{"title":"Michael C. Jackson","description":"\u003cp\u003eMichael C. Jackson’s work offers a thoughtful exploration of systems thinking and its application to complex organisational challenges. His books delve into the principles of \u003cem\u003ecritical systems thinking\u003c\/em\u003e, emphasising holistic approaches to management and decision-making within intricate business environments.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eReaders can expect insightful analysis on managing complexity through interdisciplinary perspectives, blending theory with practical frameworks. These writings are essential for those interested in deepening their understanding of business systems and improving organisational effectiveness.\u003c\/p\u003e","products":[{"product_id":"critical-systems-thinking-and-the-management-of-complexity-by-michael-c-jackson-9781119118374","title":"Critical Systems Thinking and the Management of Complexity","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"book-description\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFrom the winner of the INCOSE Pioneer Award 2022\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe world has become increasingly networked and unpredictable. Decision makers at all levels are required to manage the consequences of complexity every day. They must deal with problems that arise unexpectedly, generate uncertainty, are characterised by interconnectivity, and spread across traditional boundaries. Simple solutions to complex problems are usually inadequate and risk exacerbating the original issues.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eLeaders of international bodies such as the UN, OECD, UNESCO, and WHO — and of major business, public sector, charitable, and professional organisations — have all declared that systems thinking is an essential leadership skill for managing the complexity of the economic, social, and environmental issues that confront decision makers. Systems thinking must be implemented more generally, and on a wider scale, to address these issues.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eAn evaluation of different systems methodologies suggests that they concentrate on different aspects of complexity. To be in the best position to deal with complexity, decision makers must understand the strengths and weaknesses of the various approaches and learn how to employ them in combination. This is called critical systems thinking. Making use of over 25 case studies, \u003cem\u003eCritical Systems Thinking and the Management of Complexity\u003c\/em\u003e offers an account of the development of systems thinking and of major efforts to apply the approach in real-world interventions. Further, it encourages the widespread use of critical systems practice as a means of ensuring responsible leadership in a complex world.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eThe INCOSE Pioneer Award is presented to someone who, by their achievements in the engineering of systems, has contributed uniquely to major products or outcomes enhancing society or meeting its needs. The criteria may apply to a single outstanding outcome or a lifetime of significant achievements in effecting successful systems.\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eComments on a previous version of the book:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eRuss Ackoff: ‘the book is the best overview of the field I have seen’\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eJP van Gigch: ‘Jackson does a masterful job. The book is lucid ...well written and eminently readable’\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eProfessional Manager (Journal of the Chartered Management Institute): ‘Provides an excellent guide and introduction to systems thinking for students of management’\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Unknown","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":46854417580268,"sku":"9781119118374","price":145.99,"currency_code":"NZD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0705\/7784\/8556\/files\/9781119118374.jpg?v=1759240820"},{"product_id":"systems-thinking-by-michael-c-jackson-9780470845226","title":"Systems Thinking","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"book-description\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eToo often, today's managers are sold simple solutions to complex problems. But as many soon discover, simplicity is rarely effective in the face of complexity, change and diversity.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eDespite apparent promise, quick-fix panaceas fail because they are not holistic or creative enough. They focus on parts of the organisation rather than the whole, take little account of interaction, and pander to the notion that there is one best solution in all circumstances. As instances of such failure escalate, intelligent managers are increasingly seeking to improve results through \u003cem\u003eSystems Thinking\u003c\/em\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eWhatever stage you are at in your study of \u003cem\u003eSystems Thinking\u003c\/em\u003e, this book will help. If you are new to the field, then it will serve as a solid introduction. If you are familiar with a few concepts but not with how they can be linked and used by managers, then it will give you a greater understanding of how holistic ideas developed and how to use them in practice.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eAnd if you are expert in some approaches but not in others, then it will expand your knowledge and provide you with more choice. In all cases, you will achieve competency in creative holism, emerge better equipped to solve complex problems, and ultimately become a more effective \u003cem\u003eSystems Thinking\u003c\/em\u003e manager.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Unknown","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":46854885998828,"sku":"9780470845226","price":128.99,"currency_code":"NZD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0705\/7784\/8556\/files\/9780470845226.jpg?v=1759258172"},{"product_id":"critical-systems-thinking-by-michael-c-jackson-9781394203574","title":"Critical Systems Thinking","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"book-description\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eUnderstand the full range of systems approaches and how to use them with this innovative overview.\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eLeaders and managers face increasing complexity and uncertainty because technical, organisational, socio-cultural, political, and environmental issues have become intensely interconnected. Systems thinking is recognised as the essential competence for managing complexity. As the demand for systems thinking grows, however, the fragmentation of the field into different methodologies has become a potential liability. Critical systems thinking (CST) shows how this diversity can be a strength rather than a weakness by revealing how different systems methodologies address various aspects of complexity and how they can be used in combination to resolve the messiest of wicked problems.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ci\u003eCritical Systems Thinking\u003c\/i\u003e offers, in a single volume, an account of the value of systems thinking and CST in the modern world, an explanation of the pragmatic philosophy and expansion in mindset necessary to embrace CST, and detailed instructions on how to undertake critical systems practice (CSP) using the variety of systems approaches to navigate multi-dimensional complexity.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eReaders will find:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cul\u003e\n    \u003cli\u003eAn accessible introduction to systems thinking and CST.\u003c\/li\u003e\n    \u003cli\u003eA description and critique of the best-known systems methodologies.\u003c\/li\u003e\n    \u003cli\u003eA guide to the mindset changes, the steps required, and the toolkit necessary to undertake successful CSP.\u003c\/li\u003e\n    \u003cli\u003eCase studies and examples of CSP.\u003c\/li\u003e\n    \u003cli\u003eA discussion of the nature of systemic leadership.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ci\u003eCritical Systems Thinking\u003c\/i\u003e is ideal for leaders and managers in government, business, the public sector, the professions, and beyond who want to understand the potential of systems thinking and use it in their work. It is essential for systems researchers and practitioners who want a deeper understanding of the field.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Unknown","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":47536515743980,"sku":"9781394203574","price":82.99,"currency_code":"NZD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0705\/7784\/8556\/files\/9781394203574-critical-systems-thinking.jpg?v=1776382298"}],"url":"https:\/\/bookhero.co.nz\/collections\/michael-c-jackson.oembed","provider":"Book Hero","version":"1.0","type":"link"}