A Statistical Evaluation of Risk Priority Numbers in Failure Modes and Effects Analysis Applied to the Prediction of Complex Systems

Complex systems such as military aircraft and naval ships are difficult to cost effectively maintain. Frequently, large-scale maintenance of complex systems (i.e., a naval vessel) is based on the reduction of the system to its base subcomponents and the use of manufacturer-suggested, time-directed, preventative maintenance, which is augmented during the systems lifecycle with predictive maintenance which assesses the system\u27s ability to perform its mission objectives. While preventative maintenance under certain conditions can increase reliability, preventative maintenance systems are often costly, increase down time, and allow for maintenance-induced failures, which may decrease the reliability of the system (Ebeling, 1997). This maintenance scheme ignores the complexity of the system it tries to maintain. By combining the base components or subsystems into a larger system, and introducing human interaction with the system, the complexity of the system creates a unique entity that cannot be completely understood by basing predictability of the system to perform tasks on the reduction of the system to its subcomponents. This study adds to the scholarly literature by developing a model, based on the traditional failure modes and effects analysis commonly used for research and development projects, to capture the effects of the human interaction with the system. Based on the ability of personnel assigned to operate and maintain the system, the severity of the system failure on the impact on the metasystems ability to perform its mission and the likelihood of the event of the failure to occur. Findings of the research indicate that the human interaction with the system, in as far as the ability of the personnel to repair and maintain the system, is a vital component in the ability to predict likelihood of the system failure and the prioritization of the risk of system failure, may be adequately captured for analysis through use of expert opinion elicitation. The use of the expert\u27s opinions may provide additional robustness to the modeling and analysis of system behavior in the event that failure occurs

Understanding of biological teleology from a naturalistic perspective

To the extent that teleological thinking is metaphysically suspect, many theorists attempt to shift the stigma of functional explanations by reducing function ascriptions, and aim thus to de-legitimise an appeal to teleological causal relations in an analysis of function. The point is to dispel the mystery which envelops the application of function concepts by reformulating biological functional explanations so as to dispense with teleology. My project is to interrogate the success with which teleological explanations have thus been eliminated in the biological sciences, and, over the course of this thesis, I conclude that a kind of teleological causation nevertheless remains the most adequate explanatory ground of natural products. My proposal is that functional explanations are causal explanations for the presence and maintenance of self-reproducing systems. I contend that, insofar as the attribution of function presupposes the valuation of a function-bearing system as a causal necessity for its constituent parts, functional explanation references distinct and irreducible holistic properties. Using Kantian metaphysics to frame the discussion, this thesis aims first to explore critically the subject of functional characterisations of biological phenomena, and second, the metaphysical basis of modern science. Its chief contributions to the philosophical function debate reside in proposing novel arguments in justification of what I consider is an improved formulation of an attempted definition of biological function, in which teleological causal powers are explicitly recognised and accommodated in functional explanation. Moreover, this thesis attempts a naturalistic reconstruction of the metaphysical entailments of the real causality of a whol

Contemporary Topics in Graduate Medical Education

Graduate medical education (GME) is a continually evolving, highly dynamic area within the complex fabric of the modern health-care environment. Given the rapidly changing regulatory, financial, scientific and technical aspects of GME, many institutions and programs face daily challenges of "keeping up" with the most recent developments within this ever-more-sophisticated operational environment. Organizational excellence is a requirement for the seamless functioning of GME programs, especially when one consider the multiple disciplines and stakeholders involved. The goal of the current book cycle, titled Contemporary Topics in Graduate Medical Education, beginning with this inaugural tome, is to provide GME professionals with a practical and readily applicable set of reference materials. More than 20 distinguished authors from some of the top teaching institutions in the US, touch upon some of the most relevant, contemporary, and at times controversial topics, including provider burnout, gender equality issues, trainee wellness, scholarly activities and requirements, and many other theoretical and practical considerations. We hope that the reader will find this book to be a valuable and high quality resource of a broad range of GME-related topics. It is the Editors' goal to create a multi-tome platform that will become the definitive go-to reference for professionals navigating the complex landscape of modern graduate medical education

Developing teleonics as a process-based systems method for psychological practice

