Systems Modelling - by Michael Pidd Paperback

Book Synopsis

There has always been an uneasy relationship between the 'hard' and 'soft' schools of management science. Featuring original insights from leading lights in the field, this accessibly written book begins by examining theoretical aspects of the hard/soft debate. It then goes on to consider how the two schools can be brought together in a new approach, integrating elements of both disciplines, and explores practical aspects of this with real-world examples. Highlights include Colin Eden and Fran Ackermann on soft OR models, Peter Checkland and Sue Holwell on classic and soft OR, and John Morecroft on learning in System Dynamics Practice. A concluding chapter brings the thinking of the contributors together and points the way forward.

From the Back Cover

Systems Modelling: Theory and Practice brings together some of the leading minds in the fields of Systems Modelling and Operational Research, to produce a book which addresses issues that are of both practical importance and theoretical significance. This union of the theory and practice of Systems Modelling incorporates both 'hard' and 'soft' aspects of Operational Research, creating a complementary approach that requires more than common sense and results in significant organizational benefits.

The contributors are from organizations and academic departments that are major users of systems modelling, meaning their experience will be vital to readers who are seeking to expand their level of understanding in the development of these models. This book will appeal to students of computing, management science and operational research, and to practitioners who understand the many possibilities and applications that this complementary approach could have in industry.

About the Author

Mchael Pidd is Professor of Management Science at Lancaster University and a Past President of the Operational Research Society. His research interests focus on the development of usable models in management science and computer simulation and he has published widely in many academic journals and books. His authored books include the highly regarded Tools for Thinking: Modelling in Management Science, now in its second edition, and Computer Simulation in Management Science, now in its fourth edition, (both published by John Wiley & Sons).