John R. Beaumont

Coping with complexity : perspectives for economics, management and social sciences

1 Introduction to Complex Systems.- 1.1 Finite Complex Systems.- 1.2 Some Concepts of Complexity.- 1.3 Fundamental Issues of Complexity.- 1.4 Multi-level System and Control.- 1.5 Design and Algebraic Systems.- 1.6 Models Using Catastrophe Theory.- 1.7 Aspects of FCS Modelling.- 1.8 Computer Models and Man Machine Interaction.- Note.- References.- 2* Mathematics of Machines, Semigroups and Complexity.- 2.1 Finite State Machines.- 2.2 Definitions and Bounds of Complexity.- 2.3 Machines and Semigroups.- 2.4 The Krohn-Rhodes Prime Decomposition Theorem for Finite Semigroups and Machines.- 2.5 An Application of the Prime Decomposition Theorem - Some Results on Combinatorial Semigroups.- 2.6 Calculating the Complexity of a Transformation Semigroup.- 2.7 The Generalized Model.- References.- 3 Complexity and Dynamics.- 3.1 Introduction and Motivation.- 3.2 Competitive Processes and Dynamical Systems.- 3.3 Description of a Dynamic System.- 3.4 Axioms of Complexity.- 3.5 Evolution Complexity.- 3.6 Dynamic Systems of Resource Depletion.- 3.7 Complexity in Thoms Program.- 3.8 Policy Conclusions.- Notes.- References.- 4 Structural Characteristics in Economic Models.- 4.1 Introduction.- 4.2 Preliminary Considerations.- 4.3 Decomposable Systems.- 4.4 Systems Modelling and Complexity.- 4.5 Structure of the Model.- 4.6 The Models Basic Set of Relationships.- 4.7 Evaluation of Complexity.- 4.8 Discussion.- 4.9 Comparison with some Studies on the Economics of Organization.- Note.- References.- 5 Complexity, Bounded Rationality and Problem-Solving.- 5.1 Introduction.- 5.2 Bounded Rationality.- 5.3 Problem Solving.- 5.4 An Overview of Algorithmic Complexity and Problem-Solving.- 5.5 A Case in Heuristics: General Problem-Solving (GPS).- 5.6 Planning.- 5.7 Conclusions.- Appendix: Problem-Solving for Energy Technology Assessment.- Notes.- References.- 6 Complexity and Decision Rules.- 6.1 Introduction.- 6.2 Background and Motivation.- 6.3 Choice Processes and Complexity.- 6.4 An Example of a Decision or Search Rule.- 6.5 A Social Choice Machine.- 6.6 Complexity of Decision Rules.- 6.7 A Construction of Compatible Decision Rules.- 6.8 Summary and Extension.- Notes.- References.- 7 Complexity and Organizational Decision-Making.- 7.1 Introduction.- 7.2 Organizational Structures and Performance.- 7.3 Organizations and Environments.- 7.4 A Real-time Organization.- 7.5 Information Technology.- 7.6 Costs of Information Processing.- 7.7 A Simple Machine Model of Organizational Design.- 7.8 Organizational Malfunctioning and Design.- 7.9 The Case of Line Organization.- 7.10 The Parallel Processing Line.- 7.11 The Case of Staff Organization.- 7.12 The Staff Acting as an Input Filter.- 7.13 Optimization Problem of the Staff Design.- 7.14 The Alternately Processing Staff.- 7.15 The Parallel Processing Staff.- 7.16 Some Practical Aspects of Organizational Design.- Notes.- References.- Index of Names.- Index of Subjects.

Applied management information systems: thoughts on current practice and future potential

Abstract The first in a series of three articles which will focus on different aspects of management information systems, this one examines their strategic positioning. It outlines the evolving IT marketplace, then discusses aspects of the management decision-making process in relation to determining the success of management information systems in practice. It finally considers the need to transform raw data into actionable information.

Applied management information systems: Business analysis

Abstract This is the second in a series of three articles presenting thoughts on applied management information systems, current practice and future potential. It presents an overview of methods of business analysis, in the context of the strategic positioning for management information systems proposed in the first article of the series.

Applied management information systems: Competitive advantage

Abstract This is the third and final article in a series presenting personal thoughts on applied management information systems (MIS). It presents an overview of strategic management and develops the theme of information as a source of competitive advantage. In this context, organizational structure, management education and future prospects for information technology (IT) strategy are examined.

Spatial economics : density, potential, and flow

Location theory has traditionally considered space as a two-dimensional Euclidean continuum. It has resorted to geometric constructions and emphasized geometric and geographic intuition. More recently, the emergence of linear and mathematical programming methods in regional analysis has favored an abstract indexing of locations. The matrix of spatial relationships has become the matrix of point-pairs. But the intuitive notions of two-dimensional space have been lost in the process. The purpose of this book is to reintroduce the two-dimensional continuum as the natural spatial setting of economic activities and to exploit the idea for all its worth. Economic interaction between agents are viewed as flows, of commodities or persons. These flows are generated by production and consumption activities, which represent the sources and sinks of a flow field. The direction of flow is oriented by principles of cost minimization and/or of profit or utility maximization. In this way neoclassical economics is wedded to the hydrodynamics of flow fields.