http://hdl.handle.net/2440/15599 ECIC 2013-05-23T10:04:27Z http://hdl.handle.net/2440/77793 Title: An alternative approach to identifying and appraising adaptive loops in complex organizations Author: Omarova, Amina; Ireland, Vernon; Gorod, Alex Abstract: This paper describes a research into the adaptation property of complex organizations. The research is focused on the development of a methodology for identifying and appraising loops that can allow for organizational adaptation. The proposed methodology draws a parallel between the nature of adaptation in complex organizations and the process of adaptive decisionmaking in human behavior. From this perspective, the adaptive loop in complex organizations can be divided into four steps adapted from the OODA loop (Observe-Orient-Decide-Act). The extension of the OODA loop to an organizational scale is incorporated with an assumption that flow of information, involved in adaptation processes, can be formed by different organizational components. Subsequently, the OODA loop can be presented as a chain of actions created by independent components of both the organization and its environment. Applying this approach to complex organizations necessitates mapping a functional definition of different organizational components within each step of the adaptive loop. Thus, while the functional definition of an organization can be done by using existing tools of organizational analysis (organizational structure, functional decomposition, architecture frameworks, etc.), the main goal of this proposed methodology is the determination of adaptive loops on an organizational scale. 2011-12-31T13:30:00Z http://hdl.handle.net/2440/77790 Title: Application of case studies to engineering management and systems engineering education Author: Gandhi, S. Jimmy; Sauser, Brian; White, Brian Emery; Gorod, Alex; Ireland, Vernon 2011-12-31T13:30:00Z http://hdl.handle.net/2440/77563 Title: Understanding the dynamics of system-of-systems in complex regional conflicts Author: Rapaport, Barbara; Ireland, Vernon Abstract: The notion of complex regional conflicts are explored from the point of view of complexity theory. Complexity reflected in conflicts relates to a strong resistancy to any kind of resolutions and presents socially, economically and politically sophisticated issues to be dealt with. Although the innate nature of the complexity in conflicts has been acknowledged, existing methodologies do not directly embrace the SoS concept to address the dynamics of the inter-connectedness in complex conflicts. The purpose of the study is to recognize the importance of integrative methodologies which could be crucial in achieving sustainable outcomes leading to imperative security in regions. Furthermore, management of complex emergent system behaviour as well as complexity needs to be of a supplement to SoS. 2011-12-31T13:30:00Z http://hdl.handle.net/2440/77562 Title: Addressing wicked problems in a range of project types Author: Ireland, Vernon; Rapaport, Barbara; Omarova, Amina Abstract: Wicked problems are recognised and need to be seen as a subset of complex systems or projects. Complex projects are identified within a hierarchy of simple, complicated, and complex and then complex projects are separated into three distinctive types. Wicked problems (type B) are focused on and solution methods addressed. Methodologies to identify stakeholders and project boundaries are identified and it has been found that the use of soft system methodology, especially to create meaning, is valuable. Multiple perspectives are identified through use of Dooyeweerd’s suite of aspects in which to frame the rich picture and consequently the root definition and solution. 2011-12-31T13:30:00Z