Downloads
The following pdfs are available for download without charge:
1. Viable System Model by Raúl Espejo and Antonia Gill
Abstract
This paper introduces the Viable System Model (VSM) created by Stafford Beer. The VSM provides an alternative approach to organization structure and relationships that explains how the organization works rather than who reports to who in the typical command and control hierarchical structure.
Key Words
cybernetics, Stafford Beer, effective organization, recursion, organization structure, managing complexity, balancing variety, five systems for viability, implemention, co-ordination, monitoring-control or cohesion, intelligence, policy, flexible, business units, autonomous systems, primary activities, management cybernetics.
Key Texts
S. Beer, Diagnosing the System for Organizations, Wiley, Chichester (1985)
R. Espejo and R. Harnden, The Viable Systems Model - Interpretations and Applications of Stafford Beer’s VSM, Wiley, Chichester (1989)
2. Management Cybernetics by Tony Gill
Abstract
This paper introduces the reader to the notion of management cybernetics which was first introduced by Stafford Beer. The black box is offered as a way to understand process and its management. The idea of variety is explored together with the need to balance variety in order to achieve an effective organization.
To follow this paper, do look at the Viable System Model (VSM).
Key Words
cybernetics, Stafford Beer, effective organization, black box, Ashby's Law of Requisite Variety, BPR, Business Process Management, performance targets, corrective action, managing complexity, balancing variety, supply chain management.
Key Texts
Designing Freedom by Stafford Beer (a good introduction)
The Heart of Enterprise by Stafford Beer
both published by John Wiley and Sons.
The above pdfs are available free of charge but in return we ask that you give us the minimum information requested.
Notes:
- Syncho Research is run by Raul Espejo of Syncho Limited with support from Tony Gill of Phrontis Limited.
- By pressing the submit button, you will receive two emails:
- the first email has the subject line RESPONSE REQUIRED: Confirm your request for information from synpdf@aweber.com. verifications@aweber.com; on behalf of; Tony Gill [tony.gill@phrontis.com]. You will need to confirm by clicking on the link in the email.
- the second email has the subject line Thank you for subscribing to Syncho Research . This email gives you the links to download the free introductory papers.
- If the email address that you enter above contains any errors then you will not be sent the two emails mentioned in 2. above.
- We respect your privacy and disapprove of all spam. Your details entered above will not be sold or given to any other party not directly related to Syncho Limited or Phrontis Limited.