Lens Of Complexity Theory Research Articles

ND BIM-integrated knowledge-based building management: Inspecting post-construction energy efficiency

Abstract Inspection of sustainable performance during post-construction has become increasingly essential. However, conventional operation and maintenance processes are limited with a high probability of inaccurate manual building inspections and the lack of real-time input of dynamic factors. In this regard, engagement of an Integrated Knowledge-based Building Management System using nD BIM applications (nD BIM-IKBMS) is anticipated to promote promising resolutions. The proposed system is expected to provide simulation-based supervisory control while automatically detecting and diagnosing operational faults. Following the literature-based conceptual model developed in our past research, this study aims to generate and verify the proposed framework theoretically, as the second step of nD BIM-IKBMS research and development series, concentrating on functional modeling. Notwithstanding which, it is difficult to describe a cross-disciplinary system following a single framework. As the technology evolves, the framework can not be generalized into new scenarios. Towards this end, the study is followed through the complexity theory lens. A highly flexible framework, considering that each part wherein has an opportunity to evolve, was developed. Following the principles of axiomatic design, the proposed framework was established. Ultimately, this research generates a range of detailed 3-hierarchical Icam DEFinitions for Function Modeling 0 (IDEF0) diagrams outlining the proposed nD BIM-IKBMS structure. This study identifies the interoperability of the proposed framework by standardizing communication protocols, data formats, naming convention, evaluation systems, and modulization. While this research is limited to implementing our nD BIM-IKBMS framework, real-world projects will be utilized in our upcoming steps of R&D series for validation purposes.

Contextualisation of the complexity in the selection of developing country outsourcees by developed country outsourcers

Outsourcing research has recognised that selecting the right offshore supplier (outsourcee) in low-cost distant developing countries is complex, but central to outsourcing success. More specifically, the combination of outsourcee contextual internal factors (e.g. capabilities) with outsourced-to country contextual external factors (e.g. political, legal, economic, socio-cultural) as two fundamental and interconnected decisions firms make when outsourcing remains an underexplored research gap. Therefore, through a rigorous three-tier qualitative approach we, firstly, develop a contextual Environmental Separation Index (ESI) decision tool to help outsourcing firms in making more informed decisions when selecting outsourcees and outsourcing locations. Secondly, we operationalise the ESI as intuitive and easy to use decision tool, yet with a provision to deliver a truly context proof outsourcee selection decision. Thirdly, we adopt a complexity theory lens to explain that narrowing the contextual outsourcer–outsourcee gap facilitates a mind-set shift in outsourcing relationships from hierarchies to networks and from controlling to empowering developing country outsourcees. We show from a complexity theory perspective how contextual separation gaps between developed country outsourcers and developing country outsourcees can be an effective way to grasp the evolutionary path of outsourcing relationships.

The Relationship between Administrative Intensity and Student Retention and Success: A Three-Year Study

Through the lens of complexity theory and by utilizing the methodological framework set forth in Gander’s 1999 article regarding internal and external organizational elements of administrative intensity, this secondary data analysis study linked the internal organizational elements of administrative intensity to institutional results as evidenced by higher education student retention and graduation rates. Representing institutional investments, efforts, and outcomes from 2004 to 2014, three years of data reporting were gathered from the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data Set (IPEDS) and were then cleaned per secondary data analysis techniques. Using canonical correlation analysis, the internal elements of administrative intensity were correlated with student retention and success. Findings indicate the relationships of internal elements of higher education institutions on student retention and success, which was measured by four-year, six-year, and eight-year graduation rates. The discussion includes education policy implications.

