Improving the accessibility of modelling for management learning : a systems thinking approach using ithink

This thesis describes research aimed at increasing the accessibility of modelling to the general manager as a tool to promote organisational learning and improve managerial performance. An exploratory approach was adopted and a wide-ranging investigation of the whole process of modelling and its relevance to learning was carried out. A review of individual learning, organisational learning and modelling techniques in management, led to the identification of system thinking as a modelling methodology whose role in promoting learning warranted further research. Two major pieces of fieldwork were conducted. Firstly, the process of training managers in systems thinking was studied. Secondly, a case study of the adoption of systems thinking by a large manufacturing company was carried out. During the course of this work, a number of training case studies and a supply chain management training workshop, based upon the use of a generic supply chain model, were developed. This fieldwork identified model conceptualisation as a major area of difficulty for novice modellers. In order to provide assistance in this area, a new framework for model conceptualisation, based upon the use of archetypes and generic models, was developed. During the course of this work an exploration of the relationship between qualitative and quantitative modelling was carried out. This resulted in the development of simulation models of a number of the system archetypes. Additionally, a computerised Delphi-based knowledge acquisition tool was developed. The purpose of this tool was to allow a large group of geographically dispersed people to become directly involved in the modeffing process. In conclusion, this thesis has suggested that there are substantial benefits to be gained from encouraging managers to become modellers. It has also confirmed the potential of systems thinking to support modelling for learning

A dynamic systems approach to risk assessment in megaprojects

Purpose- Megaprojects are large, complex, and expensive projects that often involve social, technical, economic, environmental and political (STEEP) challenges. Despite these challenges, project owners and financiers continue to invest large sums of money in megaprojects that run high risks of being over schedule and over budget. While some degree of cost, schedule and quality risks are considered during planning, the challenge of understanding how risk interactions and impacts on project performance can be modelled dynamically still remains. The consequences learnt from past experiences indicate that there was a lack of dynamic tools to manage such risks effectively in megaproject construction. In seeking to help address these problems, this research put forward an innovative dynamic systems approach called SDANP to risk assessment in megaprojects construction. Design/methodology/approach – The research has developed an innovative SDANP method which involves an integrative use of system dynamics (SD) and analytic network process (ANP) for risk assessment. The SDANP model presented in the thesis has been testified by using data and information collected through a questionnaire survey and interviews from supply-side stakeholders involved in the Edinburgh Tram Network (ETN) project at the Phase One of its construction stage. The SDANP method is a case study risk assessment driven process and can be used against STEEP challenges in megaprojects. Findings – The result of the case study project revealed that the SDANP method is an effective tool for risk assessment to support supply-side stakeholders in decision making in construction planning. The SDANP model has demonstrated its efficiency through case study, and has convinced construction practitioners in terms of its innovation and usefulness. Research limitations/implications – Although the SDANP model has been developed for generic use in risk assessment, data and information used to run the simulation were based on the ETN project, which is in Edinburgh, Scotland. The use of the SDANP model in other megaprojects requires further data and information from local areas. Practical implications – The SDANP method provides an innovative approach to a comprehensive dynamic risk assessment of STEEP issues at the construction planning stage of megaprojects for the first time. It provides an interactive quantitative way for developers to prioritise and simulate potential risks across the project supply network, to understand and predict in advance the consequences of STEEP risks on project performance at the construction stage. Originality/value - The research made an original contribution in quantitative risk assessment with regard to the need for a methodological innovation in research and for a powerful sophisticated tool in practice. The SDANP has shown its advantages over existing tools such as the program evaluation and review technique (PERT) and the risk assessment matrix (RAM)

