Smart Decisions in Complex Systems [Hardcover]

Faced with ever-increasing complexity on a daily basis, the decision-makers of today are struggling to find the appropriate models, methods and tools to face the issues arising in complex systems across all levels of global operations.

Having, in the past, resorted to outdated approaches which limit problem-solving to linear world views, we must now capitalize on complexities in order to succeed and progress in our society.

This book provides a guide to harnessing the wealth inherent to complex systems. It organizes the transition to complex decision-making in all business spheres while providing many examples in various application domains.

The authors offer fresh developments for understanding and mastering the global “uberization” of the economy, the post-modern management of computer-assisted production and the rise of cognitive robotics science applications.

Contents

Preface xiii

Acknowledgments    xvii

List of Acronyms  xix

Introduction   xxv

Part 1. 1

Chapter 1. The Foundations of Complexity  3

1.1. Complexities and simplexities: paradigms and perspectives    3

1.1.1. Positioning the problem 4

1.1.2. Reminders, basics and neologisms    5

1.1.3. What are the analytical steps in a complex system?   16

1.1.4. Organization and management principles in complex systems    31

1.1.5. Action and decision processes in self-organized systems    35

1.1.6. Notions of centralization and decentralization &lãF