Blog Archives

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 →

The AI team take a deep dive into a presentation made to the BCS in 2023 which details Dr. Joseph Kasser’s experiences improving e-learning, spanning from 1997 to 2022. He describes overcoming challenges in early online learning using limited technology, developing effective asynchronous and synchronous class formats, and creating innovative capstone projects. His approach involved systems engineering principles, focusing on stakeholder needs and iterative development. He highlights the evolution of his teaching methods, including a … Continue reading →