The application of system thinking in project management

Mestrado em Gestão e Estratégia IndustrialO crescente nível de complexidade nas organizações apresenta desafios significativos para a Gestão de Projetos exigindo metodologias mais sofisticadas e ricas para tratar dos problemas de forma eficiente. A abordagem holística proposta pelo Pensamento Sistémico tem sido identificada como um caminho possível para gestores no contexto de grandes organizações e/ou problemas complexos. Consequentemente, é percetível um aumento no volume de literatura focado na aplicação de Pensamento Sistémico à área de Gestão de Projeto. O presente estudo visa contribuir para o crescimento do volume de literatura académica através da aplicação de metodologias de Pensamento Sistémico a uma situação real do ponto de vista de um gestor de projeto. Este estudo de caso está focado num projeto de desenvolvimento de TI concluído numa organização multinacional, que enfrentou problemas de execução. A aplicação de metodologias de Pensamento Sistémico permitiu uma melhor avaliação de riscos do projeto e uma compreensão concisa da raiz dos problemas que causam problemas de execução.The increasing level of complexity in organisations poses significant challenges for Project Management, demanding more sophisticated and rich methodologies that address issues efficiently. The holistic approach proposed by System Thinking field has been identified as a possible path for managers in the context of large organisations and/or complex problems. Hence, it is noticeable a growing body of literature focused in the application of System Thinking to the field of Project Management. The present study aims to contribute to this growing body of literature through the application of System Thinking methodologies to a real situation from the point of view of the Project Manager. This case study is focused on a completed project related with IT development in a large multinational organisation, that faced execution problems. The application of System Thinking methodologies allowed for better risk assessment in the project and for a concise understanding of the root problems causing execution problems. From the point of view of the Project Manager, this holistic approach enabled a more efficient analysis of the problem and the incentives at stake within the system as well for a better decision making than the traditional methodologies.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

An Information Systems Design Theory for Service Network Effects

Service platforms make software applications available as a service to end users. Platforms enable noticeable economic benefits for scaling and transforming a business. Their long-term competitiveness is ensured in controlled cooperation with channel intermediaries and network partners. Hence, service platforms must be designed to harness self-enforcing effects of value generation, so-called network effects. In an exaptation of existing knowledge, we present an information systems design theory to inform the design of methods that analyze, describe, and guide the design of service platforms through the means of causal loops and control methods. We describe the theory’s purpose and scope as well as the underlying justificatory knowledge behind the constructs and principles of form and function. The design theory covers the design of all service platform participants and activities as well as their transactions and influences in areas of staged platform authority, using enforcing and incentivizing control methods. We demonstrate the principles of implementation with an expository instantiation and apply it to the M-Engineering service platform, which offers surveillance, control, and data acquisition solutions. Furthermore, we present and discuss testable propositions and a study design to evaluate our design principles

The role of qualitative data and systems thinking in addressing service decline in market towns

Retail services are a main contributor to municipal budget and are an activity that affects perceived quality-of-life, especially for those with mobility difficulties (e.g. the elderly, low income citizens). However, there is evidence of a decline in some of the services market towns provide to their citizens. In market towns, this decline has been reported all over the western world, from North America to Australia. The aim of this research was to understand retail decline and enlighten on some ways of addressing this decline, using a case study, Thornbury, a small town in the Southwest of England. Data collected came from two participatory approaches: photo-surveys and multicriteria mapping. The interpretation of data came from using participants as analysts, but also, using systems thinking (systems diagramming and social trap theory) for theory building. This research moves away from mainstream economic and town planning perspectives by making use of different methods and concepts used in anthropology and visual sociology (photo-surveys), decision-making and ecological economics (multicriteria mapping and social trap theory). In sum, this research has experimented with different methods, out of their context, to analyse retail decline in a small town. This research developed a conceptual model for retail decline and identified the existence of conflicting goals and interests and their implications for retail decline, as well as causes for these. Most of the potential causes have had little attention in the literature. This research also identified that some of the measures commonly used for dealing with retail decline may be contributing to the causes of retail decline itself. Additionally, this research reviewed some of the measures that can be used to deal with retail decline, implications for policy-making and reflected on the use of the data collection and analysis methods in the context of small to medium towns.Fundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologia (FCT) - SFRH/BD/18535/2004/285

Understanding the cost overrun causation in construction megaprojects – a grounded systems thinking approach