Reducing Risks in Energy Innovation Projects: Complexity Theory Perspective

The aim of this paper is to contribute to existing work on project risk management, and energy innovation projects, using the lens of complexity theory. By regarding energy innovation projects as complex adaptive systems, and linking complexity theory elements to the possibilities for reducing risks of energy innovation projects, the authors conducted empirical research on a representative sample of 100 subjects. The authors used a questionnaire that was formed on the basis of a previously designed research model, which unifies several different management fields, and a large number of phenomena previously studied independently. Therefore, it has a holistic approach to the topic. The results of this research suggest that considering the elements of complexity theory had a positive impact on reducing risks in energy innovation projects, in all analyzed aspects including specific, operational, and especially regarding social and behavioral aspects. This paper strives to support and encourage better results in energy innovation projects by reducing their risks, and hopes to bring additional value by introducing a new risk philosophy, based on complexity theory. Lessons learnt regarding each issue of this research are points of concern for project managers.

The Paradox of Intervening in Complex Adaptive Systems Comment on "Using Complexity and Network Concepts to Inform Healthcare Knowledge Translation".

This commentary addresses two points raised by Kitson and colleagues’ article. First, increasing interest in applying the Complexity Theory lens in healthcare needs further systematic work to create some commonality between concepts used. Second, our need to adopt a better understanding of how these systems organise so we can change the systems overall behaviour, creates a paradox. We seek to manipulate systems that self-organise and follow their own internal rules. Although, our actions may impact and indeed meet some of our objectives, system behaviour will always emerge with unpredictable consequences. Likewise, outcomes at the aggregated level of the system never reaches an optimal point as defined by the ‘external controller.’ Kitson and colleagues’ theoretical model may struggle to resolve the paradox of gaining control over the multiple knowledge translation (KT) systems covered by the model, because theoretically these systems retain control under the principle of self-organisation. That is not to suggest that individual agents cannot influence system dynamics just that the desired outcome cannot be guaranteed. Indeed, for systems to change they will need strong incentives.

Tactical urbanism as a means of testing relational processes in space: A complex systems perspective

Too often, master planning strategies have failed to produce spaces responding to the social, cultural, and economic needs of their inhabitants. Accordingly, many planners have turned to relational strategies to redefine their practices. These tend toward methodologies that explore relational forces preceding design interventions rather than unfolding by means of design interventions. This article considers an alternative mode of understanding relational processes: one that considers tactical urban strategies theorized through the lens of complexity theory. This article argues that tactical approaches harness relational junctures in situ, effectively exploring relational configurations of cohesive urban environments. A design competition entry provides an illustrative example of this approach: one that channels and choreographs relational urban processes.

Cultivating resiliency through system shock: the Southern California metropolitan water management system as a complex adaptive system

ABSTRACTThis study analyses the water management system in Southern California through the lens of complexity theory as it responds to system stressors and shock caused by severe and sustained draught. The study is grounded on the thesis that self-organization in the complex space of the water governance system creates the capacity to absorb spatial shock, and through this absorption process the space experiences resiliency. This paper identifies the attributes of spatial complexity of the Southern California metropolitan water management system, and analyses a spatial shock case that ignited stakeholder action that nurtured, promoted and furthered resiliency within the system.

Investigating Differences in Teacher Practices Through a Complexity Theory Lens: The Influence of Teacher Education

How to prepare teachers to be effective in our nations’ classrooms seems to get increasingly complex, yet the links between teacher education and teachers’ eventual practices are little understood. Using complexity theory as a theoretical framework, this mixed-methods study investigated writing teacher practices of 23 elementary teachers. Twelve teachers had participated in a comprehensive course focused on writing, either at inservice or preservice levels. The other teachers had not taken any course focused on writing and had little to no writing professional development. Despite the small number of participants in our study, quantitative analysis demonstrated significant differences on multiple, effective practice indicators. These findings were borne out in qualitative analyses as well. Clear connections of teachers’ practices and understandings and the course were noted. These findings contribute to understandings of the ways in which teacher education coursework makes a difference in optimizing candidate learning and reducing the variability across teacher practices and subsequent student learning opportunities. Findings suggest implications for policy makers, teacher education programs, as well as for teacher educators and researchers.

