An integrated social fabric matrix/system dynamics approach to policy analysis

Abstract

All socio‐economic systems are characterised by a complexity of interacting influence patterns that would usually incorporate institutional, environmental, technological and behavioural relationships. The challenge for management is to develop a sufficiently detailed understanding of these influences in order to develop effective opportunities and mechanisms for control. This challenge is heightened by the tradition of "partial" or non‐holistic thinking that continues as the conventional wisdom in the management field. Though the imperative for holistic thinking is intuitively supported by most managers, the difficulties associated with implementing these ideas into management practice may be perceived as being "too hard" or "open ended" for practical application. System dynamics modelling is an appropriate process for developing an holistic understanding of any socio economic system. A realistic model can be applied to the development of management strategies and decision support. To a novice modeller, however, model construction can be an intimidating process lacking in the kind of systematic procedural support seemingly offered by the more conventional, non‐holistic management school. To a large degree the integration of the qualitative social fabric matrix with quantitative system dynamics presents a more systematic modelling process for practical application. The proposed amalgamation also yields some added conceptual insights into the nature of management processes and prospects for control.

Integration of the biophysical and social sciences using an indicator approach: Addressing water problems at different scales

“…The traditional approach is to search for scientific understandings of processes, and from these, suggest best practice options. More recently, systems approaches take this further (Greiner, 2004;Gill, 1996) and the most innovative of these will try to incorporate relevant traditional knowledge and cultural values in the creation of a fully integrated systems model, from which integrated solutions can be found. In the case of water resource management, there are many examples of traditional approaches to both groundwater (for example in Pakistan) and surface water (for example in Bali), from which modern systems approaches could benefit.…”

Espacios musicales colectivos durante y después del conflicto armado como lugares de preservación del tejido social

“…A través de este entramado fluyen aquellos recursos tangibles e intangibles que permiten la vida de las personas y colectivos (Hobfoll, Dunahoo & Monnier, 1995;Hogwood, Auerbach, Munderere & Kambibi, 2014). Entre estos recursos se encuentran las creencias y valores que influyen en el comportamiento y las elecciones de los sujetos respecto a la vida que desean vivir, así como los recursos que seleccionan para su proyecto vital (Gill, 1996;Goslin, 1985;Hayden, 1982;Manyaka, 2014;pnud, 2006). La literatura muestra que en ambientes de conflicto armado el flujo de recursos cesa o vira a su connotación negativa, generando cambios en la comunicación, la movilidad y los hábitos de sociabilidad, llegando al punto del aislamiento (Beristain, 2011;Hogwood et al, 2014;Muñoz, 2014).…”

Contracts and Costs in a Corporate/Government System Dynamics Network: A United States Case

“…The estimated total owed to the major generators at the end of 1996 was approximately $120 million; this includes the amount of the loan and the accrued interest for the period 1987-1996(Hayden and Snider, 1996. The accumulation is not only significant but continues to grow exponentially.…”

“…The main methodological concern is how to model a transorganizational network utilizing the knowledge of transdisciplinary models. To accomplish this, the social fabric matrix (Hayden, 1982;Groenewegen, 1988;Meister, 1990) is combined with system dynamics (Radzicki, 1990;Gill, 1996).…”