Systems: Concepts, Methodologies and Applications

Systems: Concepts, Methodologies and Applications Second Edition Brian Wilson Department of Systems and Information Management Lancaster University, UK The result of many years' experience, this book, now extensively revised and updated, emphasizes the application of systems concepts and methodologies that have been developed at Lancaster University. In particular the book is about problem solving and the relationship between theory and practice. Complementary to Systems Thinking, Systems Practice by Peter Checkland (Wiley, 1981), which has become a classic in the field, this book shows how systems ideas can be used to cope with real-life problems. Reviews of the first edition an excellent book which provides a synthesis of the action-research undertaken by the well-known Department of Systems, University of Lancaster Wilson's lucid style of writing and the historical perspective of the Lancaster learning experience provide a strong contextural case for the concept of a human activity system to investigate `badly-defined' [Checkland's `soft'] systems. Chris Beaumont, Journal of the Operational Research Society, January 1985 This volume, expertly compiled by Brian Wilson, is the latest and probably the clearest statement in book form of the philosophy of that department [Department of Systems, University of Lancaster] a volume which deserves to be read E. R. Carson, Kybernetes, 12, 1985 Systems: Concepts, Methodologies and Applications is Wilson's account of his professional life at Lancaster since then (1966). His careful reflection on the work of so many years deserves attention. Trevor Williams, Futures, December 1985

The author presents the results of his own experience in using systems ideas, assembles a coherent account of their development and application, and examines the relationship of particular systems methodologies and concepts to the nature of the problems encountered. It emphasizes problem solving and surveys the types of modeling languages appropriate to various parts of a problem spectrum in systems design. Stresses the development of a modeling language and its applications, particularly to the (soft) less well-defined/ill-structured problems, which often require a non-mathematical language based on the concept of a human activity system. Specific problems in actual situations are discussed, including the design of a services complex, services systems and an operational system, as are the analysis of business information and role analysis. There is also a study of management control that includes discussion of concepts that illustrate and emphasize the distinction made between management and process control. Features exercises that will help develop skills in picture building and problem solving.