Systemic Change Through Praxis and Inquiry

Systemic Change Through Praxis and Inquiry

Author: Arne Collen

Publisher: Transaction Publishers

Published:

Total Pages: 1574

ISBN-13: 9781412835510

DOWNLOAD EBOOK

This work examines the confluence of praxiology, pragmatics, and systematics in the study of systemic change through human inquiry, particularly small group activities, human organizations, and globalizing trends. It covers core concepts indigenous to organizational life.


Cybernetics and Systems

Cybernetics and Systems

Author: Sergio Barile

Publisher: Routledge

Published: 2018-12-07

Total Pages: 594

ISBN-13: 0429944616

DOWNLOAD EBOOK

Society is now facing challenges for which the traditional management toolbox is increasingly inadequate. Well-grounded theoretical frameworks, such as systems thinking and cybernetics, offer general level interpretation schemes and models that are capable of supporting understanding of complex phenomena and are not impacted by the passage of time. This book serves the knowledge society to address the complexity of decision making and problem solving in the 21st century with contributions from systems and cybernetics. A multi-disciplinary approach has been adopted to support diversity and to develop inter- and trans-disciplinary knowledge within the shared thematic of problem solving and decision making in the 21st century. Its conceptual thread is cyber/systemic thinking, and its realisation is supported by a wide network of scientists on the basis of a highly participative agenda. The book provides a platform of knowledge sharing and conceptual frameworks developed with multi-disciplinary perspectives, which are useful to better understand the fast changing scenario and the complexity of problem solving in the present time.


Methods, Models, Simulations and Approaches Towards a General Theory of Change

Methods, Models, Simulations and Approaches Towards a General Theory of Change

Author: Gianfranco Minati

Publisher: World Scientific

Published: 2012

Total Pages: 725

ISBN-13: 9814383333

DOWNLOAD EBOOK

Other approaches are based on considering (1) periodic changes in structure as for processes of self-organisation; (2) non-periodic but coherent changes in structure, as for processes of emergence; (3) the quantum level of description. Papers in the book study the problem considering its transdisciplinary nature, i.e., systemic properties studied per se and not within specific disciplinary contexts. The aim of these studies is to outline a transdisciplinary theory of change in systemic properties. Such a theory should have simultaneous, corresponding and eventually hierarchical disciplinary aspects as expected for a general theory of emergence.


Qualitative Research Methods for Psychologists

Qualitative Research Methods for Psychologists

Author: Constance T. Fischer

Publisher: Elsevier

Published: 2011-04-28

Total Pages: 506

ISBN-13: 0080454127

DOWNLOAD EBOOK

Qualitative Research Methods for Psychologists is a collection of 14 original articles that teaches readers how to conduct qualitative research. Instead of characterizing and justifying certain methods, the contributors show by means of actual research studies what assumptions, procedures, and dilemmas they encountered. Fischer's introduction, which emphasizes the practical nature of qualitative research and the closing chapter, which uses a question-and-answer format to investigate, among other subjects, what is scientific about qualitative research, are complemented by a glossary and other features that increase the book's utility and value. Addresses a range of practical examples from different traditions such as phenomology, grounded theory, ethnography and discourse analysis through actual case studies Discusses various methodology and combinations of methods like assimilation analysis, dialogal approach, intuitive inquiry, and conceptual encounter Terms are defined within chapters and/or in a glossary Helps readers bridge from experimental to qualitative methods Provides in-depth, philosophically grounded, and compelling research findings Includes practical introduction about steps in qualitative research


Advances in Complex Societal, Environmental and Engineered Systems

Advances in Complex Societal, Environmental and Engineered Systems

Author: Mohamed Nemiche

Publisher: Springer

Published: 2016-12-20

Total Pages: 300

ISBN-13: 3319461648

DOWNLOAD EBOOK

This book addresses recent technological progress that has led to an increased complexity in many natural and artificial systems. The resulting complexity research due to the emergence of new properties and spatio-temporal interactions among a large number of system elements - and between the system and its environment - is the primary focus of this text. This volume is divided into three parts: Part one focuses on societal and ecological systems, Part two deals with approaches for understanding, modeling, predicting and mastering socio-technical systems, and Part three includes real-life examples. Each chapter has its own special features; it is a self-contained contribution of distinguished experts working on different fields of science and technology relevant to the study of complex systems. Advances in Complex Systems of Contemporary Reality: Societal, Environmental and Engineered Systems will provide postgraduate students, researchers and managers with qualitative and quantitative methods for handling the many features of complex contemporary reality.


Games-To-Teach or Games-To-Learn

Games-To-Teach or Games-To-Learn

Author: Yam San Chee

Publisher: Springer

Published: 2015-08-18

Total Pages: 199

ISBN-13: 9812875182

DOWNLOAD EBOOK

The book presents a critical evaluation of current approaches related to the use of digital games in education. The author identifies two competing paradigms: that of games-to-teach and games-to-learn. Arguing in favor of the latter, the author advances the case for approaching game-based learning through the theoretical lens of performance, rooted in play and dialog, to unlock the power of digital games for 21st century learning. Drawing upon the author’s research, three concrete exemplars of game-based learning curricula are described and discussed. The challenge of advancing game-based learning in education is addressed in the context of school reform. Finally, future prospects of and educational opportunities for game-based learning are articulated. Readers of the book will find the explication of performance theory applied to game-based learning especially interesting. This work constitutes the author’s original theorization. Readers will derive four main benefits: (1) an explication of the difference between game-based-teaching and game-based learning, and why this difference is of critical importance, (2) an exposition of the theory of game-based learning as performance, (3) concrete exemplars and research outcomes relating to three game-based learning curricula that have been empirically evaluated in schools, and (4) an understanding of complex issues related to the human side of school change that must be effectively addressed to achieve take-up of game-based learning in schools.


Systems Practice: How to Act in a Climate Change World

Systems Practice: How to Act in a Climate Change World

Author: Ray Ison

Publisher: Springer Science & Business Media

Published: 2010-07-20

Total Pages: 346

ISBN-13: 1849961255

DOWNLOAD EBOOK

It is now accepted that humans are changing the climate of the Earth and this is the most compelling amongst a long litany of reasons as to why, collectively, we have to change our ways of thinking and acting. Most people now recognise that we have to be capable of adapting quickly as new and uncertain circumstances emerge: this capability will need to exist at personal, group, community, regional, national and international levels, all at the same time. Systems Practice is structured into four parts. Part I introduces the societal need to move towards a more systemic and adaptive governance against the backdrop of human-induced climate change. Part II unpacks what is involved in systems practice by means of a juggler metaphor; examining situations where systems thinking offers useful understanding and opportunities for change. Part III identifies the main factors that constrain the uptake of systems practice and makes the case for innovation in practice by means of systemic inquiry, systemic action research and systemic intervention. The book concludes with Part IV, which critically examines how systems practice is, or might be, utilised at different levels from the personal to the societal. The development of our capabilities to think and act systemically is an urgent priority and Systems Practice aims to show how to do systems thinking and translate that thinking into praxis (theory informed practical action) which will be welcomed by those managing in situations of complexity and uncertainty across all domains of professional and personal concern.