(1963). Cybernetics, or Control and Communication in the Animal and the Machine. Technometrics: Vol. 5, No. 1, pp. 128-130.

Cybernetics, or Control and Communication in the Animal and the Machine

Complex system governance (CSG) is an emerging field focused on purposeful development of control, communication, coordination, and integration functions necessary to produce and sustain desirable levels of system performance. In this paper, we develop a CSG reference model. Following an introduction to the CSG field, the paper focuses on three primary objectives to support development of a reference model. First, the conceptual foundations and role of the CSG reference model are established. These conceptual foundations rest in systems theory and management cybernetics and establish the essential philosophical and theoretical underpinnings. Second, we introduce the reference model by first discussing the nature, role, and utility for the model. We then expound each of the nine integrated functions of the model. Third, we conclude the paper by suggesting implications for the model and emerging directions with respect to research and practice. In addition, the position of the reference model in the emerging CSG field as well as related fields (e.g., system of systems engineering) is suggested.

Complex system governance reference model

Organizations and practitioners must contend with systems that operate in complex problem domains characterized by increasing complexity, ambiguity, uncertainty, and emergence. Systems thinking (ST) has been suggested as a framework of thought, based in holistic understanding of systems, to aid in dealing with increasingly complex systems and their problems. The primary contribution of the paper is examination of both individual capacity and corresponding organizational competence related to ST as a response to more effectively navigate the complex problem domain facing practitioners and organizations. Following a short introduction, we have organized the paper to explore four primary areas. First, we examine the nature of the complex problem domain confronting organizations and practitioners. Second, we suggest individual capacity and organizational competence as two essential areas necessary for ST to offer a response to more effectively navigate the complex problem domain. Third, we present an in depth examination of individual capacity for ST. Fourth, we develop a perspective of organizational competencies in relation to engaging ST. The paper concludes with a discussion of the challenges and implications for further development and application of ST.

Individual Capacity and Organizational Competency for Systems Thinking

Syst Res Behav Sci. 2019;36:1–19. Abstract Complex system governance (CSG) is an emerging field focused on design, execution, and evolution of (meta)system functions that produce control, communications, coordination, and integration of a complex system. Ultimately, CSG explains system performance, prospects for continued system viability (existence), and future system sustainability. This paper explores three primary perspectives for CSG. First, following a brief introduction, a CSG overview is provided. Three underlying fields (systems theory, management cybernetics, and system governance), the derived model for CSG, and essential distinctions of CSG are developed. Second, the role and nature of CSG pathologies as aberrations from normal or healthy system conditions are developed. Pathologies are grounded in systems theory, and requisite variety is used to explain pathologies in complex system design, execution, or development impacting system performance. Third, challenges for balanced evolution of the CSG field are suggested. The paper concludes with suggestion for simultaneous development of science, engineering, and practice for CSG.

Complex system governance: Concept, utility, and challenges

On the Architecture of Systemology and the Typology of Its Principles

The broad set of propositions identified in systems literature (circa 1900–2000s) provides an adequate, largely comprehensive subset of the complete set of all systems theory propositions. Discoverers' induction can then be applied to integrate common ideas among propositions in order to produce a set of generalised laws (axioms). A proposal for a systems theory construct resting on an axiomatic set supported by unified systems theory propositions was presented by Adams et al. (2014). This paper refines the work of Adams et al. using discoverer's induction and further describes the axioms provided and their role in complex systems.

Systems theory as a foundation for governance of complex systems

The purpose of this paper is to investigate issues that restrict success in the development and deployment of software. As software becomes more complex it evolves as a system of systems (SoS) containing new, modified, existing, and legacy parts. As portions are modified and integrated, the effort is confronted with a host of issues often leading to failure, regardless of a well-developed project plan and exceptional communications. Many of the restrictions that are exemplified as issues and failures identified during or after software development originate in the system of system's governance structure and manifest themselves as barriers to project success. This paper analyses frequently cited challenges in software development and migration and production rollout that lead to program and project failure. Systems theory principles provide the framework (or theoretical lens) by which these challenges are viewed. Realisation of these underlying systemic roots informs the project team's worldview, leading to greater success in future technological pursuits to support the needs of the system of systems.

Interpreting barriers to success in software development and deployment using systems theory

Complexity

Communications for Complex Systems Governance

Governance of complex systems to achieve goals, even while experiencing change, is accomplished by metasystem functions through a set of communication channels. This paper will explore the structure of these communication channels, the content of what is communicated and the activities of the metasystem functions with respect to these communication channels. Additionally, there will be an identification of associated implications in governance of complex systems when there is the absence of specific communication channels. Finally, there will be recommendations for future research.

Charles W. Chesterman

Papers

Systems theory as a foundation for governance of complex systems

Interpreting barriers to success in software development and deployment using systems theory

Complexity

Communications for Complex Systems Governance

Metasystem communication in governance of complex systems