not been reasonably priced for each production zones and each types of using. Another reason is the lack of sanctions to penalize those who pollute water resources. Finally, it is seen that citizens have not proactively taken part in water management activities such as irrigation management.

As an effort to tackle these problems, Vietnamese Government has presented a number of solutions in the National Strategy for Rural Water Supply and Sanitation until 2020. These include solutions concerning water resources management, institution and policy, planning and schemes, financial policy and economical solutions, multimedia tools and education on efficient water use. As a support for the Government’s solutions, this paper will present and suggest the application of South Korea’s Integrated Water Resources Management System to Vietnam. This system consists of identifying, collecting and analysing data for different water resources in order to find the most suitable management schemes afterwards. Since water is considered as “economic goods”, the responsibilities of stakeholders such as the government, manufacturers, suppliers, comsumers and water-exploiting enterprises will also be discussed as an essential part of this management system.

THE NEED TO IDENTIFY SYSTEM ARCHETYPES AND LEVERAGE POINTS FOR THE PROTECTION OF AQUIFERS IN THE WATER-ENERGY NEXUS

Deborah Lynn Jarvie — Tue, 15 Apr 2014 00:00:00 -0700

As the world’s population approaches the 9 billion mark (United Nations, 2011) and the demand for energy increases, increased pressure is being placed on freshwater supplies in the earth’s ‘water-energy’ systems. This paper, based on research for the completion of my doctoral dissertation, studies a number of concerns regarding the contamination and depletion of freshwater aquifers as the energy sector continues to grow. To address these concerns, this paper proposes that environmental tax policy, and in particular, ecological tax incentives for aquifer protection – within a socio-ecological systems framework - can play an important role in protecting potable water sources by promoting long-term sustainable practices.

Daly (1996) discusses fifteen principles on sustainable development. Though nearly twenty years old, these principles are as relevant today as they were when they were written – if not more so, now. The principles are integrated into a ‘regulatory framework for the protection of aquifers’ in this study, in an attempt to link existing ideas regarding ‘sustainable development’ with new ideas formulated using a systems approach.

The interactions between energy production/usage and potable water supplies is depicted in the paper through a series of systems archetypes, wherein balancing loops are identified as points of leverage for the introduction of ecological tax incentives for aquifer protection. These points of leverage are then identified within the larger framework, where they will later be tested using primary data from various stakeholders (using a grounded theory methodology) in order to discover a theory and themes on the use of ecological tax incentives for water protection.

The study takes an interdisciplinary approach to deal with the multi-faceted dilemma facing the water-energy nexus, and the paper explores the situation using theories of complex open-systems, e.g. (Meadows, 2008; Senge, 1990; Sterman, 2000; von Bertalanffy, 1972), environmental regulations and tax policy, e.g. (Baumol & Oates, 1988; DiJohn, 2010; Fullerton, 2001; Gunningham & Grabosky, 2004; Määttä, 2006; Pigou, 2002; Tinbergen, 1952), and resilience, e.g. (Arrow et al., 1995; Berkes & Folke, 1998; Gunderson, Allen, & Holling, 2010; Holling, 1973; Walker & Salt, 2006). The paper then concludes with the suggestion that economic/environmental policies based on systems thinking will offer a more sustainable and resilient future for the earth’s freshwater supplies.

Management of MAB Vietnam’s Network of Biosphere Reserves through the approach of System thinking, Land/seascape planning, Inter-sectoral coordination and Quality economy (SLIQ)

Hoa Tran, tri Nguyen, Tuyen Le — Wed, 16 Apr 2014 00:00:00 -0700

Constructing a Client Recruitment System for Rural Myanmar Unbanked People to Access PACT Microfinance Institution

Hnin Pwint Aye, Yoshiteru Nakamori — Tue, 15 Apr 2014 00:00:00 -0700

When traditional financial institutions fail to provide financial services to the poor, microfinance fills this gap and helps poverty reduction by supporting self employment. Microfinance institutions provide loans to the poor, unbanked people, without collateral using group based lending methods as social collateral and strict rules and regulations. When these rules and regulations are discrepant with the situations of the rural Myanmar unbanked people, 50% of them could not obtain the loans. This research finds the discrepancies of the rural Myanmar unbanked people with current operational procedures (COP) of Private Agency Collaboration Together (PACT), explores the idea to solve the above discrepancies and draw a system that can help rural Myanmar unbanked people to access PACT MFI. This client recruitment system includes four sub systems entitled, inquisition, adjustment, knowledge contribution and impact assessment system. These systems support not only improving the lives of the rural Myanmar unbanked people by accessing PACT but also the rural development and poverty alleviation action plan.

STUDY ON A MODEL FOR TEACHER PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT IN VIETNAM BASED ON KNOWLEDGE MANAGEMENT

Thang Vinh Ho, Yoshiteru Nakamori, Bao Tu Ho, dam Si Ho — Tue, 15 Apr 2014 00:00:00 -0700

The purposes of the study are to propose a new effective model for teacher professional development and examine the model’s effectiveness in Vietnam condition. As the first step of the study, the paper proposed a teacher professional development model, which is based on knowledge management in blended learning environment and pointed out how to validate it. The model is designed based on four knowledge management processes namely knowledge co-creation, knowledge internalization, knowledge sharing and knowledge evaluation. The knowledge in the model is co-created by the participatory method of learning community members. The teacher professional development process is based on the constructive approach that including activities as follows: self-paced learning, knowledge sharing, observational learning, peer evaluation, reflection, group discussion, and feedback, etc. The learners will receive the on going supporting, mentoring and coaching processes among community members. As the result, a lifelong professional learning community and a secondary school teacher network are established and developed.

