Ulrica Löfstedt

Simulated Decision Learning in a Multiactor Setting

Simulated Decision Learning in a Multiactor Setting The idea of decision analysis-and subsequent learning from the outcomes-is old within Operational Research. Here this approach to continuous improvement of decision outcomes is put one step further within the area of crisis and disaster management. This is done by introducing multiactors making simultaneous decisions with just partial information about each other. Further, decision outcomes are achieved from a simulation model rather than from the real object system.

Transforming Governmental Systems

Governmental as well as other public systems are facing new challenges due to, among other things, current information technology trends and changes in peoples’ lifestyles. Hence, ideas of web services for the citizens and agencies accessible over the net 24-hours per day are born. However, in order to implement this new type of net-based services a set of accessibility, integrity and security problems and hindrances are to be overcome. Further, the methodological challenges are far from unproblematic. Neither the artefact approach nor the approach of social systems design seems to be directly applicable. Instead, an approach called pragmatic systemics is proposed. At last, organizational transformation is not only a technical problem. Seen in a systemic perspective, the technological changes and the introduction of new artefacts have to be carefully balanced with changes in human competence, organizational structures, and system culture.

WIKITEGRITY: Team syntegrity with a WIKI tool

Abstract The task of creating a future eSociety is best achieved with a third-generation system design approach. This means that everyone who is going to be affected by the future system also has to take part in its design. By combining Beers Team Syntegrity Protocol with a WIKI tool into the new WIKITEGRITY concept, a means for this design by the people is created. A first field test indicates that the approach imposes some restrictions but also provides new possibilities. Hence, WIKITEGRITY has to be further improved and refined for becoming a true community cybernetic vehicle.

Provincial Designer Design: A Creative Mix of Hard Restrictions and Soft Visions of an Information Systems Educational Program

This paper presents a brief historical account of the unorthodox design of an educational program for information systems development. The design and development of this program was initiated in 1977 at the University College of Ostersund, today the Mid Sweden University. The presented account provides a description of the somewhat unusual context of this initiative, which was regarded as a weakness by conventional standards, but became an opportunity in this particular situation. The intellectual inspirations and sources for the design of this program are characterized and followed by a presentation of the very content and operating mode of the educational program. The final part presents the various outcomes that the program gave rise to, in terms of students’ professional careers observed.