scholarly journals Complexity Theory, Nonlinear Dynamics, and Change: Augmenting Systems Theory

10.18060/137 ◽  
2007 ◽  
Vol 8 (1) ◽  
pp. 141-151 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ralph Woehle
Keyword(s):  
Nonlinear Dynamics ◽  
Social Work ◽  
Difference Equation ◽  
Systems Theory ◽  
Complexity Theory ◽  
Change Processes ◽  
Edge Of Chaos ◽  
Good Measurement ◽  
Logistic Difference Equation ◽  
Over Time

Social work change processes are addressed in terms of complexity theory and nonlinear dynamics, adding the edge-of-chaos, as well as chaos to the entropy and homeostasis of ecosystems theory. Complexity theory sees the edge-of-chaos as valuable to living systems.A logistic difference equation is utilized to model the nonlinear dynamics of the hypothetical contentment of an individual. The modeling suggests that substantial input would be required to move an individual from homeostasis to the beneficial stage at the edge-of-chaos, but that too much input might result in chaos.With good measurement and data observed over time, social work might benefit from complexity theory and nonlinear dynamics, which are already advancing in related disciplines.

Chaos Theory and Complexity Theory

2013 ◽  
Author(s):  
Keith Warren
Keyword(s):  
Nonlinear Dynamics ◽  
Dynamical Systems ◽  
Complex Systems ◽  
Systems Theory ◽  
Complexity Theory ◽  
Chaos Theory ◽  
Mathematical Framework ◽  
Nonlinear Interactions ◽  
Simple Systems ◽  
Over Time

Chaos theory and complexity theory, collectively known as nonlinear dynamics or dynamical systems theory, provide a mathematical framework for thinking about change over time. Chaos theory seeks an understanding of simple systems that may change in a sudden, unexpected, or irregular way. Complexity theory focuses on complex systems involving numerous interacting parts, which often give rise to unexpected order. The framework that encompasses both theories is one of nonlinear interactions between variables that give rise to outcomes that are not easily predictable. This entry provides a nonmathematical introduction, discussion of current research, and references for further reading.

scholarly journals A New Perspective: The Implication of Chaos/Complexity Theory in Language through Dichotomies

2020 ◽  
Vol 1 (3) ◽  
pp. 372-377
Author(s):  
Zahra Jafari ◽  
Ashraf Maibodi ◽  
Muhammad Natsir
Keyword(s):  
Nonlinear Dynamics ◽  
Dynamical System ◽  
System Theory ◽  
Second Language Acquisition ◽  
Language Acquisition ◽  
Complexity Theory ◽  
Dynamical System Theory ◽  
Points Of View ◽  
New Perspective ◽  
Over Time

This study opens different points of view at chaos/complexity theory (C/CT) which is still a new theory in second language acquisition. Pro. Larsen-Freeman and her colleagues considered a variety of characteristics, C/CT is known as nonlinear dynamics or dynamical system theory that provides a framework for thinking about change over time. Scientists claim that one can see not only the laws of chaos but also those of order, through which a strong explanation for how any collection of components will organize itself and it can be generated in dichotomies. They attempt to rationalize the behavior of large and complex systems, believing they cannot be explained by usual rules of nature

scholarly journals Biopolitics, complex systems theory and ecological social work: Conceptualising ways of transitioning to low carbon futures

2016 ◽  
Vol 28 (4) ◽  
pp. 89-99 ◽  
Author(s):  
Uschi Bay
Keyword(s):  
Social Work ◽  
Complex Systems ◽  
Systems Theory ◽  
Social Workers ◽  
Modern Society ◽  
Change Processes ◽  
Low Carbon ◽  
Theoretical Frameworks ◽  
Complex Systems Theory ◽  
Nature And Culture

INTRODUCTION: Social work is engaged with understanding and acting into change processes within society at various levels. How new social and environmental movements are conceptually framed can be usefully explored to enable new ways of understanding their role in change processes, particularly in addressing the most significant problem of our times, climate change and excessive non-renewable energy use.METHODS: Complex systems theory and deep ecology are two of the theoretical conceptualisations that inform the Transition Town movement transnationally. Social workers share these two theoretical frameworks with the Transition Town movement as ways of thinking about effecting change processes. A brief introduction to a biopolitical lens, based on Lemke’s reading of Michel Foucault is added to offer another way to conceptualise the movement’s naturalistic logic.CONCLUSION: A biopolitical lens seeks to make visible the precarious and contingent difference between nature and culture as well as politics and life. Biopolitical analytics aims to focus social workers on investigating the network of power relations, knowledge practices and modes of subjectification evident in change processes. The intersection of life and politics has transformed modern society and biopolitics aims to bring this into focus to understand what we are doing to ourselves.

