Applied Systems Theory

1. Front Matter

   Pages i-xxxv

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2. Introduction

   • Rob Dekkers

   Pages 1-14

3. Basic Concepts of Systems Theories

   • Rob Dekkers

   Pages 15-39

4. System Approaches

   • Rob Dekkers

   Pages 41-81

5. Generic Approaches to Problem Analysis and Solving

   • Rob Dekkers

   Pages 83-115

6. Processes

   • Rob Dekkers

   Pages 117-143

7. Control of Processes

   • Rob Dekkers

   Pages 145-172

8. Steady-State Model

   • Rob Dekkers

   Pages 173-192

9. Autopoietic Systems

   • Rob Dekkers

   Pages 193-210

10. Complex Adaptive Systems

    • Rob Dekkers

    Pages 211-233

11. Organisations and Breakthrough

    • Rob Dekkers

    Pages 235-268

12. Applications of System Theories

    • Rob Dekkers

    Pages 269-299

13. Back Matter

    Pages 301-315

    PDF

Offering an up-to-date account of systems theories and its applications, this book provides a different way of resolving problems and addressing challenges in a swift and practical way, without losing overview and grip on the details. From this perspective, it offers a different way of thinking in order to incorporate different perspectives and to consider multiple aspects of any given problem. Drawing examples from a wide range of disciplines, it also presents worked cases to illustrate the principles. The multidisciplinary perspective and the formal approach to modelling of systems and processes of ‘Applied Systems Theory’ makes it suitable for managers, engineers, students, researchers, academics and professionals from a wide range of disciplines; they can use this ‘toolbox’ for describing, analysing and designing biological, engineering and organisational systems as well as getting a better understanding of societal problems. This revised, updated and expanded second edition includes coverage of abductive reasoning, the relevance of systems theories for research methods and a new chapter about problem analysis and solving based on systems theories.

• (Business) Process Modelling
• Complex Adaptive Systems
• Formal and Consistent Modelling Approach to Systems Theory
• General Systems Theory
• Systems Engineering
• Systems Theory and Applications
• Systems Theory in Logistics and Supply Chain Management
• Systems Theory in Operations Management

• Adam Smith Business School, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom

  Rob Dekkers

Dr Rob Dekkers (Adam Smith Business School, University of Glasgow) is an active researcher and educator in industrial management and engineering. He uses Applied Systems Theory not only to teach students at all levels, including research students, but also practitioners, professionals and managers in state-of-the-art courses. During his industrial and later academic experience he himself has benefited from system thinking at many occasions for solving industrial problems and consulting companies. Others that have applied the concepts of Applied Systems Theory articulate that they have found it easier to understand holistically challenges they face, to solve problems with more direction and to convince others better of results and solutions. The concepts of Applied Systems Theory are also applicable to research. Dr Rob Dekkers has used systems theories for developing interdisciplinary contributions and research in operations and service management, industrial engineering, organisational design, collaborative (industrial) networks, outsourcing, business process modelling and innovation and technology management. These research projects make use of systems theories, the related science of complexity and evolutionary approaches. This wealth of experience, industrial and academic, have been brought together in this book for managers, practitioners, students and researchers.