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Operational research and critical systems thinking—an integrated perspective. Part 2: OR as argumentative practice

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  • W Ulrich

    (1] University of Fribourg, Fribourg, Switzerland[2] The Open University, Milton Keynes, UK)

Abstract

On the basis of a review of the role of systems thinking in the history of OR, Part 1 of this essay proposed a systematic understanding of OR as applied systems thinking. Further, it identified the contribution of ‘critical’ systems thinking (CST) in a combined ability of its two strands, critical systems heuristics (CSH) and total systems intervention (TSI), to enhance the conceptual sophistication of OR. Part 2 aims to translate this understanding into a framework for good professional practice. How exactly can CST strengthen the competence profile of OR professionals? Drawing on three experience-based archetypes of professional service and some basic argumentation-theoretical considerations, a new understanding of OR and applied systems thinking as argumentative practice emerges. In this new understanding CST finds a systematic place and some exemplary uses of CSH and TSI can be located—an integrated perspective.

Suggested Citation

  • W Ulrich, 2012. "Operational research and critical systems thinking—an integrated perspective. Part 2: OR as argumentative practice," Journal of the Operational Research Society, Palgrave Macmillan;The OR Society, vol. 63(9), pages 1307-1322, September.
    • Handle: RePEc:pal:jorsoc:v:63:y:2012:i:9:p:1307-1322
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    Citations

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    Cited by:

    1. Luis Arturo Pinzon‐Salcedo & Juanita Bernal‐Alvarado, 2022. "Dealing with complexity by using multilevel system boundary models," Systems Research and Behavioral Science, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 39(2), pages 175-184, March.
    2. Ormerod, Richard J. & Ulrich, Werner, 2013. "Operational research and ethics: A literature review," European Journal of Operational Research, Elsevier, vol. 228(2), pages 291-307.
    3. Slavica P. Petrovic, 2015. "Systemic intervention in creative managing problems in enterprises," Journal of Business Economics and Management, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 16(5), pages 949-961, October.
    4. Daniel E. Ufua & Odunayo P. Salau & Joseph A. Dada & Mosunmola O. Adeyeye, 2020. "Application of Systems Approach to Achieving Cleaner and Sustainable Environment: A study of Waste Dumping Issue on Idiroko Road, Ota, Ogun State, Nigeria," Working Papers of the African Governance and Development Institute. 20/007, African Governance and Development Institute..
    5. Daniel E. Ufua & Odunayo P. Salau & Joseph A. Dada & Mosunmola O. Adeyeye, 2020. "Application of Systems Approach to Achieving Cleaner and Sustainable Environment: A study of Waste Dumping Issue on Idiroko Road, Ota, Ogun State, Nigeria," Research Africa Network Working Papers 20/007, Research Africa Network (RAN).
    6. Daniel Ebakoleaneh Ufua, 2020. "Exploring the Effectiveness of Boundary Critique in an Intervention: a Case in the Niger Delta Region, Nigeria," Systemic Practice and Action Research, Springer, vol. 33(5), pages 485-499, October.
    7. Örsan Şenalp & Gerald Midgley, 2023. "Alexander Bogdanov and the question of unity: An emerging research agenda," Systems Research and Behavioral Science, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 40(2), pages 328-348, March.
    8. Ranyard, J.C. & Fildes, R. & Hu, Tun-I, 2015. "Reassessing the scope of OR practice: The Influences of Problem Structuring Methods and the Analytics Movement," European Journal of Operational Research, Elsevier, vol. 245(1), pages 1-13.
    9. Gerald Midgley & Erik Lindhult, 2021. "A systems perspective on systemic innovation," Systems Research and Behavioral Science, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 38(5), pages 635-670, October.
    10. Ormerod, R.J., 2014. "Critical rationalism in practice: Strategies to manage subjectivity in OR investigations," European Journal of Operational Research, Elsevier, vol. 235(3), pages 784-797.

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