Systems Thinking

Michael C. Jackson

• 26 september 2003
• 9780470845226

Samenvatting:

Too often, managers are sold simple solutions to complex problems. But as many soon discover, simplicity is rarely effective in the face of complexity, change and diversity. Despite apparent promise, quick-fix panaceas fail because they are not holistic or creative enough. This book helps you in various stages in the study of Systems Thinking.

Systems Thinking is holistic. Its focus is on ensuring that the parts of the organization function properly together to serve the needs of the whole. It is also creative, because its development has produced a range of approaches that can be used in powerful combinations. Indeed, being systemic increasingly means resolving problems from multi-viewpoints and using multi-techniques. Placing a central emphasis on such 'creative holism', this groundbreaking book draws on a host of examples to cover the development, implementation and integration of all major systems approaches:

• Hard Systems Thinking
• System Dynamics
• Organizational Cybernetics
• Complexity Theory
• SAST
• Interactive Planning
• Soft Systems Methodology
• Critical Systems Heuristics
• Team Syntegrity
• Postmodern Systems Thinking
• Total Systems Intervention
• Critical Systems Practice

Jackson's new book responds to the growing interest in systems ideas and their application, and builds on the success of his previous work with Bob Flood Creative Problem Solving. This book is different from existing texts in the systems field - it provides a clear introduction to the origins of systems thinking, concepts and the development of applied systems thinking and offers an account of 'critical systems practice' which demonstrates how other systems methodologies, model and methods can be used in combination.

Creative Problem Solving is comprehensive in scope, offering a brief introduction to all main 'holistic approaches to management' and demonstrating, with case studies, how each is used in practice. This straightforward and clear text from an established author in the field will be welcomed by students and academics as the 'new' Creative Problem Solving - a comprehensive, practical guide to a potentially difficult subject.