Prof. H. Linstone, Portland, OR

Lecture
Oesterreichisches Forschungsinstitut fuer Artificial Intelligence (OeFAI)
                      Schottengasse 3, A-1010 Wien
                       Tel.+43-1-53532810,5336112
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                                VORTRAG
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Prof.Dr. Harold A. LINSTONE
Portland State University
Portland, OR
USA


Cybernetics and Real World Systems: Bridging the Gap
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The talk introduces the concept of multiple perspectives in dealing 
with complex or "messy" systems. There are three types: the technical 
(cybernetic), the organizational/institutional, and the personal/
individual perspectives. Each sees the same system through different 
lenses, providing insights unattainable with the others. Together 
they offer a means of bridging the chasm between the analyst/modeler
and the real world, presenting a three-dimensional system view rather 
than the typical analyst's one-dimensional one. The distinct paradigms 
of the three types are described and applications of the concept 
developed. These range from industrial system breakdowns (such as 
the Exxon Valdex oil spill) to strategic planning in private and 
public sectors. Among the issues clarified: error-inducing vs. 
safety-reinforcing systems, high-reliability organizations, the 
discounting dilemma, and technological vs. societal rates of change. 


Zeit: Mittwoch, 8.November 1995, 18:30 Uhr pktl.
Ort:  OeFAI, Schottengasse 3, 1010 Wien 1.