This dissertation is a response to the call for theoretically coherent practical methods which encourage and facilitate systemic thinking in psychology (Boden, 1972; Jordaan & Jordaan, 1984; Lazarus, 1990; Norcross & Grencavage, 1990; Von Bertalanffy, 1968; Winburn, 1991). Teleonics is a developing ecology of process-based systems ideas, where process is foregrounded relative to structure. From a teleonics perspective, structure and process are viewed as inextricably linked, while the foregrounding of process is viewed as having significant implications for how meaning is constructed from observations. Given the dominance of the structure-based orientation to psychology during the modern period, a process-based systems approach is a contribution to the development of postmodern thinking in psychology. Through a process of reviewing the systems thinking literature, and illuminating those premises that point to a distinction between process- and structure-based thinking, the following process-based systems premises are punctuated: * life is essentially of a process nature, * nature is approximate rather than definite, * organization in nature is dynamic, * systems function according to principles of autonomy and integration, * creation is a process of emergence and * teleos is a character of living systems. By relating these premises to the field of psychology, further premises of governance and the union of opposites are punctuated. A review of selected psychological literature is provided to draw distinctions about how the abovementioned process-based systems premises relate to psychological theory and practice. In line with the postmodern trend to coherence between theory and practice, teleonics is proposed as a contribution not only to creative theory building but, also to application. In support of coherence between theory and practice in psychology, epistemological tools and tasks for systemic intervention are discussed. The methodological approach of this dissertation is consistent with the conceptual theorist style (Reason & Rowan, 1981 a). A systems methodology, namely that of double description (Bateson, 1979; Keeney, 1983) is used to connect the theoretical and the applied aspects of this study. The theoretical aspect of the double description was formulated by a review, synthesis and integration of the literature. The applied aspect was formulated by means of a report on fieldwork undertaken in the form of a series of case studies. A particular contribution of this dissertation is the specification and illustration of three teleonics maps namely, spiral mapping, teleos mapping and telentropy tracing. The application of these maps is presented via an elaborated format case study of an individual adult therapy case, and four further cases presented in a circumscribed format (Carlson-SabeIli & Sabelli, 1984). The circumscribed case studies include a single session intervention and a health enhancement workshop. The methodology of this dissertation can be located in new paradigm (postmodern) research. The soundness of endeavour (Reason, 1988c) of this dissertation can be appreciated in relation to validity in terms of the philosophical ideas supporting new paradigm research. Other contributions are that it promotes convergence and informed divergence in psychological theory, is an example of the development of systems theory at the level of micropractice, explores the concept of levels in psychology, and contributes to the further development of teleonics as a process-based systems ecology of ideas. The introduction of visual maps, as practical non-verbal tools for the communication of concepts and observations in psychological practice, is a particularly useful contribution. In this dissertation, teleonics is demonstrated as a process-based systems model which facilitates the practical operationalizing of process-based systems thinking

From Fragmentation towards Innovation, the Application of Institutionalism towards Financial Market Theories

Financial markets in less developed countries suffer from financial dualism, a situation in which a large informal sector coexists alongside a formal one. Contemporary financial market theories are not able to incorporate an understanding of the informal sector and are, therefore, only applicable to the formal system which is unsatisfying. With over 80 percent of the worlds population relying on informal financial arrangement (World Bank 2001), financial informality is not just a small exception. The intention of this dissertation is to show that financial market theories can never be applicable without considering OIE mechanisms. The reasoning is not only limited to informal/formal institutions in less developed countries, but also to developed countries.While politicians often argue that financial market fragmentation in less developed countries is caused by inefficient formal institutions, fragmentation in developed countries is caused by too efficient formal institutions. In this sense, the relevance of a financial market theory solely focusing on efficiency becomes questionable. The intention is to show that NIEOIE is not only a theoretical experiment, rather it builds the theoretical foundation for future financial market theories

From the constructs and methods of the philosophers to a model for improved discourse between disciplines

We have problem areas which are beyond the scope of a discipline, but we are generally educated in just a single discipline. I explored our philosophy of work to see how we became disciplinary, where the disciplines came from, what philosophy underlies our way of working, and what philosophy underpins work that is beyond the scope of a discipline. The underlying philosophy leads to the research question. My hypothesis is that a systems engineer can create a model which networks the disciplines using constructs from philosophy, the tiers of disciplines in transdisciplinarity, and systemic and holistic thinking. This will provide a way of working on problem situations which transgress the boundary of a discipline. Using constructs from philosophy, the methods of the philosophers, hermeneutics, systems thinking and soft systems methodology I proceeded to create a conceptual model and showed conceptual examples of how to use the model. The client for the model is the interdisciplinary researcher who is seeking a way of working to manage problem areas that transgress disciplinary boundaries. The recommendation is made for using critical, systemic and holistic thinking and a network model of disciplines to manage our approach to problem situations which are beyond the scope of a discipline. The model is developed in the incremental sequence: disciplinary, multidisciplinary, interdisciplinary, transdisciplinary and gets as far as catering for tiers of disciplines (one aspect of the large and complex field of transdisciplinarity). Therefore, the model is suitable for interdisciplinary research, but can be developed further in future projects. The importance of the model is that it provides a practical way of working to manage problem situations which transgress disciplinary boundaries whilst accessing the expertise of disciplined practitioners. The model can find wide applicability. It is not necessary for the user of the model to be comfortable with the abstract philosophy used to create it. Users will need the will for uncoerced mutual understanding or free communication, along with their disciplinary expertise. The reader of the dissertation however should be comfortable with abstractions such as ideas about reality and actuality, form and class, subject and object, truth and justice, truthfulness and functional fit. Future work may reduce the method to practice in the academy and extend the method to bridging silos in learning organisations in the workplace. The work was conducted independently, and an original model was created