Research background: The problem of cost overruns in construction megaprojects is a ‘complex problem’. Although a considerable amount of research has been conducted to identify the isolated factors causing cost overruns in megaprojects, there is a lack of holistic understanding of the complex causal interrelationships between the causes of cost overruns. Therefore, to fulfil this research gap, adding a novel contribution to the existing body of knowledge, adopting systems thinking approach, this thesis aims to holistically examine and understand the cost overrun causation in construction megaprojects and develop a model/substantive theory that represents the complex problem of cost overruns in construction megaprojects. Research methodology and design: The thesis adopted a qualitative research methodology based on a case study research design. California High-Speed Rail project was selected as the case study and data were collected from a range of sources. Data were analysed using grounded theory method and systems thinking approach was used to develop the model (systems map). Seven (07) theoretical propositions that emerged from the data analysis were developed to explain the drivers of each systems map and their cause and effect relationships. The developed model/substantive theory and the underpinning propositions were validated using a two-round modified Delphi survey. Important research findings: The holistic examination of the complex problem of cost overruns revealed that the project cost overruns were an emergent ‘symptom’ caused by multiple interrelated causes and events occurring at different levels and phases of the project thus cannot be attributed to one single cause. Further to the current academic explanations on cost overruns in the project management literature, findings of the research revealed that that ignorance, impulsive decision-making, immature project organisation, and political pressures collectively led to initiating the project with unrealistic cost and schedule estimates and an undefined scope. Scope creep, inflation, community pressure, lawsuits, and multiple delays were collectively responsible for cost overruns during the execution phase. Contribution to knowledge: Using systems thinking approach, this thesis holistically examined the cause and effect relationships between the drivers of cost overruns in megaprojects by developing a model/substantive theory (systems map) of cost overrun causation. The developed systems map could be used as a tool for strategic decision-making in megaprojects to understand how cost overruns emerge as a result of multiple interrelated causes and events occurring at different levels and phases of the project.James Watt Scholarshi

Civil and Military Airworthiness

Effective safety management has always been a key objective for the broader airworthiness sector. This book is focused on safety themes with implications on airworthiness management. It offers a diverse set of analyses on aircraft maintenance accidents, empirical and systematic investigations on important continuing airworthiness matters and research studies on methodologies for the risk and safety assessment in continuing and initial airworthiness. Overall, this collection of research and review papers is a valuable addition to the published literature, useful for the community of aviation professionals and researchers

Comparison of STPA and Bow-tie Method Outcomes in the Development and Testing of an Automated Water Quality Management System

The technology available to water quality management applications needs to be advanced due to greater use of automation to increase ease of operation, support remote operation and reduce risks due to operator error. In this case study, a comparison is made between System-Theoretic Process Analysis (STPA) and the Bow-tie methodology for identifying process hazards and countermeasures which can be used to guide the design and testing of an automated water quality management system (AWQMS). For this study, the application considered is a small hydroponics installation where water quality management has been automated. The STPA methodology uses a system theory-based approach to identify hazards, which include operational failures, human errors, and component interactions. The Bow-tie diagram focuses on individual barriers for a given threat which can prevent the realisation of a hazardous event and unwanted consequences. Thus, the 22 preventative barriers and seven recovery barriers identified through the Bow-tie diagram provide the design process with broad requirements for reducing the risks of user error as well as the ones associated with ongoing operations. The STPA method identified many Causal Factors (CF) generated from the Unsafe Control Actions after considering all the feasible scenarios. For design input, the STPA provided the design process with 204 specific CFs which were used to create 94 countermeasures to be included in software and hardware design as well as user information material. Both methods identified useful measures to control the hazards associated with human interaction with the AWQMS. However, the measures differed in the level of detail and the involvement in the evolution in the final system losses. In this study, the STPA process was able to identify several hazards which did not visibly relate to the Bow-tie barriers. However, the Bow-tie diagram illustrates a distinction between preventative and recovery hazard controls

Forensic analysis of the disputes typology of the NSW construction industry using PLS-SEM and prospective trend analysis

Project claim management is the central pillar of the overlapping areas of contract administration, contract law and building regulations. Delays caused by inefficiency of the procedures designed to avoid disputes emerge at the pre-project phase and continue during construction. The quantum of research addressing this issue is not immediately transferrable between jurisdictions, mainly due to local specificity of construction practices, contract and construction laws, as well as clients’ preferences. The primary aim of this study is to identify the underlying causes of disputes that have arisen in the NSW construction industry in the past two decades and to analyze the inter-relationships between the causes. To achieve this purpose, PLS-SEM quantitative models were utilized to study different factors influencing disputes. Through a detailed quantitative analysis of 230 cases, based on dispute frequencies, causes and effect analysis and the resultant loop cause diagrams, the dispute triggers, types, and root causes have been analyzed as the basis for developing a model to predict the future likelihood of disputes. Finally, 13 causes of disputes have been recognized as the main causal factors in the construction projects in NSW. This study also has shown that payment and reimbursement-related disputes are the most frequent in NSW construction, except for the last two years

Dynamic Network Notation: A Graphical Modeling Language to Support the Visualization and Management of Network Effects in Service Platforms

Service platforms have moved into the center of interest in both academic research and the IT industry due to their economic and technical impact. These multitenant platforms provide own or third party software as metered, on-demand services. Corresponding service offers exhibit network effects. The present work introduces a graphical modeling language to support service platform design with focus on the exploitation of these network effects