Method for promoting ICT engineering safety learning from crisis management

Takafumi Nakamura, Kyoichi Kijima — Tue, 15 Apr 2014 00:00:00 -0700

In this paper, a method is proposed for promoting ICT engineering safety learning from crisis management. The current majority of methodologies for ICT target ICT reliability. However, safety is the upper layer of reliability in terms of a system hierarchy. Therefore, we need more holistic methodologies to realize system safety, and system safety should include human factors. In particular, ICT engineering arena human factors play a crucial role in promoting ICT system safety. The Tokyo stock exchange was crushed on 1^st of November 2005 by an operation error, which had a severe impact on the global . The human factors (operator error, maintenance engineers' error, etc.) cause severe impact to not only ICT systems but also social systems (nuclear plant systems, transportation systems, etc.). A JR West train derailed and overturned on 25^th April 2005 due to driver misconduct caused the loss of 106 passengers' lives at Kyoto in Japan. The progress of ICT technologies (i.e., cloud, virtual and network technology) inevitably shifts ICT systems into complexity with tightly interacting domains. This trend places the human factors above other elements to promote safety more than ever. The emergent property interacting between ICT and human conduct should be dealt with in order to promote system safety. Crisis management treats holistic property over partial component. We introduce a risk management framework to promote a holistic view to manage system failures. An application example of ICT human error exhibits the effectiveness of this methodology.

Is it Possible?

Ricardo Barrera — Tue, 15 Apr 2014 00:00:00 -0700

The theme of the 57^th Meeting of ISSS, systemic leverage points for emerging a Global Eco-Civilization, in view of curating the conditions for a thrivable planet, is a great challenge. As Alexander Laszlo said in the Presidential message of last year, according with Donella Meadows, the most powerful leverage point is at the level of paradigms. So, the task is exhibit current and emerging initiatives to do that. But, as the old adage, attributed to Bertrand Russell, says, “things done by half are never done right”. All who intend to work in this, and want their effort is rewarded with a long-standing transformative action term, and not content with achieve a fleeting feeling of doing the right thing, take this into account.

Is it possible to share, create, and innovated theories, methods, and practices that foster new paradigms in planetary thrivability and systemic conviviality? This paper reviews some issues and difficulties inherent in this subject. And, at least, offer to share an experience in Patagonia, to create a tool for decision-making from the ecological footprint of a little town.

META SECURITY IN THE HUMAN HIVE: INTEGRALLY ALIGNING SUSTAINABILITY RESPONSES TO TRAJECTORY OF EVOLUTIONARY THREATS

Marilyn Hamilton — Tue, 15 Apr 2014 00:00:00 -0700

This article explores a meta-theory for Global Environmental Change and Human Security (GECHS) as it relates to the human hive. It explores the Integral City Framework for environmental change in the Cosmosphere, Biosphere and Anthroposphere. Four maps reveal how humans in the city impact global environment, and how human security is tightly bound with global and human evolution. Elements of the maps include subjective/intersubjective and objective/interobjective perspectives; nested holarchies of whole systems; fractal development of holons and social holons; and eight levels of complex structures. A specific example of the city of Abbotsford is used to illustrate an integral approach to GECHS. The article concludes that the integral city meta-framework provides a GECHS approach that is fractal, scaleable, global, local, holistic, comprehensive, pluralistic, interconnected, evolutionary and developmental.

Urban pioneering movement as an example of emergence and change

Katri-Liisa Pulkkinen — Tue, 15 Apr 2014 00:00:00 -0700

This article examines systemic change through a gradual, self-generating change that can lead to a paradigm shift, using urban pioneering movement in Helsinki as an example. The urban pioneering movement aims at transforming the urban culture through activities that generate more tolerant and open city with appreciation to citizen democracy. The movement works against controlled and regulated urban experience and aims at a paradigm shift on how the city is used and perceived. Urban pioneering movement has succeeded in its aims with approaches and maneuvers that may show promise especially in the context of the sustainability movement. The research that was conducted as a part of future learning environments study in Aalto University showed that the urban pioneers generate emergent culture in their environment and they do so by working as if there were two different environments that they need to affect. One of the environments is the visible urban cultural scene where the envisioned change would be taking place and the second is the invisible environment of rules and regulations that the urban pioneers have to work hard with in order to diminish and remove obstacles that slow down the transformation that they aim at. The transformation, when successful, happens as a snowball effect, generating increasingly more change towards the desired goals, until the system has gradually transformed also its values.

Nurturance Spaces: Twelve Places to Intercede in Apithology Systems

Will Varey — Tue, 15 Apr 2014 00:00:00 -0700

One of the most powerful contributions to the systems discourse has been the concept of systemic leverage points. These places of counter-intuitive focus enable opportunities for change in situations where significant change might otherwise not be possible. The identification of systemic leverage points provides the means for small interventions to trigger larger-scale transitions in complex systems. On rare occasions this can result in the emergence of entirely new paradigmatic structures.

