...as a whole in SSM Pitfalls that must be avoided. Stage 3: Naming of Relevant Systems Root Definitions CATWOE Stage 4: Conceptual Models Systems Thinking Formal Systems Model Monitoring a System Stage 5: Comparing Conceptual Models with Reality Using Conceptual Models as a Base for Ordered Questioning Comparing History with Model Prediction General Overall Comparison Model Overlay Stages 6 and 7. Implementing Feasible and Desirable Changes Case Study - Rethinking a Service Function in the Shell Group Stages 1 and 2 Stage 3: Naming of Relevant Systems Stage 4: Conceptual Models Stage 5: Comparing Conceptual Models with Reality Stages 6 and 7. Implementing Feasible and Desirable Changes Observations and Conclusions Exercise References Figures. Figure 1. Figure 2. Figure 3. Figure 4. Figure 5. Figure 6. Soft Systems Methodology map. Transformation process for producing Rich Picture. The routing of Systems Thinking. Shell's MF Rich Picture. Shell's MF world view of training. Shell's MF training conceptual model. Tables. Table 1. One to one transformations involving different world views. Table 2. Shell's Comparison with reality. Abstract This document deals with Soft Systems Methodology as developed by Professor Peter Checkland. This methodology is a way of dealing with problem situations in which there is a high social, political and human activity component. This distinguishes SSM from other methodologies which deal with HARD problems which are more technologically oriented...
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...participants.’ Consequently, my interpretation is that register can be - but is not solely - identified through linguistic choices and style. It is dependent upon the linguistic context and social situation surrounding the text- which can be identified as genre. Therefore, register is the language variety which results from the genre. Genre differs from register in that it is mainly applied to literary texts or texts which hold strict conventions such as newspapers, poetry, fictional writing and legal documents. Naturally then, to carry out a genre analysis would mean looking at a complete text rather than an excerpt as stated by Biber and Conrad (2009: 17-18) ‘Text excerpts are not adequate for genre analysis, because they do not necessarily represent the linguistic conventions that define the genre’. The data I obtained [Item 1] shows clearly that during the 24 hour period I received a larger range of differing language registers in comparison to the quantity that I produced. Language varieties I received came from a variety of contexts surrounding the text for example, listening to a lecturer deliver a presentation was formal in its approach and address and similarly, watching a BBC news programme where the presenter spoke formally in Standard English (or Received Pronunciation). The formal register in both could be identified through longer, more complex sentence structures and sophisticated vocabulary in addition to little use of contractions or slang. More frequently, I...
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...[pic] |Syllabus College of Social Sciences SOC/120 Version 4 Introduction to Sociology | |Copyright © 2011, 2009, 2007, 2006 by University of Phoenix. All rights reserved. Course Description This course is a foundation for studies of sociology. In this course, students gain an understanding of the sociological perspective, theories, and research methods. Students also explore culture, race, ethnicity, socialization, social interaction, deviance, social control, groups, organizations, social and gender stratification, population, and social change. Policies Faculty and students/learners will be held responsible for understanding and adhering to all policies contained within the following two documents: • University policies: You must be logged into the student website to view this document. • Instructor policies: This document is posted in the Course Materials forum. University policies are subject to change. Be sure to read the policies at the beginning of each class. Policies may be slightly different depending on the modality in which you attend class. If you have recently changed modalities, read the policies governing your current class modality. Course Materials Macionis, J. J. (2011). Society: The basics (11th ed.). Upper Saddle River, NJ: Pearson Prentice Hall. Recommended Websites: The following are suggested websites that can be used as additional resources for researching information for your CheckPoints and Assignments. U.S. Census...
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...family situation and even the psychological outlook of the purchase. Reference group is a group who’s perspective and individual takes on in forming values, beliefs, attitudes, opinions, and overt behaviors (pg.499). Reference groups can influence an individual’s cognitions, affective responses, and behaviors. As a consumer, your decision to purchase and use certain products, is influenced not only psychological factors, your personality and life-style, but also by the people around you with whom you interact and the various social groups to which you belong. The groups with whom you interact directly or indirectly influence your purchase decision and thus their study is of great importance to marketer to understand. Primary and secondary reference groups is one with which an individual interacts on a regular basis and whose opinion is of importance to him such as, family, neighbors, friends, colleagues and co-workers. Secondary reference groups are those with which an individual interacts only occasionally and does not consider their opinion very influential. Formal and informal reference groups are groups such as labor unions, social clubs, and societies are types of formal reference groups to which individuals may belong (pg 500-501). A formal reference groups has a highly defined structure, specific roles and authority positions and specific goals. In contrast an informal reference groups is loosely defined and may have no specified roles and goals. Meeting your acquaintances...
