A Case Study of the Backbone System Based on the Dynamic Equilibrium View : A dynamic equilibrium approach to backbone system design and implementation

Abstract

When designing a backbone system, the organization is traditionally regarded as a mechanical system composed of parts, and a logical approach based on causal relationships is used to design the organizational structure and workflow. However, for small and medium-sized companies with few managerial resources, even if a management strategy has been formulated, it is difficult to implement a backbone system that incorporates wide-ranging organizational and workflow reforms. In this analysis, we successfully implemented a backbone system for a small to mid-sized company by reimagining the business organization as a living system in dynamic equilibrium characterized by a concept we define as “mutual complementation” between the parts and the whole. In this study, we introduce the process of a backbone system actually implemented for small and medium-sized companies based on the dynamic equilibrium perspective. Further, we explore the implementation of such a system and identify points to be aware of during the process.