In counterpoint, the discipline of apithology is used to provide a systems analysis of generative systems, where new emergences are the norm, instead of the exception. Rather than places of resistance, the systemic features of primary interest are the sources of contributions. These are the specific locations of causal effects that provide generative functions for whole of system well-being. These features are not usually identified (or identifiable) by other epistemological inquiries. The discipline of apithology examines, not for the pathology of loss, but for the presences of the necessities of sufficiency in systems of generativity. This acknowledgement of a distinct difference in emphasis presents the question: what is the equivalent concept to ‘leverage points’ in apithological systems theory?

To examine this question, a wider inquiry was made into the causal relations of systemic dysfunctions in macro-scale sustainability transitions. Various causal loops were identified in a multi-tiered system of pathological conflicts and disjunctions. From this analysis, a map of causal relations was developed to examine, at a higher-order of abstraction, the relationships of apithological contributances. This analysis was specifically done within the discourse of apithology theory, which looks at the humanity-level impacts of causal relations in systems of conceptions. This provides a general systems approach to the ecological relations in the ontonomic domains of human conceptions. That process generated twelve distinctive and inter-related junctures of significance.

In this paper the twelve primary junctures identified for complex apithology systems are explained in more detail. First, the specific definition within apithology theory for each juncture is distinguished from the common usage of those descriptive terms. Second, the significance of each juncture is contextualized by the causal relationships of its adjacent junctures. Third, pre-existing contradictory assumptions are qualified with reference to the work of relevant systems theorists. Lastly, the implications of the inclusion and omission from consideration of the twelve junctures are described in an apithological systems inquiry.

The result of this paper is the portrayal of a landscape of systemic relations for whole-of-system health. It discloses the complementarities and contingencies in a generative ecology of contributive intentions. The unexpected finding is that, unlike leverage points, the ‘spaces for intercession’ are actually numerous. The closing reflection is how valuable contributions to systemic health might be found possibly, less in levers of change, and more in the contributive nurturances of new systemic becomings.

Using a systems-based Evolutionary Learning Laboratory to address the “ NEET - Not in Employment, Education, or Training” issue in Japan

Toshiro Kiura, Ockie J.H. Bosch, Nam Nguyen, Toshiyuki Yasui, Takashi Maeno — Tue, 15 Apr 2014 00:00:00 -0700

The purpose of social design is to create a feasible solution in order to solve a particular problem. For some time, social designs have been made by social entrepreneurs using unauthorized methodologies formed through lessons from their own activities and experiences. They regard these methodologies as practical, but they are often difficult to design, especially in complex social systems where multiple stakeholders are involved. Participatory systems analysis (PSA) is another valuable methodology in social design, as it provides various stakeholders with the opportunity to share their mental models with each other, to recognize and understand issues, and to identify potential barriers and drivers towards creating solutions. This method is effective in developing a consensus for finding the best solutions.

The purpose of this study was to create a model to design consensual solutions for an important social issue in Japan involving the high number of NEETS, a term referring to people who are “Not in Employment, Education, or Training.” The mental models of various stakeholders were integrated into a systems structure or causal loop model to develop an understanding of the interrelationships and patterns among the components of the model. The model was used to identify the main leverage points and systemic interventions that could help in solving the NEET problem. Bayesian Belief Network (BBN) modeling was then used for each of the identified leverage points to design an integrated systemic management and operational plan for addressing the NEET issue, which has not yet been successfully addressed in Japan. The systems models (CLM and BBN) were embedded in the Evolutionary Learning Laboratory to create a cyclical social design through which the solutions can be implemented.

Connecting the DOTS: The Design Of Thrivable Systems through the power of Collective Intelligence.

Alexander Laszlo — Tue, 15 Apr 2014 00:00:00 -0700

Meeting and Conference of the international Society for the Systems Sciences focuses on the meta-theme of Curating the Conditions for a Thrivable Planet. It has been conceived as a living learning lab for collective intelligence so as to provide its participants with a set of total immersion environments in which to explore our role as systems scientists, and beyond that, as members of a globalizing species at this time in history. As such, the conference provides individual and collective opportunities to foster that basic feeling of being connected, to explore what it means to be Appreciative Systems, to manifest new levels of community, and fundamentally, to evolve the narrative of our role as authors of the conscious evolution of our species. Through this process, we will address the principal theme of the conference this year: the search for systemic leverage points for the emergence of a global eco-civilization.

SOFT SYSTEMS THEORIES FROM MARIBOR, SLOVENIA, AND THEIR USE IN THE REAL WORLD

Matjaz Mulej — Tue, 15 Apr 2014 00:00:00 -0700

Based on Mulej's Dialectical Systems Theories and Kajzer's work on Business Cybernetics at the University of Maribor, Faculty of Economics and Business, several new systems and cybernetic theories and their applications in the real world have been created, over the forty years since the first publication about the Dialectical Systems Theory. This experience is briefed here.

Using an Evolutionary Learning Laboratory approach to establish a World First Model for Integrated Governance of Haiphong, Vietnam

Thanh V. Nguyen, Ockie J. H. Bosch, Nam C. Nguyen — Fri, 21 Feb 2014 00:00:00 -0800

We manage the systems we are part of in a highly compartmentalised structure. Government departments are a typical example of how society operates in silos. However, complex political, environmental, socio-economic, and business-financial issues tend to transcend the jurisdictions and capacities of any single government department, which adds significantly to the difficulties in finding systemic management solutions and effective governance plans. This lack of cross-sectoral communication and collaboration in complex national and global environments compromises the leaders and policy makers in government, leading to centralised protocols and siloed departments that undercut local responsiveness. The Government of Haiphong City (HPC) decided to establish an Evolutionary Learning Laboratory (ELLab) to enhance communication and collaboration between the different departments in order to develop an integrated and systemic Governance Plan for HPC.

