A Method and Software for Designing Viable Social Systems

Abstract

This companion book to Redesign and Management of Communities in Crisis explains step-by-step a method to identify the primary factors threatening communities, to collect information about such factors, organise it, analyse it and design counteractions. It also includes hands-on tutorial exercises. The presentation is fully integrated with SmCube, a software package developed to analyse and design social systems. This has two benefits. Firstly, SmCube assists the systems designer apply the method. Secondly, SmCube is also a learning tool: it helps new users understand the multi-modal systems method and methodology. Used together, the two books and software provide excellent analytical and design tools for managers, community leaders and corporate planners. They may also be used as class material for courses in social systems design. SmCube was developed with support from the Swedish Defence Forces and has been applied in community project evaluations associated with the European Commission. SmCube can be downloaded from www.mssinstitute.com

About the Author

J. D. R. de Raadt is Professor of Informatics and Systems Science at Luleå University of Technology, Sweden. He has also held academic posts in Australia and the USA and played an active leadership role in promoting systems science internationally. He has endeavoured to extend through teaching and research the disciplinary scope of management, information systems and systems design to incorporate all types of social systems in addition to business organisations. He has also sought to shift the emphasis of these disciplines from a utilitarian focus to a humane concern for the well being of people and their communities. His research has been published in numerous articles and in three prior books: Information and Managerial Wisdom (1991) and A New Management of Life (1997) and Redesign and Management of Communities in Crisis (2000). Practical applications of his research have been made in European Community projects and in association with the Institute for Management and Social Systems. He has served as president of the International Society for the Systems Sciences and of the Swedish Operational Research Society.