Managing Complex Systems – Howard Eisner

Howard Eisner – Managing Complex Systems

Nine innovative methods to think outside the box and solve complex system problems

The first four chapters set the foundation for creative thinking by exploring the nature of large-scale systems and complexity, thinking inside and outside the box, and examples of how an inventive mind solves problems in both management and scientific domains. Subsequent chapters address nine focused methods that the author has formulated to help the reader think outside the box:
* Broaden and generalize
* Crossover
* Question conventional wisdom
* Back of the envelope
* Expanding the dimensions
* Obversity
* Remove constraints
* Thinking with pictures
* Systems approach

Real-life examples are provided for each method that demonstrate how the approach enhances problem solving and decision making in system development and management. Following the discussion of the nine methods, the author examines group decision making as well as additional creative thinking procedures devised by other researchers, including references that assist in exploring these methods in greater detail. The author ends with a wrap-up chapter that includes a test to help readers practice their tendencies toward creative thinking skills and action with respect to solving real-world problems.

The nine methods discussed in this book have broad applicability and can be used successfully by managers with a wide range of responsibilities in business and technology. For anyone who is tired of the same old approach with the same old results, this book is essential reading.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Preface.

1. Systems and Thinking.
2. Building and Managing Systems.
3. Problems to Ponder.
4. The Inventive Mind.
5. Perspective 1: Broaden and Generalize.
6. Perspective 2: Crossover.
7. Perspective 3: Question Conventional Wisdom.
8. Perspective 4: Back of the Envelope.
9. Perspective 5: Expanding the Dimensions.
10. Perspective 6: Obversity.
11. Perspective 7: Remove Constraints.
12. Perspective 8: Thinking with Pictures.
13. Perspective 9: The Systems Approach.
14. Thinking in Groups.
15. Widening the Circle.
16. Final Thoughts and a Test.

Index.

AUTHOR INFORMATION

HOWARD EISNER, DSc, has managed and carried out research and development programs in systems and software engineering for more than forty-five years, in both industrial and academic environments. He served as executive vice president of ORI, Inc. and vice president of Atlantic Research Corporation (ARC). Currently, he is Professor at The George Washington University. Dr. Eisner has given tutorials for INCOSE (International Council on Systems Engineering), has over 100 papers to his credit and has had many of his articles published in the Washington Business Journal.

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