Innovative design of management systems through simulation

• Published in: IEE conference publication pp. 215 - 222
• Main Author: Fowler, A
• Format: Conference Proceeding
• Language: English
• Published: London IEE 1998
• Subjects: Applied sciences; Artificial intelligence; Business and administration; Business applications of IT; Computer science; control theory; systems; Exact sciences and technology; Firm modelling; Learning and adaptive systems; Operational research and scientific management; Operational research. Management science; Simulation; Simulation techniques; Software; Software development management; Systems analysis and programming; contemporary software developments; organisational theory; physical systems; digital simulation; social systems; parallel knowledge bases; strategic planning; management systems design; hard systems; systemic behaviour; systems analysis; illustrative example; continuous system simulation; innovative design; strategic management; business data processing; Computer simulation; Computer integrated manufacturing; System design; Knowledge base; Modeling; Business model; Parallel system; Just in time; Firm management; Planning; Artificial intelligence; Computer aided design; Intelligent system
• ISBN: 0852967098; 9780852967096
• ISSN: 0537-9989
• DOI: 10.1049/cp:19980640

The paper presents the case for application of continuous system simulation, utilising contemporary software developments and drawing upon the parallel knowledge bases of organisational theory and strategic management. By this means, it is suggested that a technology, developed originally for the `hard systems' domain of science and engineering, is increasingly appropriate in the `softer' domain of management. It is shown that although social systems contain many characteristics, which do not appear in physical systems, they are still ultimately subject to the same laws of systemic behaviour in many respects. Hence suggestions, comparisons and an illustrative example are offered for consideration.