Workshops and specialist forums were held to gather the mental models of representatives of different Government departments. The "learning" process started with integrating the various mental models into a systems structure using Causal Loop Modelling and continued during the steps of interpreting and exploring the model. A deeper understanding of the potential implications of actions, strategies and policies lead to the identification of leverages and systemic interventions that will contribute to the development of a sustainable HPC.

A series of Bayesian Belief Network (BBN) management models is developed for each of the identified systemic interventions, determining the requirements for their implementation, the factors that could affect the expected outcomes; and the order in which activities should be carried out to ensure cost-effectiveness and maximum impact. The models are combined and used to develop a refined systems model, which forms at the same time a systemic strategic and operational plan for integrated governance of HPC.

Taming the Beast: How American Corporations Unwittingly Conspire to Make Bullying a Rational Choice

Teresa A Daniel, Gary Metcalf — Tue, 15 Apr 2014 00:00:00 -0700

Although their approach is widely criticized, it is fair to say that bullies represent a functional part of many organizations. They come in all shapes and sizes, all ages and both genders. Bullying is targeted and abusive behavior. It is personally destructive and should have nothing to do with advancing legitimate organizational goals. Despite its negative connotations, though, anyone who works in an American corporation can easily see that arrogant and abusive leaders are frequently rewarded with promotions, increased pay and bonuses, as well as more power and influence. In a nutshell—bullying pays off. This paper will examine the ways American corporations unwittingly conspire to make workplace bullying a rational choice.

We will explore the dynamics of the problem from three perspectives: (1) individual—the unique characteristics of individual bullies, (2) situational—the influence of the corporate situational context, and (3) systemic—a view which poses larger questions about the nature of the social systems within which we work. Is there some aspect of the “DNA” of organizations—the guiding principles by which they exist—which tends to promote uncivil behavior?

The past has proven that an obsession with profits at any cost encourages leaders to “game the system” and behave badly. When civilized standards of common decency and respect are not required to be observed in our workplaces, leadership by fear and intimidation is validated as a legitimate leadership style. By turning a blind eye to the destruction created by arrogant and abusive leaders—and even rewarding and promoting them—corporations unwittingly enable (and perhaps even encourage) bullying and abuse at work.

Trying to civilize corporations, though, is much like trying to turn tigers into vegetarians. They will always be wild beasts by nature unless we “tame” them by imposing laws (as many other countries have done), or replace them with new forms entirely. Until then, the unfortunate reality is that bullying will continue to be rampant in American organizations. We can—and must—do better.

THE SOFT SYSTEM METHODOLOGY TO BUILD A SUSTAINABLE SPACE OF A TOURIST CORRIDOR FROM PUERTO ANGEL BAY TO MAZUNTE BEACH, IN MEXICO

Jorge Rojas-Ramirez, Adrián E. Elizalde-Medrano, Ricardo Tejeida-Padilla — Tue, 15 Apr 2014 00:00:00 -0700

MECHANISMS FOR UNDERSTANDING MENTAL MODEL CHANGE IN GROUP MODEL BUILDING

Rodney James Scott — Tue, 15 Apr 2014 00:00:00 -0700

The group-level goals of group model building have been described as alignment of mental models, consensus and commitment to a decision. Several explanations have been proposed to explain these changes. This paper tracks participants in four group model building interventions where delayed evaluations suggested that lasting mental model change had occurred. Semi-structured interviews were used to explore how participants believed that the workshops changed their thinking. The results are compared with proposed mechanisms for mental model change: operator logic, systems thinking, modelling as persuasion, and boundary objects. Although individuals typically possess incomplete insight into their own learning, interview results support the boundary object model as most consistent with participants’ own recollections.

Systems approaches towards understanding the barriers to innovation adoption in the Australian beef industry

Daowei Sun, Ockie Bosch — Tue, 15 Apr 2014 00:00:00 -0700

The slow and low level of innovation adoption in the Australian beef industry was explored by using a systems approach. A causal loop model of innovation adoption system in the Australian beef industry was built based on various sources of literature and fieldwork findings in Queensland Australia. Further analysis of the systems model and fieldwork findings revealed the systemic structures of innovation adoption system in the Australian beef industry which underlie the complexity and dynamics of innovation adoption behaviour. To the utmost importance is this research also externalized key mental models of different actors within in the beef production system.

Key conclusions drawn from the systems analysis were (1) the barriers to innovation adoption are business situation specific, barriers shifting along with the changing of business situation; (2) a lack of fully understanding the systemic structure of innovation adoption system in the Australian beef industry is common; (3) a lack of shared mental model among different key actors in the beef production system was also clearly shown which inhibits effective cooperation among them for various innovation activities; (4) using systems approaches to understand barriers to the innovation adoption in the Australian beef industry can add valuable insights to this complex issue which traditional non-system based methods are not able to achieve.

Pragmatism, Morphogenesis and the Possibility of Sustainability

Mike Tennant — Tue, 15 Apr 2014 00:00:00 -0700

Population growth and demographic shifts are placing an increasing burden on the planet. By 2050 it is projected that humanity will require almost three planets to live in if we continue to consume as we currently do.

