Oesterreichisches Forschungsinstitut fuer Artificial Intelligence (OeFAI) Schottengasse 3, A-1010 Wien Tel.+43-1-53532810,5336112 ------------------------------------------------------------------------- VORTRAG ******* Prof.Dr. Harold A. LINSTONE Portland State University Portland, OR USA Cybernetics and Real World Systems: Bridging the Gap ---------------------------------------------------- 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.