Blog Archives

The AI team take a deep dive into Professor Hitchins concept of reference models for understanding systems, introducing his Generic Reference Model (GRM) from 1992, which encompasses form, function, and behavior. The text elaborates on these three aspects and then presents the Hitchins Viable Systems Model (H-VSM) as an evolution of the GRM’s function model. The H-VSM is depicted as a layered model for analyzing open, autonomous, and viable systems, applicable to various entities from individuals to … Continue reading →

The AI team take a deep dive into a paper which proposes a holistic approach to optimizing complex systems by focusing on optimizing interactions between subsystems during the design phase, rather than optimizing individual subsystems afterward. Using a male-female sexual relationship as an initial case study, the author argues that this method yields superior results. The approach is then illustrated through diverse examples, including weapons systems, the Apollo program, and educational settings. The core concept centers on a two-subsystem model … Continue reading →

The AI team take a deep dive into a technical note that critiques the Technology Readiness Level (TRL) system used by NASA and the DOD for assessing technology maturity, arguing that its focus on early-stage development is insufficient. It proposes a holistic thinking approach, advocating for a Technology Availability Window of Opportunity (TAWOO) that considers the entire technology lifecycle, from conception to obsolescence. The TAWOO incorporates a dynamic TRL (dTRL) to better predict future readiness … Continue reading →

The AI team take a deep dive into a collection of excerpts from a book which centers around holistic and systems thinking as applied to various domains, including systems engineering, problem-solving, and decision-making. Author Joseph E. Kasser’s background in systems engineering and academia informs the text, which explores cognitive processes, communication strategies, and the nature of systems. The material presents numerous tools, techniques, and real-world examples to illustrate concepts such as brainstorming, critical thinking, and innovation. Furthermore, it examines how these … Continue reading →

Out AI team take a deep dive into a 2000 conference paper which applied systems thinking to propose solutions to the shortage of qualified instructors in graduate-level Information Technology programs. The core idea is collaborative teaming among universities, using distance education technology to leverage global expertise and overcome geographical limitations. This approach, involving various teaching formats, aims to improve course quality, update curriculum, and address intellectual property concerns. Alternative models are explored, such as a customer-contractor relationship between … Continue reading →