It seems obvious that our organizations, and the environments that they operate in, are complex and dynamic. Yet, there appears to be an insatiable appetite for simple answers. Unfortunately, many to most simplistic solutions don’t work. As Dr. W. Edwards Deming used to say, “there is no substitute for knowledge.” In the latter part of his life, …
Systems Thinking
Understanding the Organization as a System
Using a system to understand and lead an organization is not a new idea - it is at least 2,500 years old. According to Mo-Tze (a.k.a. Miscius) a Chinese philosopher around 500 B.C.E. Whoever pursues a business in this world must have a system. A business which has attained success without a system does not exist. From ministers and generals down …
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Without People – Organization Systems Don’t Exist
While Dr. W. Edwards Deming, and others, have estimated that the organizational system is responsible for a large percentage of problems and performance in organizations (70-85%), it is not at all clear how he (or the others) came to this conclusion nor if it is based on any empirical evidence. Organizational systems do not exist without the humans …
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Management System Design for Sustainable Excellence: Framework, Practices and Considerations
Abstract Building on practice, action research, and theory, this paper presents a framework and approach for the design of management systems that create sustainable value for multiple stakeholders. This positive approach to design builds on a foundation of Baldrige-based performance excellence concepts and principles and integrates aspects of …
Rome Design Conference Presentation
Management System Design for Sustainable Excellence: Framework and Methodology Paper Presentation John R. Latham 5th International Conference Design Principles and Practices Sapienza University of Rome, Facoltà di Architettura Rome, Italy February 2, 2011 Description Building on practice, case studies and several theories, this paper …