Changing the way we live in the world will require that we transform our current structural and cultural systems. The democratic and creative generation of good solutions is the beginning of this process, but effective transformation requires that these be successfully integrated and new, enduring systems emerge.

This poster outlines some exploratory work that attempts to make sense of the contributions that Dewey’s pragmatism and Archer’s morphogenesis can contribute to systemic transformation.

A Life in Systems

Fred Young Phillips — Tue, 15 Apr 2014 00:00:00 -0700

The author’s career in systems began in 1971 at General Motors Research Laboratories, where he was told to replicate the Club of Rome model, and continues now as he edits the Elsevier journal Technological Forecasting & Social Change. Highlights included years working with Ilya Prigogine; graduating from Abe Charnes’ Center for Cybernetic Studies at Texas; visits to the Santa Fé Institute; and introducing information-theoretic methods to the management field (while arguing with Bayesians). The paper offers lessons learned and perspectives drawn over this span, with regard to computation, big data, and sustainability, as they pertain to the study and management of complex systems.

RELIABLE INFORMATION - A KEY TO DISASTER RESPONSE

Gerhard Chroust, Georg Aumayr — Tue, 15 Apr 2014 00:00:00 -0700

The growing concern over frequent wide-area disasters with massive destruction is parallelled by a qualitative jump in ICT-capabilities which can be utilized in new ways of disaster response, especially with respect to the information acquisition, processing and dissemination. In this paper we discuss the importance of information with respect to disaster response. The growing concern over frequent wide-area disasters with massive destruction is parallelled by a qualitative jump in ICT-capabilities which can be utilized in new ways of disaster response, especially with respect to the information acquisition, processing and dissemination. This paper discusses the importance of information with respect to disaster response. After a short review of the history of organized disaster response, the phases of a disaster and the types of stakeholders described. The relevant information for stakeholders is described, categorized and the associated activities discussed. The usefulness and applicability of Mass Communication and Crowd Intelligence for improving information acquisition, analysis and decision making is discussed.

A DIDACTIC TOOL TO TEACH AN INTRODUCTION TO SYSTEMS SCIENCES

Isaias José Badillo, Ricardo Tejeida-Padilla, Oswaldo Morales-Matamoros — Wed, 16 Apr 2014 00:00:00 -0700

We present a brief description on a teaching-learning process of Systems Sciences using the proposed structural approach published in the Journals ISSS of the 55^th Conference.

The proposed structure follows the domain of Science Model developed by Warfield wich helps to integrate in four main components all the body of knowledge of Systems Sciences as follows:

The domain of Systems Science

The conceptual space and language of Systems Science

The theoretical relations within Systems Science

The methods of Systems Science

At the end of the paper we present an application of the didactic tool.

Education for an emerging society

Violeta Bulc, Jacqui Wilmshurst — Wed, 16 Apr 2014 00:00:00 -0700

"Social evolution is showing us some interesting patterns in the behaviour of our society. It seems that we have in some ways trapped ourselves within the structures that we have created. Throughout the brief history of the educational systems typical of our time, we have encouraged the development of competences in people that best serve the needs of the structures of the current paradigm in our culture and not the people. It seems that we have been trained and educated to improve technology, processes and organisations as our primary goal, and have neglected as a result the well-being of people, of the animals, plants and of the planet itself. In this article we point out some indicators that are encouraging us to see new patterns emerging that relate to our individual and collective consciousness. In the paper we also share some practical examples that present different approaches to learning. We can sense changes at many leverage points in our society. For example, at the widest level in our ways of organising, ways of learning, ways of understanding, ways of being and ways of doing. We argue that these changes are often provoked by problems and opportunities of an emerging "innovation based" thinking, and by the higher levels of collective and individual consciousness. The paper presents "systemic thinking" as one of the key elements when searching for more effective and sustainable new solutions. It also presents a possible scenario at the higher education level in a connection with the commercial world as viewed by the Challenge:Future global youth, by the authors' experiences from the field (for example corporate environments and local communities) and by experiences gained from using innovative approaches in the higher-education teaching."

An applied educational learning concept for “living system” fieldwork

Susu Nousala, Claudia Garduno — Tue, 15 Apr 2014 00:00:00 -0700

The dynamic interactions of very large living systems in which we find ourselves existing and engaging with, can, at the very least be difficult to navigate, or at worst, dictate disastrous directions (Garduno et al. 2013). There have been various descriptions that are based more on perceptions that influence and stress different areas of sustainable development and sustainability. The Brundtland Report discussed the ‘inequality is the planet’s main “environ-mental” problem’ (WCED 1987, p 6), linking poverty and pollution, social justice with unsustainability. It did however; link these issues, even though there was a focus on the symptoms rather than the cause’ (Asghar 2001).

However, more recently it has been possible to view these issues as living systems, that are in themselves, adaptive complex systems, with many multiple components and properties (Nousala et al 2012: Nousala and Hall 2008: Hall et al 2010). Asghar (2001) discusses a broader perspective, by referring to the Brundtland Report (WCED 1987, p3) and the futility of focusing or dealing with the environmental problems without viewing these issues through a wider lens, to encompass the factors that underpin world poverty and international inequality.

These perceptions have also been challenged by increased understanding of richer based contexts, supported by multi-disciplinary processes of all kinds, not least of all, the expansion of educational platforms of exchange, that rely on action based research, but also statistical data base analysis.