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...4/4/2016 49004 Systems Engineering for Managers Soft Systems Methodology (SSM) - An Introduction Last Lecture 2 We completed our introduction to systems concepts: Definitions Characteristics Significance Feedback 1 4/4/2016 This lecture 3 We will give a brief description of Checkland’s Soft Systems Methodology (SSM); We will indicate where it is appropriate to use; We will distinguish it from “hard” approaches. 4 Lecture Relevant Reading Checkland P (1993), “The Development of ‘Soft’ Systems Thinking”, Jackson MC (2004), “Soft Systems Methodology”, Optional Reading: Staker RJ (1999), An Application of Checkland’s Soft Systems Methodology to the Development of a Military Information Operations Capability for the Australian Defence Force 2 4/4/2016 “Classical” Systems Engineering 5 One way of thinking suggests… engineering begins when a need is established. the engineer’s task then provides a solution ... A “how to” oriented activity the need is expressed in terms of a system with defined objectives If there is a current situation S0 and a future, desired situation S1, then select the best of the available ways of getting from S0 to S1 so that the process becomes one of evaluating alternative solutions using models and criteria However… 6 More often than not, for managers, the problem is ill-defined – or the need is not readily established “What is the issue?” is the relevant question before...
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...articles on identity development while discussing critical thinking skills in doctoral students. The articles analyzed in this paper are (Article 1)“Socialization of Doctoral Students to Academic Norms” by Weidman and Stein (2003), (Article 2)“Developmental Networks and Learning: Toward an interdisciplinary Perspective on Identity Development during Doctoral Study” by Baker and Lattuca (2010), and (Article 3) “Critical Thinking Distance Education and Traditional Education” by Visser, Visser, and Schlosser (2003). This paper compares research questions, literature review, sample populations, limitations, and conclusions. The author will conclude with discussions on the relationship between articles and opportunities for future research. Comparison of Purpose and Research Questions Article 1 and Article 2 are similar in research questions and overall purpose; developing doctoral professional identity. Article 3 examines how fundamental skills for doctoral students are taught in traditional and distance classrooms. The purpose of Article 1 is to address the concern of socialization of doctoral student and the relation to stimulation of research and scholarly productivity (2003). This is addressed this by asking five questions; (1)...
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...research concepts of reliability and validity as they relate to ethnography, and will discuss the importance of context to ethnographic inquiry. In the final part of the chapter, I shall highlight some of the 'central concerns of this topic by contrasting psychometry and ethnography, The chapter seeks to address the following questions: • - What do we mean by ethnography? • - What are the key principles guiding ethnographic research? • - How might one deal with threats to the reliability and validity of this type of research? • - Why is context important to ethnographic research? • - In what ways does ethnography contrast with psychometric research? • Definition: Ethnography involves the study of the culture/characteristics of a group to real-world rather than Laboratory settings. The researcher makes no act to isolate or manipulate the phenomena under investigation, and insight generalizations emerge from close contact with the data rather than from theory of language learning and use. it is a qualitative type of research. Ethnography is provided by LeCompte and Goetz (1982). They use ethnography shorthand term to encompass a range of qualitative methods including study research, field research, and anthropological research. LeCompte and Goetz argue that Ethnography is defined by the use of participant and non-participant observation, a focus on natural settings, use of the subjective views and belief systems of the participants in the research process to structure that...
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...Depending on the context I am in, whether it is social or formal, my idiolect changes accordingly along with my pronunciation of words. An idiolect is someone’s personal language – the words they choose to use, maybe depending on their dialect (the choice of language depending on a region/social group) or accent. I have been brought up to accommodate my idiolect according to who I am with and the situation, therefore it comes naturally to accommodate the way I speak when needed. Majority of my speech is interactional (non-scripted), however, in an interview it may be transactional (partially scripted) or for presentations, rhetorical (mostly scripted). Firstly, at home, I speak informally but not in slang as my parents do not understand slang. This is evident in “What you making for dinner?” I am comfortable and relaxed around my family as I do not need to create an excellent impression of myself but I do need to maintain a decent impression as both my parents are educated. Therefore, the same is expected off me to speak with proper pronunciation and with clarity. At home, all of my speech is interactional as every conversation will be different and therefore I will have to think on the spot every time as to what I say. Secondly, in a public, social situation, I am conscious over my choice of language in comparison to whether I speak formally or not as shown in “Why on earth would you do that?” I personally find it disrespectful to swear in public especially with young children...