People, processes, and systems: An observational study of the role of technology in rural youth mental health services

The merits of technology-based mental health service reform have been widely debated among academics, practitioners, and policy makers. The design of new technologies must first be predicated on a detailed appreciation of how the mental health system works before it can be improved or changed through the introduction of new products and services. Further work is required to better understand the nature of face-to-face mental health work and to translate this knowledge to computer scientists and system designers responsible for creating technology-based solutions. Intensive observation of day-to-day work within two rural youth mental health services in South Australia, Australia, was undertaken to understand how technology could be designed and implemented to enhance young people's engagement with services and improve their experience of help seeking. Data were analysed through a lens of complexity theory. Results highlight the variety of professional roles and services that can comprise the mental health system. The level of interconnectedness evident in the system contrasted with high levels of service self-organization and disjointed information flow. A mental health professional's work was guided by two main constructs: risk and engagement. Most clients presented with a profile of disability, disadvantage, and isolation, so complex client presentations and decision-making were core practices. Clients (and frequently, their families) engaged with services in a crisis-dependent manner, characterized by multiple disengagements and re-engagements over time. While significant opportunities exist to integrate technology into existing youth mental health services, technologies for this space must be usable for a broad range of medical, psychological and cognitive disability, social disadvantage, and accommodate repeat cycles of engagement/disengagement over time.

Performance over professional learning and the complexity puzzle: lesson observation in England’s further education sector

Attempts to measure the quality of teaching and learning have resulted in an overreliance on quantitative performance data and the normalisation of a set of reductionist practices in England’s further education sector in recent years. Focusing on lesson observation as an illustrative example and drawing on data from a national study, this article examines the application of observation and its impact on further education teachers’ practice. In viewing lesson observation through a complexity theory lens and contextualising it against the wider neoliberal backdrop of the marketisation of education, we seek to critique the inadequacies of current reductionist approaches to teacher evaluation, whilst simultaneously opening up a debate regarding the consequences of seeing classrooms as complex adaptive systems. In focusing on performative models of lesson observation in particular, the article exposes what we perceive as some of the epistemological and methodological shortcomings of neoliberalism in practice, but also offers an alternative way forward in dealing with the contested practice of evaluating the quality of teaching and learning.

The Ever-Emerging New Us: The Developing Therapeutic System

“The Ever-Emerging New Us” refers to an ever-changing, complexly layered vision of an evolving therapeutic partnership. We explore the developmental process of such an analytic system through the lens of complexity theory, and reflect on how this perspective illuminates our understanding of the therapeutic system and its processes of change and growth.

Do complexity-informed health interventions work? A scoping review.

BackgroundThe lens of complexity theory is widely advocated to improve health care delivery. However, empirical evidence that this lens has been useful in designing health care remains elusive. This review assesses whether it is possible to reliably capture evidence for efficacy in results or process within interventions that were informed by complexity science and closely related conceptual frameworks.MethodsSystematic searches of scientific and grey literature were undertaken in late 2015/early 2016. Titles and abstracts were screened for interventions (A) delivered by the health services, (B) that explicitly stated that complexity science provided theoretical underpinning, and (C) also reported specific outcomes. Outcomes had to relate to changes in actual practice, service delivery or patient clinical indicators. Data extraction and detailed analysis was undertaken for studies in three developed countries: Canada, UK and USA. Data were extracted for intervention format, barriers encountered and quality aspects (thoroughness or possible biases) of evaluation and reporting.ResultsFrom 5067 initial finds in scientific literature and 171 items in grey literature, 22 interventions described in 29 articles were selected. Most interventions relied on facilitating collaboration to find solutions to specific or general problems. Many outcomes were very positive. However, some outcomes were measured only subjectively, one intervention was designed with complexity theory in mind but did not reiterate this in subsequent evaluation and other interventions were credited as compatible with complexity science but reported no relevant theoretical underpinning. Articles often omitted discussion on implementation barriers or unintended consequences, which suggests that complexity theory was not widely used in evaluation.ConclusionsIt is hard to establish cause and effect when attempting to leverage complex adaptive systems and perhaps even harder to reliably find evidence that confirms whether complexity-informed interventions are usually effective. While it is possible to show that interventions that are compatible with complexity science seem efficacious, it remains difficult to show that explicit planning with complexity in mind was particularly valuable. Recommendations are made to improve future evaluation reports, to establish a better evidence base about whether this conceptual framework is useful in intervention design and implementation.Electronic supplementary materialThe online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s13012-016-0492-5) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Austrian theories of entrepreneurship: Insights from complexity theory