This paper discusses the concepts of sustainability, community engagement, methodological approaches (through a social complex adaptive systems lens) and educational experiences based an educational pilot project, namely Aalto LAB Mexico (ALM). This experimental case study was based on previous research, current literature and fieldwork engagement with specific rural communities in Mexico (Garduno et al. 2013).

The General Theory of Metadynamics Systemicity

Jean-Jacques BLANC — Tue, 15 Apr 2014 00:00:00 -0700

The General Theory of Systemicity is being published - part after part since 2004 - from after the application of “The Bioethism Transdisciplinary Paradigm” that the author J.-J. Blanc developed since 1996. Made from an extensive research on "Systems science" that induced to his developing a new systemic paradigm, it was termed as a transdisciplinary approach to "Living systems" he named “The Bioethism”. A paradigm that is meant to support the acquisition of a large understanding on living systems' as naturally structuring and behaving for survival while adapting to their milieu.

The "Cosmo-planetary and terrestrial metadynamics systemicity”, the “Life’s metadynamics systemicity”, and the "Biological survival metadynamics systemicity" processes are the core of the General Theory, which, resulting from a large research and approach of the whole set of universal metadynamics and their retroactivity, shows their interrelationship and interdependency. The systemicity of their atomic and molecular cycles has made and sustains both cosmic systems and Life on planet Earth. As to exist, living creatures replicate and evolve within global, glocal and local permanently changing endogen milieu and external environmental ecosystems.

The Universe Cosmo-planetary gigadynamics and metadynamics systemicity have participated in the Sun and its planets to form, and particularly Earth orbiting around it on a right “habitable green zone”. The General Theory shows the close links between Cosmo-planetary and terrestrial meta-dynamics systemicity, its forces, fluxes and moves cycles that made Life to have happened and thriven. From proto-organisms to humans, their individualities, social traits and behavioral statuses have accounted for the biodiversity of species developing or getting extinct over billions of years.

For example, when the Earth became a "snowball" from a nearly total glaciation (-600 Mo/y), the survival of some bacteria and micro-organisms escaping the drastic extinction of most species, conversely boosted up an extraordinary explosion of marine species bearing quite new functions (- 545Mo/y), that after volcanism reheated the planet from the systemicity of interrelated terrestrial and cosmic metadynamics.

These metadynamics are the main physicochemical cosmic, galactic, stellar, planetary and terrestrial feedback processing atoms to participate in forming matter and cosmic objects (nebulae, baby stars, stars and planets), within a molecular world as originated from after the “Big Bang”.

Influenced with a certain number of forces, and going towards specific directions in the environment, Life as a whole is confronted with gravitation, electromagnetism, chemical and physical phenomena…, particularly temperature and the “thermodynamics of entropy”, all being forces and fluxes which driving diversity is concomitant.

Furthermore, Life is confronted with the driving of terrestrial dynamic cycles of water, minerals, and climates which currents drive ecosystems metabolism.

Among drivers are the coalescence, conjunction, co-evolution, convergence, symbiosis, percolation, phase transition and threshold output, neighborhood adaptation. Then feedback drives universal atomic, molecular and physicochemical worlds permanently provoking the evolution of the several metadynamics systemicity cycles.

The specific bonds and traits of structures and behaviors as well as the evolution trends of “surviving living creatures” require some knowledge about actions-reactions (drivers) with ago-antagonistic signals and stimuli emerging from their ecosystemic and socio-systemic metabolism and environmental conditions. Since resulting in some sort of a confrontation between the body milieu and the natural environment, the narration and treatment of a general information refers to the fundamental “survival metadynamics systemicity" and “its drivers” like “symbiosis” and “feedback” as processing stimuli and signals to sustain their metabolism balance from both internal and external changing conditions.

Part five of this theory only describes some drivers: symbiosis, coalescence, convergence and synergy, percolation, phase transition, threshold output, feedback… that permanently influence the systemicity of cosmic matter, objects and things interacting among the universal networks of the 3D worlds. Feedback driving the survival metadynamics systemicity sustains “the atomic and molecular cycles from cradle to grave”.

Toward a System Type Structure

Thomas R Marzolf — Mon, 22 Jan 2018 00:00:00 -0800

A system can only be understood holistically. If our goal is to understand systems we must develop holistic descriptions. That conclusion seems inescapable.

Systems occur naturally in hierarchies and interact with a context consisting mostly of other system hierarchies. Systems reside in large, highly interoperating networks, meaning that a truly holistic view of a system has no clear outer limit. The great complexity and scope of such systems present a barrier to reaching a holistic view. Surmounting this barrier should be a goal of systems thinking.

Starting from a system of interest and working upward and outward is not the only possible approach. A system influences its parts as well as vice-versa. Complementary to a bottom-up approach from a system of interest is a top-down approach starting with a large encompassing system.

All systems are part of the universe, about which much is now known. A top-down approach could start by examining the universe as a whole in terms of the types of systems it contains and how they are related. Indeed, the universe constitutes the ultimate whole. Starting with the whole, even a distant and immense whole, seems especially appropriate when seeking wholeness.

Of course, the universe can never be described in full detail, but it could be described from a systems perspective in a way that would facilitate all other system inquiries. The universe embodies the general architecture and ground rules for the integration of all systems. Eventually top-down development and the many bottom-up inquiries would meet, enabling pieces of the puzzle to fall into place.