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...Understanding of Different Approaches to Management and Leadership 3 1.1 Comparison of Effectiveness of different leadership styles in different organizations 3 1.1.1 Autocratic Leadership Style 3 1.1.2 Democratic or Participative Leadership Style 4 1.1.3 Free Rein Leadership Style 4 Table: 1 5 1. 2 The Best Suited Leadership Style in this Scenario 5 1. 3. How Organisational Theory Supports the Practice of Management 5 1.3.1 Classical Theory 5 1.3.2 Neoclassical Theory 6 1.3.3 Contemporary Theory 6 1.4. An Evaluation of Different Approaches to Management Used by Different Organizations 6 1.5. Organisations that Adopt Different Approaches of Management 8 2. Understanding of the Ways of Using Motivational Theories in Organisations 8 2.1 The Impact of Different Leadership Style on Motivation in the Periods of Organizational Change 8 2.2 An Effective Leadership Style Can Help to Achieve Organisational Objectives 8 2.3 Comparison of the Application of Different Motivational Theories within the Workplace 9 2.4 ‘Motivation can Increase Employee’s Performance’- A Justification with Argument 9 2.5 The Usefulness of a Motivation Theory for Managers 9 3. Understanding of the Mechanisms for Developing Effective Teamwork in Organisations 10 3.1 The Nature of Groups and Group Behaviour Within Organisations 10 3.2 An Analysis of the Activities Performed by Different Types of Groups 10 3.3 The Factors that may Promote or Inhibit the Development of Effective...
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...11 Importance Factors Responsible For the Growth of Comparative Education 1. The Geographical Factor: The geographical position has its inevitable impact on the culture, civilisation and education of a nation. The various countries of the world have different geographical positions. Therefore, their modes of living, civilization, culture, social institutions and educational systems are also different. The climate of a cold country is different from that of a tropical one. Therefore, ways of living and social organisation of the two types of countries are not the same. Serial systems influence the educational organisation. An agricultural country emphasises agricultural education in its educational system, and an industrial country pays special attention to technological and-industrial subjects in the organisation of its curriculum. In a cold country there is a long winter vacation and in a hot country a long summer vacation. Evidently, the educational structure of a country is conditioned by its geographical situation. Image Source : maestrobytumlare.com 2. The Economic Factor: The educational system of a country is closely related with its economic condition. The aims and curriculum of education are framed according to the economic condition of the land. The belief about the economic system as adhered to by a country is inculcated in the citizens. For example, under the socialistic economic system, the State is the owner of all property. Therefore at the very primary...
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...BUSINESS 111 Non-BBA NEW VENTURE PROJECT Introduction The New Venture Project will test your group’s ability to: perform independent research and write a formal business report, make a formal presentation of your findings, and manage the time and skills of your group members. The objective of this assignment is to persuade your audience/potential investors that you have identified an opportunity that fills an important gap in the market. You are asked to identify an idea for a new venture and conduct an environmental analysis (PEST, Five Forces, size of market) to prove that your idea is worth funding. Essentially, you are answering two questions: What is your idea and why does it represent a worthwhile opportunity in the business environment? This project is worth 20 marks of your BU111 final grade and consists of three components: • 4 marks for the New Venture Preliminary Report (hard copy due BEFORE Friday, October 12th at 12 noon; turnitin and peer evaluations due BEFORE Friday, October 12th at 12 midnight • 10 marks for the Final Report (hard copy due BEFORE Friday, November 16th at 12 noon and turnitin and peer evaluations BEFORE Friday, November 16th at 12 midnight) • 6 marks for the New Venture Presentations (done in Labs #10 or #11 as assigned by TA – peer evaluations due BEFORE Wednesday, December 5th at 12 midnight) Details on what is required and how to complete and submit each of the above components are provided below...