Assessment of fundamental strategic issues in structural change in United Kingdom and South African ports by systemic scenarios

The future complexity of strategic issues in international structural change was demonstrated by UK and SA ports. This arose from the likely extent of structural constraints and the effects of stakeholder power. From a review of emerging Advanced Systems Theory a new Boundary -spanning perspective of strategy was developed, that led to the specification of conceptual circumstances of potential outcomes of change. Since existing systems methodologies could not accommodate future power relationships, a new methodology and data collection technique was developed. The circumstances were developed into multiple scenarios which were judged by international decision-makers. These judgements were subjected to quantitative and qualitative analysis from a Strategic Choice Perspective. The outcome was a Boundary -spanning 'Long-term Strategic Service Industry' model which proposed the outlines of the future strategy and organisational structure that ought to be adopted to meet 'public interest' constraints. A dual subject and methodological contribution was made

Vitalism and Its Legacy in Twentieth Century Life Sciences and Philosophy

This Open Access book combines philosophical and historical analysis of various forms of alternatives to mechanism and mechanistic explanation, focusing on the 19th century to the present. It addresses vitalism, organicism and responses to materialism and its relevance to current biological science. In doing so, it promotes dialogue and discussion about the historical and philosophical importance of vitalism and other non-mechanistic conceptions of life. It points towards the integration of genomic science into the broader history of biology. It details a broad engagement with a variety of nineteenth, twentieth and twenty-first century vitalisms and conceptions of life. In addition, it discusses important threads in the history of concepts in the United States and Europe, including charting new reception histories in eastern and south-eastern Europe. While vitalism, organicism and similar epistemologies are often the concern of specialists in the history and philosophy of biology and of historians of ideas, the range of the contributions as well as the geographical and temporal scope of the volume allows for it to appeal to the historian of science and the historian of biology generally

Toward an Ecological Culture: Sustainability, Post-domination and Spirituality

This essay presents an overview of an emergent culture of ecological consciousness and sensitivity for nature within and without humans. The inquiry pertains to the interdisciplinary field of human ecology. The essential methodological approach is eco-systemic, implying the basic interrelatedness of entities and their environment. The essay explores the interconnections at various levels of human-ecological interaction, analyzed from the perspective of the basic components of an ecological culture: sustainability - as an economy of metabolic exchange with the environment and inclusion into natural cycles of renewal; post-domination - as human relations based on individuals\u27 responsibility for their social and natural environment, and on surpassing the authoritarian structures of subordination of humans and nature; and a spirituality of immanent ethic and sensitivity. Individual responsibility is the core of an ecological culture, and the basis of an ecological consciousness - an awareness of the ecological context of the individual\u27s life process - the impact which the ways of satisfying the individual\u27s needs have on the immediate, and also the wider social, biological and physical environment. Ecological culture involves the revitalization of the local community and the household as the levels of immediate human-ecological interactions. The lack of individual responsibility is both caused by and expressed in domination patterns. Domination is based on dualism. Its essential routines are inferiorization and exclusion of mutuality which entail a lack of empathy and harmony - thus hindering a positive relation to the social and natural environment. When domination structures are deconstructed, a possibility of a new integration emerges in the reconsidered sphere of spirituality, involving immanence (re-connection of spirituality and nature), and integrative epistemology (inclusion of other-than-rational modes of comprehension and communication). An essential epistemological component is a sensitivity which links life processes in and around us, thus enabling us to feel that we are part of natural renewal and energy exchange. Such a sensitivity is the basis for individual responsibility which is no longer a matter of reliance on external authority and imposed morality of prescribed rights and duties. Responsibility becomes an individual\u27s inner ethic of joy as an ultimate expression of livelines

Narrative and Peace: a “New Story” to address structural violence

This thesis applies narrative as theory and method to explore a growing body of interdisciplinary scholarship that connects a holistic and process understanding of the world (a “New Story”) with social and ecological justice (or “positive peace”). First, the indirect violence of global poverty and environmental destruction are examined in terms of the dissipation of individual responsibility amid political, economic and social institutions. Second, a connection is made between these structural forms of violence and one-dimensional narratives. Drawing from an argument shared by process thinkers Charles Birch, Alan Watts and Thomas Berry, I critique the “Old Story” of one-dimensional religious narratives, and one-dimensional reductionistic narratives of the “Modern Story”. These stories are contrasted with a multi-dimensional and ecological worldview that Berry calls a “New Story”, which narrates an understanding of the self, humanity and the cosmos as one interconnecting process. This process understanding of the world is shown to be located in a rich and vast history of panentheistic theology. This research concludes that the narratological “New Story” engages conflicting worldviews, enables “positive conflict” and motivates action toward a long-term vision of positive peace