Much valuable systems knowledge is available but it is highly fragmented. Unification is the only remedy for fragmentation. A single top-down approach would provide unification in the form of a common framework and dialect into which all other knowledge can be fit and made coherent. The universe is coherent; otherwise science could never succeed. The fact that our descriptions are not coherent must be the fault of our descriptions not of reality. Hence, in principle they can be fixed and a common coherent description developed.

This paper addresses a universal holistic view through a global system type structure. The type structure is represented in the form of a Unified Modeling Language (UML) generalization-specialization hierarchy, a well-proven approach.

System thinkers have repeatedly called for a comprehensive system classification, but to my knowledge none exists. The notion of a system is extremely general and so has a great many variants. Many definitions of particular system types and partial type structures exist, but no comprehensive, coherent structure. A coherent universe must allow a coherent description given the right approach; here we consider one. A global system type structure is an incomplete and insufficient holistic description but it provides a good starting point.

This paper addresses both a preliminary system type structure and the kind of approach needed to develop and perfect it. It also calls for collaboration to go forward with the project.

General Systems Theory and Spirituality and Religion

Somasundaram Rajendran — Tue, 15 Apr 2014 00:00:00 -0700

General Systems Theory has become a useful model to understand human behavior and also every thing in the whole universe. It has provided a more meaningful World View as it has unified all human knowledge about all aspects of living and non living part of the universe. Prior to Renaissance in Europe the world view of people in different societies and cultures were more mythological, magical, superstitious and religious. Since Renaissance gradually the world view became more objective scientific model to explain everything in the universe including human beings. Such a scientific model has helped to advance in understanding of the material physical world and contributed to rapid development of technology and Industrial and later Information revolution. In the early part of twentieth century the limitations of such a reductionistic mechanical analytical model was recognized especially in biological science. So a new interacting Systems Theory model was introduced especially in biology. Later such a model was found useful in understanding of all fields of studies of living and nonliving things in the universe. As a result a new Systems World view has emerged. According to which every thing in the whole universe can be studied as organized entities or systems that has parts as sub systems interacting with each other and also the whole system interacting with other systems outside of that particular system and form more complex and higher systems. In that model every thing, including human beings are connected with each other directly or indirectly and influence each other systems at various degrees. So this model unifies everything in the universe. According to systems theory human beings are part of universe as a whole system and have sub systems of body as a biological system and mind and behavior as psychological system and by interacting with other human beings form social systems of family, community and nations. Such a model helps to understand human experience and behavior more completely. As the systems theory has developed attempts have been made to explain ultimate philosophical questions like the meaning of life, morality, suffering, death and immortality which may be important issues for many human beings. This paper proposes to include a highest level of all systems called Transcendental system that is different from religious systems that are part of social system. The controversies related to this system and arguments in favor and opposing views will be discussed. The purpose of this paper is to stimulate more discussions among the active members who are involved in developing further General Systems Theory in all directions.

Philosophical Conditions for Sustainable Outcomes to Complex Systemic Interventions

David Rousseau — Tue, 15 Apr 2014 00:00:00 -0700

Consideration of Alexander Laszlo’s inspiring vision for a sustainable thriving eco-civilization shows that it is grounded in three important assumptions. These may seem unremarkable at first sight but an analysis of their implications reveals that they commit us to positions that are deeply problematic in the academy. The systems movement will have to help find ways to resolve these issues as a prerequisite for attaining the presented vision. In my view this can be done, and in my presentation I will show what these problems are and how we might approach helping to resolve them.

Alexander Laszlo’s three assumptions are that (1) a sustainable thriving eco-civilization is possible, (2) we can bring it about, and (3) it is important that we bring it about.

I will show that these three assumptions confront us with three problems the systems movement has struggled with since its inception: (a) the disunity of knowledge and fragmentation of worldviews, (b) the semantic divergence between different disciplines, and (c) the absence of scientific support for non-constructivist theories about values.

In situations characterised by complexity and value conflicts these problems subvert collaborative solution design, impede efficient execution of interventions, and undermine broad adoption of the solution features.

I will argue that in order to overcome these problems we have to work towards broad acceptance of (i) a moderate ontological realism according to which the world has at least some properties that are stable and independent of our cognitive acts and that can bracket the possibilities for change, (ii) a modest epistemological realism according to which we have at least some access to true knowledge about these properties and boundary conditions, (iii) a robust model of the connectedness between, but distinctness of, objective and subjective kinds of knowledge, (iv) a principled way of developing a semantic framework that makes different disciplines mutually accessible, and (v) a moderate axiological realism according to which at least some values have an objective grounding in the nature of Reality.

The problems surrounding unity, realism, knowledge, semantics and values are substantial ones, and the subject of deep divisions in the academy. However, I will argue that due to recent developments the systems movement is now positioned to make crucial contributions towards their resolution, and that it is likely that they will be resolved in a way that will support the validity of Laszlo’s assumptions. More broadly, such progress can help to reinvigorate the systems movement in general by improving the possibility of providing reliable interventions with sustainable outcomes.

