What is Sustainable Theory? A Luhmannian Perspective on the Science of Conceptual Systems

Wallis, Steven E.; Valentinov, Vladislav

doi:10.1007/s10699-016-9496-5

Cited by 30 publications

(29 citation statements)

References 47 publications

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“…More recently, Integrative Propositional Analysis (IPA) has emerged as a useful method for rigorously and objectively analysing the systemic structure of conceptual systems such as models, theories, and strategic plans. A number of publications attest to the usefulness of IPA including applying for and assessing research grants (e.g., Cotae, ), learning (Goltz, ; Russell & Wallis, ), finding the core of theories (Wallis, ), explorations into the limits of our thinking (Wallis & Valentinov, , ), integrating theories within and between disciplines (Wallis, ), understanding and improving theories (Wallis, ), assessing and improving policy (Shackelford, ), interdisciplinary studies (Wallis, , ), developing more sustainable theories (Wallis & Valentinov, ), programme evaluation (Houston, Wright, & Wallis, ; Wright & Wallis, ), and strategic knowledge mapping (Wallis & Frese, ; Wallis & Wright, ).…”

Section: A More Systemic Directionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Integrative Propositional Analysis for developing capacity in an academic research institution by improving strategic planning

Wallis

2019

Syst Res Behav Sci

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Although current systems‐based methods of organization development provide some benefit to improving the ability of organizations to reach their goals, consultants are continually seeking to improve the way they may be used to support internal and external clients. This paper reports on an emerging systems‐based analytical method, “Integrative Propositional Analysis,” and its use for improving strategic plans leading to improvements in the capacity of an academic research institution. This preliminary report suggests a new structural perspective that may be useful for consultants and leaders interested in improving the usefulness of strategic plans for improving organizational effectiveness so that organizations may better fulfil their missions.

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Section: A More Systemic Directionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Integrative Propositional Analysis for developing capacity in an academic research institution by improving strategic planning

Wallis

2019

Syst Res Behav Sci

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“…It seems to seek connection with other concepts similar to the way that elements tend to form bonds with other elements to form molecules. When a conceptual system achieves equilibrium, it becomes relatively stable as when a theory becomes more sustainable (Wallis & Valentinov, ).…”

Section: Contextmentioning

confidence: 99%

Commentary on Roth: Adding a conceptual systems perspective

Wallis¹

2019

Syst Res Behav Sci

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Recently, Roth (2019) provided a well-written, informative, and thought-provoking article arguing "that the concepts of openness and closure are highly amenable to moralization with adverse implications for the development of the present-day systems theoretic thought" (Van Assche, Valentinov, & Verschraegen, 2019, p. 252). Plainly put, Roth explains a prejudicial tendency for scholars to write in favor of "open systems." That tendency may be understood as unnecessarily simplistic as a system may be in some ways open and closed at the same time. Roth's view generates substantial implications relating to the way we evaluate theoretical perspectives with serious implications for the development of general systems theory (GST), open systems theory, and other theories of the systems sciences. The present commentary will strive to explore some of those implications. Roth's article could be enhanced by a discussion of "conceptual systems," as his argument relates to the difficulty of using one conceptual system (moral perspective/stance/code) to understand and choose another (open systems over closed). To provide some context, this commentary begins with brief definitions and reviews some common systems concepts/perspectives to clarify how they relate to conceptual systems.

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“…They used the game to describe the business context, including key performance indicators (KPIs). This process was completed in half the usual amount of time using the game (S. Wallis, personal communication, November 11, 2016).…”

Section: Adding a Mental Mapping Game To A Simulationmentioning

confidence: 99%

Enhancing Simulation Learning With Team Mental Model Mapping

Goltz

2017

Management Teaching Review

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Simulations have been developed for many business courses because of enhanced student engagement and learning. A challenge for instructors using simulations is how to take this learning to the next level since student reflection and learning can vary. This article describes how to use a conceptual mapping game at the beginning and end of a simulation as an instructional scaffold that encourages students to reflect on the connections between their decisions and the outcomes in the simulation. Asking student simulation teams to create team mental maps enhances discovery and learner-directed learning and is supported by research finding that group debriefing methods are best for group-level activities.

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What is Sustainable Theory? A Luhmannian Perspective on the Science of Conceptual Systems

Cited by 30 publications

References 47 publications

Integrative Propositional Analysis for developing capacity in an academic research institution by improving strategic planning

Integrative Propositional Analysis for developing capacity in an academic research institution by improving strategic planning

Commentary on Roth: Adding a conceptual systems perspective

Enhancing Simulation Learning With Team Mental Model Mapping

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