The right to the night sky in punitive enclosure context

2019 ◽  
Vol 15 (S367) ◽  
pp. 402-403
Author(s):  
Natalia Guevara ◽  
Rodrigo F. Haack ◽  
Victoria B. Acosta ◽  
María A. Senn ◽  
Carolina A. Silva ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Social Work ◽  
Social Communication ◽  
Juvenile Detention ◽  
Educational Science ◽  
La Plata ◽  
Detention Centers ◽  
National University ◽  
Night Sky ◽  
The Right ◽  
Over Time

AbstractThe “Right to the night sky” outreach project holds astronomy workshops for children and teens deprived of their liberty in juvenile detention centers. It is carried out by an interdisciplinary group of students, graduates, and teachers of Astronomy, Geophysics, Educational Science, Law, Psychology, Social Work, and Social Communication. It’s has been accredited and recognized by the Faculty of Astronomical and Geophysical Sciences, and the National University of La Plata (Argentina) since the year 2014. This work presents the diverse activities developed in the project, the methodologies used, and an analysis of how the project evolved, grew, and expanded over time, continuing what has already been presented by Charalambous et al. (2014) and Haack et al. (2019)

scholarly journals Theory of hybrid dynamical systems and its applications to biological and medical systems

2010 ◽  
Vol 368 (1930) ◽  
pp. 4893-4914 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kazuyuki Aihara ◽  
Hideyuki Suzuki
Keyword(s):  
Nonlinear Dynamics ◽  
Dynamical Systems ◽  
Mathematical Modelling ◽  
Systems Theory ◽  
Control Systems ◽  
Hybrid Systems ◽  
Hybrid Dynamical Systems ◽  
Medical Systems ◽  
Theme Issue ◽  
And Control

In this introductory article, we survey the contents of this Theme Issue. This Theme Issue deals with a fertile region of hybrid dynamical systems that are characterized by the coexistence of continuous and discrete dynamics. It is now well known that there exist many hybrid dynamical systems with discontinuities such as impact, switching, friction and sliding. The first aim of this Issue is to discuss recent developments in understanding nonlinear dynamics of hybrid dynamical systems in the two main theoretical fields of dynamical systems theory and control systems theory. A combined study of the hybrid systems dynamics in the two theoretical fields might contribute to a more comprehensive understanding of hybrid dynamical systems. In addition, mathematical modelling by hybrid dynamical systems is particularly important for understanding the nonlinear dynamics of biological and medical systems as they have many discontinuities such as threshold-triggered firing in neurons, on–off switching of gene expression by a transcription factor, division in cells and certain types of chronotherapy for prostate cancer. Hence, the second aim is to discuss recent applications of hybrid dynamical systems in biology and medicine. Thus, this Issue is not only general to serve as a survey of recent progress in hybrid systems theory but also specific to introduce interesting and stimulating applications of hybrid systems in biology and medicine. As the introduction to the topics in this Theme Issue, we provide a brief history of nonlinear dynamics and mathematical modelling, different mathematical models of hybrid dynamical systems, the relationship between dynamical systems theory and control systems theory, examples of complex behaviour in a simple neuron model and its variants, applications of hybrid dynamical systems in biology and medicine as a road map of articles in this Theme Issue and future directions of hybrid systems modelling.

scholarly journals The Role of Formal Theory in Social Work Research: Formalizing Family Systems Theory

10.18060/7942 ◽  
2013 ◽  
Vol 14 (2) ◽  
pp. 501-517 ◽  
Author(s):  
Suzanne Taylor Sutphin ◽  
Shannon McDonough ◽  
Amber Schrenkel
Keyword(s):  
Social Work ◽  
Systems Theory ◽  
Family Systems ◽  
Scientific Research ◽  
Formal Theory ◽  
Potential Effect ◽  
Family Systems Theory ◽  
Assessment Tools ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Social Work Research

