Overview

This is a 'new paradigm' book, which both presents and advances the new way of thinking about the systems of science, technology, society, economics, politics, and the environment, and calls for the replacement of the old cognitive/sociotechnical paradigm. As the title suggests, the book has two components: the systems approach, consisting of systems thinking, systems theories, and systems models; and the policymaking situation and the policymakers themselves. While systems theories and models can certainly be improved, this book places great emphasis on deficiencies in the structure of the policy situation and in policymakers. The authors provide the results of many years of working with complex systems in the contexts of systems analysis, systems design, and policymaking and decisionmaking. Some of the authors are the originators of great schools of systems thinking.

Full Product Details

Author:   Kenyon B. de Greene
Publisher:   Springer
Imprint:   Springer
Edition:   1993 ed.
Dimensions:   Width: 15.50cm , Height: 2.20cm , Length: 23.50cm
Weight:   1.570kg
ISBN:  

9780792393368

ISBN 10:   0792393368
Pages:   355
Publication Date:   30 April 1993
Audience:   College/higher education ,  Professional and scholarly ,  Postgraduate, Research & Scholarly ,  Professional & Vocational
Format:   Hardback
Publisher's Status:   Active
Availability:   In Print  
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Table of Contents

1. Policy Challenges in a World of Nonlinearity and Structural Change.- and Main Assumptions and Problem Sets.- New Thinking for New Times.- What is Policymaking?.- Cognitive/Emotional Models of Policymakers and Decisionmakers.- A Simple Mathematical Model of Nonlinearity.- Structural Change the Kondratiev and Hegemonic Cycles/Structures and the Life Cycle of the Present Stage of World.- Civilization.- Let the Policy Fit the Time.- Conclusions and Recommendations—Policy Guidance.- References.- 2. Policy in a World of Evolution, Learning, and Ignorance.- The Mechanical and Organic Open-Systems Paradigms Further Contrasted.- Evolutionary Drive.- Applications for Policy Exploration: From Settlement To Finance.- Discussion.- References.- 3. Adaptive Control and Conflict Resolution for International Stability.- Overview of International Stability and Conflict Resolution Issues.- The Peace/War/Peace Process and Some of its Elements.- International Stability and Peace.- Nation Block Diagrams.- Peace/War/Peace Time (Activity) Cycle.- Normal, Alert, or Emergency Conditions of International Policymaking and Decision-Making.- Adaptive Control Features for International Relationships.- Basic Assumptions about the International System and Conflict.- Elements of Conflict Resolution.- Potential Areas for International Conflict.- Progress Toward International Stability and Peace.- Common Security Objectives.- Influence of the Past, Present, and Future on National Attitudes.- Decrease the Likelihood of War, Increase the Likelihood of Peace.- What is to be Done Now?.- Conclusions.- References.- 4. Field-Theoretic Framework for Systems Theory and Systems Thinking.- The Nature and History of Field Theory Applied to Nonliving and Living Systems.- Alternative or Complementary Perspectiveson.- Field Theory and on World Systems.- Synopsis and Interfacing of Current Systems Theories.- Field-Theoretic Principles.- Faith, Ideology, Science, and Religion.- The Acceptance of New Paradigms.- Guided Structural Change in the World System Field.- Final Remarks.- References.- 5. School for Rulers.- Contemplating the Taboo: Rulers Must Learn.- Premises and Thesis.- Ideological and Structural Hurdles.- Design of a School For Rulers.- Back to Reality: Practical Recommendations.- Epilogue.- References.- 6. Policy: Appearance and Reality.- Introduction: Overview of “Problems” and “Solutions”.- Concepts and Definitions of Policy.- Distinctive Problems of Policy Formulation.- A Systems-Theoretic Interpretation.- Four World Hypotheses.- Limitations of Formism and Formal Rational Models.- Policy Expertise, and Rationality Revisited.- Challenges and Recommendations.- References.- 7. System Dynamics and the Lessons of 35 Years.- Designing Managerial and Social Systems.- A New Education for Corporate and Government Leaders.- Modeling for What Purpose?.- The System Dynamics Paradigm.- Learning From Models.- A New Basis for Pre-College Education.- References.- 8. Whole-System Concepts in Societal Transformation.- Signs of A Fundamental Transformation.- Policies for Whole-System Transformation.- Concluding Observations.- References and Suggested Reading.- 9. Breaking out of the Systems Quandary.- The Systems Quandary.- Breaking Out.- Final Words.- References.- 10. Decision Management, Then and Now, 1790, 1890, and 1990: Selected Scenario Models.- Some Definitions and Limitations.- A Basic Decision-And-Command Management Model.- Two Brief Scenario Models.- Decisionmaking in the Gulf Crisis/War: Events of 1990–1991.- Significance of the Gulf Episode.- Conclusions.-References.

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