Fremont E. Kast

General systems theory: applications for organization and management.

General systems theory has been proposed as a basis for the unification of science. The open systems model has stimulated many new conceptualizations in organization theory and management practice. However, experience in utilizing these concepts suggests many unresolved dilemmas. Contingency views represent a step toward less abstraction, more explicit patterns of relationships, and more applicable theory. Sophistication will come when we have a more complete understanding of organizations as total systems (configurations of subsystems) so that we can prescribe more appropriate organizational designs and managerial systems. Ultimately, organization theory should serve as the foundation for more effective management practice.

Organization and Management of Space Programs

Publisher Summary This chapter provides an overview on the organization and management of space programs. Managerial competence is essential to translate growing scientific and technological achievements into practical programs and applications. The growth in size, complexity, and diversity of operations in modern space programs has made the managerial functions exceedingly difficult, but more essential to successful mission accomplishment. A system is an organized or complex whole; an assemblage or combination of things or parts forming a complex or unitary whole. The term system covers an extremely broad spectrum of concepts. The systems concept provides the most useful way of thinking about the job of organizing and managing large-scale programs. It is important to recognize the integrated nature of specific systems, including the fact that each system has both inputs and outputs and is viewed as a self-contained unit. In the management of space programs, the application of the systems concept calls for the systematic organization of a vast number of technologies, industries, human and material resources, and other subsystems into an integrated whole toward the accomplishment of specific plans and objectives.

Management and Accelerating Technology

The forces of advanced technologies and industrial complexity will continue, perhaps accelerate. The systems concept, which gives defense industry management a framework to integrate resulting complex activities will probably spread to other industries.

Could We Afford Disarmament

Military exigencies should not preclude planning for the economics of peace