Formal theories are critical to accumulating knowledge through scientific research to advance the discipline and practice. The use of formal theory in social work research is currently absent. Family Systems Theory (FST) is commonly used in social work; however, it currently lacks the criteria to be considered a formal theory. We use FST to demonstrate the formalization process and its potential effect on social work research and practice. Currently, FST is being used as a perspective, to develop theories and models used in marriage and family therapy, and to develop assessment tools. We identify the components of a formal theory while presenting a formal version of FST. Directions for future research are suggested including the benefits of using formal theory to direct scientific research and guide the development of evidence-based practice.

scholarly journals Inovação em processos: uma empresa metalmecânica analisada sob a ótica da teoria dos sistemas e da teoria da complexidadeInnovation in processes: A metalworking company analyzed from the perspective of systems theory and complexity theory

2016 ◽  
Vol 6 (9) ◽  
pp. 161
Author(s):  
João Carlos Parcianello ◽  
Marcos Paulo Dhein Griebeler
Keyword(s):  
Systems Theory ◽  
Complexity Theory

O presente artigo tem por objetivo analisar a inovação em processos na empresa metalmecânica denominada Fábrica de Secadores, Classificadores e Elevadores Ltda. (FASCE). A empresa e suas inovações em processo foram analisadas por intermédio da teoria dos sistemas e da teoria da complexidade, denominadas simplesmente por sistemas abertos complexos, expostas inicialmente no referencial teórico. A ênfase dada ao tratamento da informação, principalmente por meio de um gatekeeper, potencializa o desenvolvimento de inovações em processo na empresa. O entendimento de que as partes do sistema se relacionam entre si, com o próprio sistema e este com outros sistemas – sistema aberto – desvenda uma série de interações complexas, as quais permitem a sobrevivência e o desenvolvimento da empresa, da mesma maneira que um sistema vivo. As inovações em processo na empresa FASCE propiciam um eficiente desenvolvimento empresarial, pois auxiliam a torná-la competitiva.

scholarly journals The complexity paradigm in management reconceptualizing

2005 ◽  
Vol 50 (167) ◽  
pp. 107-139
Author(s):  
Slavica Petrovic
Keyword(s):  
Nonlinear Systems ◽  
Complexity Theory ◽  
Systems Approach ◽  
Full Potential ◽  
Complex Dynamic ◽  
Edge Of Chaos ◽  
Order And Disorder ◽  
Stability And Instability ◽  
Creative Research ◽  
Creativity And Innovation

Chaos and complexity theory is a special, functionalist systems approach to dealing with complex, dynamic, nonlinear systems. Through treating organizations as complex, with their environments coevolving, nonlinear systems, complexity theory is aimed at creative research of their erratic nature. When an organization is in a state of bounded instability, at the edge of chaos, order and disorder are intertwined, its behavior is irregular and unpredictable but has some pattern. According to the complexity paradigm organizations have to strive to avoid the equilibrium states of stability and instability. They have instead to strive to remain in a state of bounded instability, at the edge of chaos, where they are able to display their full potential for creativity and innovation.

scholarly journals Dynamic capabilities as (workable) management systems theory

2018 ◽  
Vol 24 (3) ◽  
pp. 359-368 ◽  
Author(s):  
David J Teece
Keyword(s):  
Systems Theory ◽  
Dynamic Capabilities ◽  
Systems Approach ◽  
Business Environment ◽  
Academic Disciplines ◽  
Management Systems ◽  
Holistic View ◽  
Individual Enterprise ◽  
Management Leadership ◽  
Over Time

AbstractIn management studies, systems theory is an underexplored construct consistent with the dynamic capabilities framework. The systems approach received attention from management scholars in the middle of the last century, but, since then, has been largely abandoned. Meanwhile, academic disciplines have continued to narrow their focus. The capabilities and systems frameworks both adopt a holistic view that calls for all elements of an organization to be in alignment, and both recognize the importance of some form of learning for the purpose of adaptation. Dynamic capabilities go further by recognizing that organizations not only adapt to the business environment, they often try to shape it, too. While systems theory emphasizes internal stability over time and homogeneity across similar systems, dynamic capabilities include an explicit role for management/leadership that allows systemic change to start from within, which is the source of heterogeneity across firms. Dynamic capabilities are part of a system that includes resources and strategy. Together they determine the degree of competitive advantage an individual enterprise can gain over its rivals.

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