A SYSTEMS THINKING APPROACH TO ADDRESS THE COMPLEXITY OF AGRIBUSINESS FOR SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT IN AFRICA

Kwamina Ewur Banson, Nam C. Nguyen, Ockie J H Bosch, Thich V. Nguyen — Tue, 15 Apr 2014 00:00:00 -0700

African countries have comparative advantages in terms of land and relatively cheap labour cost compared to western countries in the production and export of primary commodities. However, there are many challenges such as sustainability issues, and the danger of “silo mentality” (in which fixing one problem “here” simply shifts the problem “there”) and “organizational myopia” (in which a short term fix “now” gives rise to a much bigger problem to fix “later”) facing the agriculture sector. Since the democratic progresses of many African countries, there have been a number of interventions to overcome the challenges facing the agriculture industry but with little success. The problem still persists and many budgeted billions of dollars for the agriculture sector have already been spent. The agriculture industry is a complex system economically, socially, and environmentally thus dealing with problems in isolation fails to produce lasting results. A survey and literature reviews was conducted to gather the mental models of all stakeholders involved in addition to the challenges of the agricultural sectors within Africa. Their opinion concerning how the system works, barriers to success and the system drivers, and possible strategies (solutions) to overcome these problems was analysed. These results developed four system models for agribusiness sustainability using a “systems thinking” or integrated approach and tools such as casual loop diagrams and Bayesian Belief Network models. Casual loop modeling were used to determine the components and interactions between the policy, social, environmental and economic dimensions to provide insights into potential systems behavior and to facilitate leverage points and systemic intervention strategies that are required for sustainable development of the agriculture industry. The Bayesian Belief Network models reveal that farmer education, access to both seasonal production, access to information, quality seeds and cold storage facilities will help drive overall export performance by 8.2%, increasing market share by 11.7%, raising export volume by 22% and enhance farmer’s profit by 13.1%. This approach will enable and assist farmers, policymakers, researchers and donors to successfully manage the agriculture and food systems so as to strengthen food security, enhance rural livelihoods, and improve environmental sustainability in the context of the challenges arising from agriculture production in Africa. These will also help stakeholders and governments to anticipate the long-term consequences of their decisions and actions, as well as the unintended consequences of policies and strategies and avoid “silo mentality” and “organizational myopia”. This will further induce innovative agribusiness with an entrepreneurial approach and empower the youth to be successful agribusiness entrepreneurs through an innovative and systemic approach.

Where is this so-called “Fifth Discipline” if project failures, blown-out budgets, decision disasters and poor investments continue to plague our society?

Ockie J.H. Bosch, Nam C. Nguyen, Pamela Buckle-Henning — Tue, 15 Apr 2014 00:00:00 -0700

We are living in a complex and ever changing world. Policy makers, managers and leaders today are expected to cope with increasing complexity, change, and diversity. Traditional and reductionist approaches have shown their inability to address such complex problems. Increasing complex issues and challenges in curating the conditions for a flourishing planet require new ways of thinking and a fresh approach to address the multi-dimensional and multidisciplinary nature of complexity. This paper argues that there is an urgent need for a societal change to deal with complexity in a world that focuses on reductionist approaches (breaking into parts; traditional linear thinking; seeking silver bullets). The need to step outside our collective 'comfort zone', develop new ways of thinking and act in the interest of our future is crucial. It is essential for future managers and leaders to be equipped with new ways of thinking that are systems thinking and design-led to deal with complex problems in a systemic, integrated and collaborative fashion - that is, finding long-lasting solutions to the root causes of issues rather than focusing on short-term fixes that doesn't work. System thinking offers a holistic and integrative way of appreciating all the major dimensions of a complex problem, and enables the formation of effective and long-term management strategies (systemic interventions). The paper provides examples of how taking systems thinking out into the real world could help shifting the mindsets of managers and decision makers to avoid project failures and money wasting in complex project management and discusses the importance of 'systems thinking' to become 'everyday language' and a main stream concept embedded in all walks of life.

InCo movement - practical experiences of system approach with local and global impact

Violeta Bulc — Tue, 15 Apr 2014 00:00:00 -0700

The project described in this paper is a practitioner's experience about changes that a passionate and a professional movement can make based on systemic approach and heart energy. Thousands of people were touched by it, challenged, encouraged, recognized, and supported in their own pursued for contribution.

It was not done rationally nor due to an extended explicit knowledge about systemic and systems thinking. That came later and helped us to understand better the inner strength of the movement. It came naturally. We were trying to understand the concept of an innovation ecosystem as a whole in order to be able to see which parts we might have a capacity to address, as well as to understand their co-relations. It is based on a local initiative that spread very fast internationally and started to connect with many similar initiatives around the world, e.g., Innovation Journalism Program at Stanford University, Change The Game initiative from Austria, European Journalistic Centre etc.

Our friends and co-creators are from many different countries: India, Portugal, Austria, Uruguay, USA, Brazil, Finland, Sweden, Switzerland, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Serbia, etc. We contributed to the launch of several local initiatives, e.g. Heart of Slovenia, "Forest kindergartens", InJo and InCo national awards, Management Forums, etc. We co-created with other institutions and professionals many papers, conferences and initiatives addressing the power of movements, innovation, intuition, social responsibility, and civil participation.

The first events and gatherings were followed by a model, than we created a common long term mission, followed by a tangible and non-tangible results, sparkles in people's eyes and many more tools that we made available to everyone that expressed an interest. In the e-book "The power of contribution", which we are officially launching in Vietnam, we show how we came about, what are the results, who we share the passion with, and where our dreams are leading us in the future (for now).

2013 Program and Abstracts Book

Jennifer Wilby — Fri, 16 May 2014 00:00:00 -0700

2013 Conference Programme and book of abstracts.