Understanding Systems Science: A Visual and Integrative Approach
Journal
Systems Research and Behavioral Science
ISSN
1092-7026
ISSN-Digital
1099-1743
Type
journal article
Date Issued
2013-10-18
Author(s)
Abstract
Systems thinking is considered a much-needed competence to deal better with an increasingly interlinked and complex world. The many streams within systems science have diversified perspectives, theories and methods, but have also complicated the field as a whole. This makes it difficult to understand and master the field. Short introductions to fundamental questions of systems science are rare. This paper is divided into three parts and aims to do the following: (1) to provide a broad overview of the structure and purpose of systems science; (2) to present a set of key systems principles and relate them to theoretical streams; and (3) to describe aspects of systems-oriented methodologies within a general process cycle. Integrative visualizations have been included to highlight the relationships between concepts, perspectives and systems thinkers. Several new attempts have been made to define and organize system concepts and streams in order to provide greater overall coherence and easier understanding.
Language
English
Keywords
systems science
systems theory
complexity
philosophy of science
systems thinking
HSG Classification
not classified
HSG Profile Area
SoM - Business Innovation
Refereed
Yes
Publisher
Wiley
Publisher place
Chichester
Volume
30
Number
5
Start page
580
End page
595
Pages
16
Subject(s)
Eprints ID
231986
File(s)![Thumbnail Image]()
open.access
Name
Hieronymi 2013 Understanding Systems Science srbs2215.pdf
Size
1.46 MB
Format
Adobe PDF
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