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Complex Messy Systems

In: Business Strategies for a Messy World: Tools for Systemic Problem-Solving

Author

Listed:
  • Vincent P. Barabba

    (Market Insight Corporation)

  • Ian I. Mitroff

    (University of Southern California)

Abstract

This chapter talks about two of the other key concepts and tools that are needed if we are to have any hope of managing today’s enormous challenges and daunting problems: (1) systems, and (2) messes. In brief, a “mess” is a complex, dynamic system of problems that are so interconnected such that no problem even exits apart from the mess with which it is associated. Thus, taking any problem out of a mess and studying it on its own distorts the very nature of the problem and the entire mess. The interactions between problems as well as the problems themselves are the key objects of study. The chapter also shows that: Information is more valuable than data; knowledge more valuable than information; understanding more valuable than knowledge; and wisdom more valuable than understanding. The chapter also presents heuristics for coping with complex, messy problems and systems.

Suggested Citation

  • Vincent P. Barabba & Ian I. Mitroff, 2014. "Complex Messy Systems," Palgrave Macmillan Books, in: Business Strategies for a Messy World: Tools for Systemic Problem-Solving, chapter 5, pages 44-58, Palgrave Macmillan.
    • Handle: RePEc:pal:palchp:978-1-137-38640-3_5
    DOI: 10.1057/9781137386403_5
    as

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