Introductory Chapter: Recent Trends in Systems-of-Systems Design, Modeling, Simulation and Analysis for Complex Systems, Gaming and Decision Support Final

This book investigates complex systems that are idealizations of naturally occurring phenomena characterized by the autonomous generation of structures and patterns at macroscopic scales. It provides material and guidance to allow the reader to learn about complexity through hands-on experimentation with complex systems with the aid of computer programs. Each chapter thus presents a simple computational model of natural complex phenomena ranging from avalanches and earthquakes to solar flares, epidemics, and ant colonies. This introductory chapter explains what complexity is, with emphasis on the fact that defining it is not a simple endeavor, and that it is not the same as randomness or chaos. It also shows that open dissipative systems are complex and clarifies what natural complexity means. Finally, it describes the computer programs listed in this book and suggests materials for further reading about complexity.

Download Full-text

Recent Trends, Issues, and Challenges in Water Resource Development and Global Climate Change

Reconsidering the Impact of Climate Change on Global Water Supply, Use, and Management - Advances in Environmental Engineering and Green Technologies ◽

10.4018/978-1-5225-1046-8.ch001 ◽

2017 ◽

pp. 1-8

Author(s):

Prakash Rao ◽

Yogesh Patil

Keyword(s):

Climate Change ◽

Water Resource ◽

Global Climate Change ◽

Global Climate ◽

Climate Change Impacts ◽

Resource Development ◽

Water Resource Development ◽

Climatic Regime ◽

Recent Trends

Climate change impacts are being felt in many parts of the world and have become an issue of major concern. Tropical countries particularly those in the Asian region are at greater risk and vulnerable to the impacts of climate change as indicated by the report of IPCC. With regard to India there are several impacts forecast which could have adverse consequences on the natural resources and ecosystems of the country making them vulnerable and reducing their capacity to cope with a changing climatic regime. This introductory chapter of the book provides an insight to the recent trends, issues and challenges in water resource development in context to the global climate change.

Download Full-text

Supporting the Complexity of Inquiring Organizations

Inquiring Organizations ◽

10.4018/978-1-59140-309-8.ch006 ◽

2011 ◽

pp. 109-132

Author(s):

Dianne J. Hall ◽

Yi Guo

Keyword(s):

Complex Systems ◽

Multiagent System ◽

Support Systems ◽

Systems Design ◽

Agent Technology ◽

Technological Support ◽

Organization Support

This chapter examines the issue of technological support for inquiring organizations and suggests that the complexity of these organizations is best supported by a technology of equal complexity—that is, by agent technology. Agents and the complex systems in which they are active are ideal for supporting not only the activity of Churchman’s inquirers but also those components necessary to ensure an effective environment. Accordingly, a multiagent system to support inquiring organizations is introduced. By explaining agent technology in simple terms and by defining inquirers and other components as agents working within a multiagent system, this chapter demystifies agent technology, enables researchers to grasp the complexity of inquiring organization support systems, and provides the foundation for inquiring organization support systems design.

Download Full-text