Technological Solutions
“This problem can’t be solved with technology.” In one sense, there are lots of problems that aren’t amenable to technological solutions – particularly problems caused… Read More »Technological Solutions
systems thinking
Rob Ricigliano on the murky unpredictability of complex systems
A complex social system… really is made up of a set of complex and interconnected forces that both affect each other and the things that… Read More »Rob Ricigliano on the murky unpredictability of complex systems
Systems thinking: Peter Senge on the limits of learning from experience
The most powerful learning comes from direct experience. Indeed, we learn eating, crawling, walking and communicating through direct trial and error – through taking an… Read More »Systems thinking: Peter Senge on the limits of learning from experience
Systems thinking: Gall’s Law
Gall’s Law: A complex system that works is invariably found to have evolved from a simple system that worked. A complex system designed from scratch… Read More »Systems thinking: Gall’s Law
Network theory: Matthew O. Jackson on four types of connectedness
Recommended – link below. 1. The most basic [type of connectedness] that we all think of is just popularity: how many people you connect with.… Read More »Network theory: Matthew O. Jackson on four types of connectedness
The onion strikes back: Maggie Koerth on the nested problems of Covid-19 testing
Covid-19 testing has been a mixed bag: Singapore and Korea seem to have been able to get on top of things quickly, while the UK… Read More »The onion strikes back: Maggie Koerth on the nested problems of Covid-19 testing
Contextualising best practice: one size does not fit all
Here’s another example of how “best practice” is context dependent, this time in responses to the Covid-19 crisis: In the response to the COVID-19 pandemic,… Read More »Contextualising best practice: one size does not fit all
Nested problems, nested solutions (8): the leadership and ownership problem
This is part of a series thinking through the different layers involved in solving real-world problems. It’s a sketch of ideas in process. The final… Read More »Nested problems, nested solutions (8): the leadership and ownership problem
Nested problems, nested solutions (7): Astro Teller on management and organisational culture
Yesterday’s post ended with the tension between designing systems and fostering a culture – writing scripts and setting tone – that will make it possible… Read More »Nested problems, nested solutions (7): Astro Teller on management and organisational culture
Nested problems, nested solutions (6): the management problem
This is part of a series thinking through the different layers involved in solving real-world problems. It’s a sketch of ideas in process. So now… Read More »Nested problems, nested solutions (6): the management problem