This paper examines various Austrian theories of entrepreneurship through the lens of complexity theory, more specifically via the concept of a dancing fitness landscape. Problems in many fields (including economics) can be characterized as attempting to find the highest peak on a fitness landscape (which corresponds to an efficient or optimal resource allocation). A rugged fitness landscape is one characterized by many peaks and troughs, while a dancing fitness landscape is one where the peaks and troughs change over time due either to exogenous or endogenous activity. I argue that several key disagreements among Austrian economists can be better understood through the metaphor of a fitness landscape. The implications of this insight for various branches of Austrian economics are also considered. This study is timely as radical Austrian views are starting to percolate into business schools leading to increased debate among management scholars about the precise nature of the entrepreneurial process (Chiles et al. 2007; Sarasvathy and Dew 2008; Alvarez et al. 2010).

Price Tactics For A Turbulent Environment: A Complexity Theory View

This paper proposes that pricing tactics are influenced by the nature of the external environment. It illustrates the pricing tactics suggested for a turbulent, versus a stable, environment, when viewed through a complexity theory lens. A qualitative, case method, using depth interviews, investigated the pricing tactics in four firms to identify the tactics adopted in more successful, versus less successful, firms in turbulent versus stable environments. The results partially confirmed that the use of destabilizing pricing tactics can be helpful in a turbulent market, while stabilizing tactics can be helpful in a stable market. However, the effect of such tactics on business performance was not clear. These findings will benefit marketers by emphasizing a new way to consider future pricing activities. How this approach can assist marketers, and suggestions for further research, are provided. Since businesses and markets are complex adaptive systems, using complexity theory to understand how to cope in turbulent environments is necessary but has not been widely researched. Therefore, this paper can be seen as a foundation for research using complexity theory to better understand pricing tactics in turbulent environments.

Exploring stakeholder interactions through the lens of complexity theory: lessons from the sugar industry

The aim of this study is to identify challenges in multi-stakeholder relationships and to provide recommendations on how to manage complexity within these complex systems. The sugar industry under investigation is composed of diverse stakeholders who pursue various objectives, and complexity arises from these multiple interactions. Complexity theory is used here to analyse stakeholder relationships in a mill area in the sugar industry. The qualitative research approach is used. In-depth, semi-structured interviews are conducted with various stakeholder groups who are able to provide insight into the challenges in the mill area—and how these can be addressed. Thematic analysis is used. An analysis of the interactions reveals that stakeholders face overlapping problems, increasing demands, and an uncertain future. Relationships are characterised by a lack of trust and transparency, and are further strained by organisational structures, control and bureaucracy. The study highlights a dire need for cooperation and for a collectivist culture to achieve a competitive edge. It reveals that stakeholder interaction contributes to systemic awareness, shared strategy and expertise, collective learning, and system-wide goals which in turn impacts positively on performance. Important factors which are found to influence stakeholder interaction include the capacity for change, information, transparency, distributed leadership, flexible organisational structures, and the capacity of stakeholders to contribute. This study provides a significant contribution by presenting conceptual models to better understand multi-stakeholder scenarios.

Addressing health concerns of pregnant African American women using the lens of complexity theory.

Pregnant African American women are at higher risk for multiple complex health issues, including depression, than their European American counterparts (Canady, Bullen, Holzman, Broman, & Tian, 2008; Martin et al, 2011; Mathews & MacDorman, 2007; Orr, Blazer, & James, 2006; Segre, Losch, & O'Hara, 2006). Various strategies must be used to address depression through preventive care and promotion of access to appropriate mental health services. Nurses and other health care providers need to examine the relationships between the multifactorial problems to improve the health and well-being of pregnant African American women and their unborn children. This article presents a case study demonstrating the use of complexity science theory to understand and prevent poor health outcomes for pregnant African American women with depression and their unborn children.