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...Extended Essays in Social and Cultural Anthropology These subject guidelines should be read in conjunction with the “Introduction”, “Outline” and “Details—all essays” sections of this guide. Overview An extended essay in social and cultural anthropology provides students with an opportunity to develop an awareness of what constitutes a distinctively anthropological approach to the organization of human life in society and culture. Extended essays should be based on published ethnographic research. Students are expected to demonstrate, in the presentation of the research, their knowledge and understanding of the methods and aims of social and cultural anthropology. Choice of topic Social and cultural anthropology is not a “residual” category for essays that do not fit into any other extended essay subject. Students must choose topics that lend themselves to anthropological investigation, and must carefully consider their choice of topic in terms of the assessment criteria. An extended essay in social and cultural anthropology should analyse a topic from a theoretical or comparative perspective, based on the student’s own original analysis and on a solid understanding of the theoretical issues concerned. Students who intend to tackle comparative projects must be aware that research strategies involving two or more societies may call for greater narrowing of the research focus than a study in a single society. For example, a comparative analysis of Mexican and...
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...University GROUP DYNAMICS AND TEAMWORK Stamatia Peristeri, Athanasios Manavis speristeri@hotmail.com, manavis.athanasios@gmail.com Professor: Vitalina E. Kurylyak ternopil2000@yahoo.com November 2014, Kozani - Greece Contents Introduction Group Dynamics Group Dynamics Types of Groups Formal Group Informal Group Primary Group Secondary Group Group problems solving Group decision making styles The role of the group leader Teamwork Team Building Team Development Forming Storming Norming Performing Transforming Keys to Success Bibliography Figures Fig. 1 – Group definition Fig. 2 - Group Cohesiveness definition Fig. 3 - Actions to increase Cohesiveness Fig. 4 - Role and norms definitions Fig. 5 - (a) Relationship between Group Cohesiveness, Performance Norms and Productivity and (b) Causes of Team Cohesiveness Fig. 6 - Types of groups Fig. 7 - Six Stages of Group development Fig. 8 - Group decision making styles Fig. 9 - Attributes Fig. 10 - The leadership dynamics Fig. 11 - A group leader's roles Fig. 12 -Team's decision making tools Fig. 13 - Team development graph Fig. 14 - Trust building Introduction The term “group dynamics” refers to the interactions between people who are talking together in a group setting. Teams and groups are living organisms with certain predictable stages of development. Many organizations different groups are formed at different levels, formal groups, informal groups, primary groups and secondary...
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...Social Development Research PSY/172 Essentials of Psychology Social Development Research Article Title: Adulthood Link: http://www.credoreference.com/entry/worldsocs/adulthood I chose this article because it provided an interesting theory of how sociological changes have influenced and delayed the transition into adulthood. The article focused on the impact of modern technological and industrial changes to societal attitudes toward adult rites of passage. In the modern-day industrial society, the introduction of formal education as well as the need for higher education in the twentieth-century postponed adulthood by introducing an adolescent and post-adolescent phase prior to adulthood. By comparison, in the agricultural society of the medieval era, people transitioned from infancy to adulthood as soon as they could work alongside their elders. Some interesting key points of the article, Adulthood, describe both formal and informal transitions in a person’s life that indicate the achievement of adult status. Formal indicators that a person has achieved adult status are: 1. Completion of formal education 2. Economic independence 3. Moving out of the parent’s home 4. Voting 5. Full-time employment 6. Marriage Informal transitions into adulthood are behavioral patterns assumed by an adolescent in an attempt to attain adult status. These behaviors include: 1. Drug and alcohol use 2. Smoking 3. Sexual activity 4. Teenage pregnancy...
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...how people&-&- as individuals and groups&-&-act in organizations. Its goals are to make mangers more effective at describing, understanding, predicting, and controlling human behavior. Key elements to consider are people, structure, technology, and the external environment. Previously known as human relations, organizational behavior has emerged as an interdisciplinary field of value to managers. It builds on anincreasingly solid research foundation that was begun in the 1920s, and it draws upon useful ideas and conceptual models from many of the behavioral sciences. Fundamental concepts of organizational behavior relate to the nature of people (individual differences, a whole person, motivated behavior, desire for involvement, perception, and value of the person) and to the nature of organizations (social system and mutual interest). Managerial actions should be oriented holistically to attain superordinate goals of interest to employees, the organization, and society. This can best be done by the understanding and use of human resource. contingency,productivity, and systems approaches. Models of Organizational Behavior Every firm has an organizational behavior system. It includes the stated or unstated philosophy, values, visions and goals; the quality of leadership communications, and group dynamics; the nature of both the formal and informal organizations; and the influence of the social environment. These items combine to create...
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