Exploring the genealogy of systems thinking

Abstract

This paper illustrates a procedure for demonstrating and quantifying the importance of passivity in linear macromodels. This issue is critical whenever the macromodels are derived from tabulated port responses, either in time or frequency domain. We show an algorithmic procedure for the design of a passive termination network that will drive a given non‐passive macromodel to instability. Several termination structures characterized by various port couplings are investigated. Relaxed passivity conditions are also given, which guarantee the stability of the macromodel under specific reduced‐coupling loading conditions. Theoretical results are applied to a set of application test cases. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Emerging systems theory-based pathologies for governance of complex systems

“…Therefore, many researchers have suggested that today's most vexing issues cannot be addressed using reductionist approaches (Capra, 1997;Hammond, 2002;Laszlo, 1996). Systems theory and its holistic approach is often suggested as an alternative that might be used to understand current situations and bringing about positive change (Adams et al, 2014;Hammond, 2002;von Bertalanffy, 1972). Our question becomes, 'how can we use systems theory to articulate pathologies as part complex system problem formulation?'…”

“…Our question becomes, 'how can we use systems theory to articulate pathologies as part complex system problem formulation?' First, it is important to note that there is no one single common definition of systems theory (Adams et al, 2014;Hammond, 2002). However, ideas central to systems theory emerged in the 1940s and is commonly attributed to Anatol Rapoport, Norbert Weiner, Karl Ludwig von Bertalanffy and Ross Ashby as they attempted to provide an alternative approach to reductionism and provided a platform for uniting sciences (Laszlo, 1996;von Bertalanffy, 1950).…”

“…However, ideas central to systems theory emerged in the 1940s and is commonly attributed to Anatol Rapoport, Norbert Weiner, Karl Ludwig von Bertalanffy and Ross Ashby as they attempted to provide an alternative approach to reductionism and provided a platform for uniting sciences (Laszlo, 1996;von Bertalanffy, 1950). Systems Theory emerged as an attempt to provide an alternative approach to reductionist thinking which is closely assigned with the scientific method based approaches where a complex system is nothing more than the sum of parts and therefore they can be understood by reduction to constituent elements (Hammond, 2002;von Bertalanffy, 1968). In contrast, systems theorists seek to "concentrate on structure on all levels of magnitude and complexity, and fit detail into its general framework.…”

“…1 to investigate the isomorphy of concepts, laws and models from various fields and to help in useful transfers from one field to another 2 to encourage development of adequate theoretical models in the fields which lack them 3 to minimise the duplication of theoretical efforts in different fields 4 to promote the unity of science of through improving communications among specialists (Adams et al, 2014;Hammond, 2002;von Bertalanffy, 1972).…”

“…Under such conditions, organisations must be viewed as complex interdependent systems rather that simple and isolated systems (Hammond, 2002;Laszlo, 1996). Instrumental in viewing organisations as whole systems are systems ideas and their derivative intervening systems-based methodological approaches to foster their improvement (Adams et al, 2014;von Bertalanffy, 1972).…”