Defining Complex Adaptive Systems: An Algorithmic Approach

Despite a profusion of literature on complex adaptive system (CAS) definitions, it is still challenging to definitely answer whether a given system is or is not a CAS. The challenge generally lies in deciding where the boundaries lie between a complex system (CS) and a CAS. In this work, we propose...

Full description

Saved in:
Bibliographic Details
Published inSystems (Basel) Vol. 12; no. 2; p. 45
Main Authors Ahmad, Muhammad Ayyaz, Baryannis, George, Hill, Richard
Format Journal Article
LanguageEnglish
Published Basel MDPI AG 01.01.2024
Subjects
Adaptive algorithms
Adaptive systems
agent based modelling
Algorithms
Case studies
complex adaptive system
Complex adaptive systems
complex system
Complex systems
Complexity
emergence
self-organisation
Supply chain management
Supply chains
Systematic review
systems thinking
Terminology
United Kingdom
Online AccessGet full text

Cover

More Information
Summary:Despite a profusion of literature on complex adaptive system (CAS) definitions, it is still challenging to definitely answer whether a given system is or is not a CAS. The challenge generally lies in deciding where the boundaries lie between a complex system (CS) and a CAS. In this work, we propose a novel definition for CASs in the form of a concise, robust, and scientific algorithmic framework. The definition allows a two-stage evaluation of a system to first determine whether it meets complexity-related attributes before exploring a series of attributes related to adaptivity, including autonomy, memory, self-organisation, and emergence. We demonstrate the appropriateness of the definition by applying it to two case studies in the medical and supply chain domains. We envision that the proposed algorithmic approach can provide an efficient auditing tool to determine whether a system is a CAS, also providing insights for the relevant communities to optimise their processes and organisational structures.
ISSN:2079-8954
2079-8954
DOI:10.3390/systems12020045