Revisiting “Truths” in the Guise of Illusion: Response to Roger Hastings and Estelle Shane

In their discussions of my article, Roger Hastings and Estelle Shane each offer a compelling and complementary perspective on understanding enactment and the experience of enactment, as I have tried to convey it. In my response I highlight, and comment on, points they each make. In my response to Hastings, I elaborate on his consideration of the “process level of awareness,” and the problem of “conveyance” as well as his thoughts about trauma, dissociation, and enactment. In my response to Shane, I reconsider enactment through the contemporary lens of complexity theory, the perspective from which Shane has written her discussion. In particular, I consider aspects of the writings of the four thinkers whose work Shane cites. I am most appreciative of both Roger Hastings and Estelle Shane, two wonderful thinkers and experienced clinicians, who have thoughtfully and creatively crafted discussions that expand and enrich my article.

Objects of Concern? Risks, Rewards and Regulation in the Internet of Thingss

This paper describes the public policy issues associated with the Internet of Things (IoT) looking at both the societal and economic benefits and potential vulnerabilities including risks to privacy and security. The paper will analyze IoT policy issues through the lens of complexity theory with the goal of trying to determine the need for regulation and to provide government decision makers with recommendations on how to respond to evolving public IoT issues including privacy, security, and support for innovation. The paper reviews IoT from various levels of analysis including the individual, family, community and state. It also gives the current status of IoT policy debate in Europe and the U.S. and concludes with recommendation on how IoT policy decisions might proceed in the future.

Marketing Communications and Environmental Turbulence: A Complexity Theory View

This paper investigates how the choice of different marketing communications activities is influenced by the nature of the company’s external environment, when viewing the environment through a complexity theory lens. A qualitative, case method, using depth interviews, investigated the marketing communications activities in four companies in order to identify the promotional activities adopted in more successful firms in turbulent and stable environments. The results showed that the more successful company, in a turbulent market, subtly uses some destabilizing promotional activities but also makes use of some stabilizing promotional activities. This paper is of benefit by emphasizing a new way to consider promotional activities in companies.

At the Edge of Chaos?: Foreign Investment Law as a Complex Adaptive System, How It Emerged and How It Can Be Reformed

Foreign investment law (FIL) is unlike any other sub-field of international law. Its unique features continue to puzzle observers. Two general themes recur. First, why do countries agree to so substantially limit their sovereign powers over foreign investors and, most strikingly, to open themselves up to direct claims in investor-state arbitration? Second, how can FIL survive given its composition of thousands of treaties, custom, domestic laws, contracts and (often contradictory) arbitration awards, without a controlling multilateral treaty or institution, or appellate court? This article draws on complexity theory and the notion of complex adaptive systems to offer an alternative, richer account of FIL. Approaching FIL as a complex adaptive system (CAS) allows us to better understand how FIL (i) emerged out of small, incremental and often accidental steps, (ii) operates as a largely self-organizing, decentralized system made up of many interacting components and (iii) stabilizes but also changes and evolves through a series of local, sub-optimal quasi-equilibria, highly sensitive to initial conditions that can be disturbed by both seismic events or major crises and minor mutations. The insights thus provided should also help participants in FIL to develop interventions or reforms that are more likely to be effective, in casu relatively small tweaks or adaptations which may have major repercussions. Seeking the edge of chaos, therefore, is not seeking disorder or randomness but the right balance between order and flexibility. This perspective should give pause to lawyers, generally critical of fragmentation and decentralization, and intuitively in search of order and central authority. Through the lens of complexity theory, FIL, with all its imperfections, and contrary to conventional wisdom, may not be one of law’s most pathological sub-fields in need of top-to-bottom reform. Though far from optimal, it may be an organizational life form more similar to species that have survived evolutionary biology and, in this sense, be a model that other legal regimes may want to learn and copy from.