17
Apr

Thinking in Systems: A Primer

   Posted by: Bricoleur    in Books, Books (Cybernetics)

This entry is part 1 of 2 in the series TOE of Organization
Your first time here? Welcome, I'm glad you've dropped in.... David Soul (aka Bricoleur)

Thinking in Systems: A Primer Thinking in Systems: A Primer by Donella Meadows

My rating: 4 of 5 stars
the subtitle says it all; this is an excellent introduction to the field of systems thinking.

Meadows clearly introduces all of the concepts critical to the foundation of learning in this area including: systems concepts of stocks, flows, feedback, time delays, resilience, bounded rationality, and system boundaries. More importantly she includes countless real world examples, ranging from the level of the personal to the level of global social institutions, that bring the richness of the field and applications of systems thinking to life.

Tags: Books, CEP, systems thinking

19
Apr

Decision and Control

   Posted by: Bricoleur    in Books, Books (Cybernetics)

This entry is part 3 of 2 in the series TOE of Organization

Decision and Control: The Meaning of Operational Research and Management Cybernetics (Classic Beer Series) Decision and Control: The Meaning of Operational Research and Management Cybernetics by Stafford Beer

My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Virtually every major “discovery” trotted out by business authors in the 70s, 80s, 90s, and ’00s that I’ve had the pleasure of reading, upon reflection and returning to this one source, appear to have by “pre-discovered” and their history and importance touched upon at least in passing in this remarkable management classic.

View all my reviews >>

Tags: Books, control, cybernetics, Stafford Beer