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Markus Schwaninger
Former Member
Title
Prof. em. Dr.
Last Name
Schwaninger
First name
Markus
Email
markus.schwaninger@unisg.ch
Phone
+41 71 224 2382
Now showing
1 - 8 of 8
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PublicationType: journal articleJournal: CXO Magazin, 5/2022
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PublicationType: journal articleJournal: KybernetesVolume: 48Issue: 7
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PublicationOrganizing for SustainabilityThe quest for the ecological sustainability of planet earth could be much more successful than is currently the case. The purpose of my presentation is to corroborate this claim and to propose a structure by which a sustainable future can be achieved. The issue of sustainability has been addressed in different contexts - local, regional and worldwide. I maintain that these efforts can only be effective, if actors at multiple structural levels strive simultaneously and cooperate for materializing the vision of a sustainable world. The distribution of tasks along these organizational strata is a nontrivial task. To master it, a recursive structure based on the Viable System Model is presented, which shows how the efforts for sustainability can be organized in a much more powerful way than by conventional approaches. The proposed structure enables agents at each level to generate variety in balance with the complexity they face. This presentation should also help decision-makers understand that pertinent frameworks are needed to enable actors at each level, from individual to global.Type: journal articleJournal: SystemaVolume: 2Issue: 2
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PublicationMaking Change Happen : Recollections of a Systems ProfessionalPurpose - The purpose of this paper is to demonstrate the potential of making the systems approach fertile for the future of our world(s). Design/methodology/approach - Underpinned by a significant case study, the idea of the paper is to show how a systems study changed the basis for deciding on an incisive interference planned for a lovely alpine valley. The study builds on a qualitative conceptual model and reverts to a quantitative, system-dynamics simulation model, as well as standard economic evaluation methods. The decision process is explained with its outcomes and implications. Findings - The study found, among others, the following concrete result: The optimal variant (Case B) required an additional investment for its realization. According to the calculations that were carried out, the period needed for the amortization of the pertinent amount was found to be no more than 0.9 to 1.6 years. It became clear that the most expensive variant was indeed a very good business proposition for the Austrian Republic. Practical implications - The results of the study were integrated into the General Traffic Plan of the Austrian Ministry of Transportation, Innovation and Technology, i.e. the study's conclusions obtained legal status. This meant a shift toward a long-term orientation. In addition, new insights for the realization of similar studies and interventions were gained. Originality/value - The study described in the paper shows both rigor and relevance. It illuminates a methodology that combines the qualitative and the quantitative, as well as careful analysis and powerful synthesis. Beyond the methods and procedures used in the inquiry, its outcomes and impact on the concrete system under study are demonstrated.Type: journal articleJournal: KybernetesVolume: 41Issue: 3/4
Scopus© Citations 15 -
PublicationComplex versus Complicated: The How of Coping with ComplexityThis article aims to demonstrate and explain how distinct approaches to coping with complexity vary in their effectiveness. The different strategies are evaluated as to their respective capabilities of absorbing complexity. Virtuous versus vicious ap-proaches are distinguished.Type: journal articleJournal: KybernetesVolume: 38Issue: 1/2
Scopus© Citations 7 -
PublicationOptimal structures for social systemsPurpose: This paper seeks to propose an innovative approach to the assessment of the effectiveness of organizational structures. Design/methodology/approach: Explores a concept fro the measurement of the fractal dimensionality of living organisms, applying it from biology to social organizations. Findings: The fractal dimensionality of an organization normally lies in the range of 2.2-2.3, if it is optimal. Research limitations/implications: The paper's limitations lie in the fact that it is not yet based on experimental evidence from real-world organizations. Originality/value: The findings of this paper give valuable impetus to the methodology of organizing.Type: journal articleJournal: KybernetesVolume: 36Issue: 3/4
Scopus© Citations 4 -
PublicationDesign for Viable Organizations: the Diagnostic Power of the Viable System ModelPurpose - This paper attempts to underpin the theoretical claim of the viable system model to specify the necessary and sufficient reconditions of organizations for viability. Design/methodology/approach - A number of case studies are explored. Findings - The evidence documented in the paper both corroborates the model's claim and provides evidence of its enormous diagnostic power. Originality/value - The cases documented here cover a wide range of applications, thus underlining the vast potential of the VSM. The case studies exemplify the unparalleled strength of the model as a conceptual framework for better organizational diagnosis and design, and can therefore be used for didactic purposes.Type: journal articleJournal: KybernetesVolume: 35Issue: 7/8
Scopus© Citations 62 -
PublicationType: journal articleJournal: KybernetesVolume: 30Issue: 9/10
Scopus© Citations 35