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Complex Variable Methods in Elasticity
by A. H. EnglandThe plane strain and generalized plane stress boundary value problems of linear elasticity are the focus of this graduate-level text, which formulates and solves these problems by employing complex variable theory. The text presents detailed descriptions of the three basic methods that rely on series representation, Cauchy integral representation, and the solution via continuation. Its five-part treatment covers functions of a complex variable, the basic equations of two-dimensional elasticity, plane and half-plane problems, regions with circular boundaries, and regions with curvilinear boundaries. Worked examples and sets of problems appear throughout the text. 1971 edition. 26 figures.
Complex Variables and the Laplace Transform for Engineers
by Wilbur R. Lepage"An excellent text; the best I have found on the subject." -- J. B. Sevart, Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Wichita"An extremely useful textbook for both formal classes and for self-study." -- Society for Industrial and Applied MathematicsEngineers often do not have time to take a course in complex variable theory as undergraduates, yet is is one of the most important and useful branches of mathematics, with many applications in engineering. This text is designed to remedy that need by supplying graduate engineering students (especially electrical engineering) with a course in the basic theory of complex variables, which in turn is essential to the understanding of transform theory. Presupposing a good knowledge of calculus, the book deals lucidly and rigorously with important mathematical concepts, striking an ideal balance between purely mathematical treatments that are too general for the engineer, and books of applied engineering which may fail to stress significant mathematical ideas.The text is divided into two basic parts: The first part (Chapters 1-7) is devoted to the theory of complex variables and begins with an outline of the structure of system analysis and an explanation of basic mathematical and engineering terms. Chapter 2 treats the foundation of the theory of a complex variable, centered around the Cauchy-Riemann equations. The next three chapters -- conformal mapping, complex integration, and infinite series -- lead up to a particularly important chapter on multivalued functions, explaining the concepts of stability, branch points, and riemann surfaces. Numerous diagrams illustrate the physical applications of the mathematical concepts involved.The second part (Chapters 8-16) covers Fourier and Laplace transform theory and some of its applications in engineering, beginning with a chapter on real integrals. Three important chapters follow on the Fourier integral, the Laplace integral (one-sided and two-sided) and convolution integrals. After a chapter on additional properties of the Laplace integral, the book ends with four chapters (13-16) on the application of transform theory to the solution of ordinary linear integrodifferential equations with constant coefficients, impulse functions, periodic functions, and the increasingly important Z transform. Dr. LePage's book is unique in its coverage of an unusually broad range of topics difficult to find in a single volume, while at the same time stressing fundamental concepts, careful attention to details and correct use of terminology. An extensive selection of interesting and valuable problems follows each chapter, and an excellent bibliography recommends further reading. Ideal for home study or as the nucleus of a graduate course, this useful, practical, and popular (8 printings in its hardcover edition) text offers students, engineers, and researchers a careful, thorough grounding in the math essential to many areas of engineering. "An outstanding job." -- American Mathematical Monthly
Complex and Adaptive Dynamical Systems: A Comprehensive Introduction
by Claudius GrosThis textbook offers a comprehensive introduction to the concepts underpinning our modern understanding of complex and emergent behavior. Mathematical methods necessary for the discussion are introduced and explained on the run. All derivations are presented step-by-step. This new fifth edition has been fully revised and includes a new chapter, a range of new sections, figures and exercises. The Solution chapter has been reorganized for clarity.The core aspects of modern complex system sciences are presented in the first chapters, covering the foundations of network- and dynamical system theory, with a particular focus on scale-free networks and tipping phenomena. The notion of deterministic chaos is treated together with bifurcation theory and the intricacies of time delays. Modern information theoretical principles are discussed in further chapters, together with the notion of self-organized criticality, synchronization phenomena, and a game-theoretical treatment of the tragedy of the commons. The dynamical systems view of modern machine learning is presented in a new chapter.Chapters include exercises and suggestions for further reading. The textbook is suitable for graduate and advanced undergraduate students. The prerequisites are the basic mathematical tools of courses in natural sciences, computer science or engineering.
Complex, Intelligent and Software Intensive Systems: Proceedings of the 14th International Conference on Complex, Intelligent and Software Intensive Systems (CISIS-2020) (Advances in Intelligent Systems and Computing #1194)
by Leonard Barolli Tomoya Enokido Aneta Poniszewska-MarandaThis book explores three interwoven and challenging areas of research and development for future ICT-enabled applications: software intensive systems, complex systems and intelligent systems. Software intensive systems are systems that extensively interact with other systems, sensors, actuators, devices and users. More and more domains are now employing software intensive systems, e.g. the automotive sector, telecommunication systems, embedded systems in general, industrial automation systems and business applications. Moreover, the outcome of web services offers a new platform for enabling software intensive systems. Complex systems research is focused on the overall understanding of systems rather than their components. Complex systems are very much characterized by the changing environments in which they operate through their multiple internal and external interactions. They evolve and adapt through (internal and external) dynamic interactions. The development of intelligent systems and agents, which is increasingly characterized by the use of ontologies, can be beneficial for software intensive systems and complex systems alike. Accordingly, recent research in the areas of intelligent systems, robotics, neuroscience, artificial intelligence, and the cognitive sciences is essential to the future development of software intensive and complex systems.
Complex, Intelligent and Software Intensive Systems: Proceedings of the 15th International Conference on Complex, Intelligent and Software Intensive Systems (CISIS-2021) (Lecture Notes in Networks and Systems #278)
by Leonard Barolli Tomoya Enokido Kangbin YimThis book includes the proceedings of the 15th International Conference on Complex, Intelligent, and Software Intensive Systems, which took place in Asan, Korea, on July 1–3, 2021. Software intensive systems are systems, which heavily interact with other systems, sensors, actuators, devices, and other software systems and users. More and more domains are involved with software intensive systems, e.g., automotive, telecommunication systems, embedded systems in general, industrial automation systems, and business applications. Moreover, the outcome of web services delivers a new platform for enabling software intensive systems. Complex systems research is focused on the overall understanding of systems rather than its components. Complex systems are very much characterized by the changing environments in which they act by their multiple internal and external interactions. They evolve and adapt through internal and external dynamic interactions. The development of intelligent systems and agents, which is each time more characterized by the use of ontologies and their logical foundations build a fruitful impulse for both software intensive systems and complex systems. Recent research in the field of intelligent systems, robotics, neuroscience, artificial intelligence, and cognitive sciences is very important factor for the future development and innovation of software intensive and complex systems. The aim of the book is to deliver a platform of scientific interaction between the three interwoven challenging areas of research and development of future ICT-enabled applications: Software intensive systems, complex systems, and intelligent systems.
Complex, Intelligent and Software Intensive Systems: Proceedings of the 16th International Conference on Complex, Intelligent and Software Intensive Systems (CISIS-2022) (Lecture Notes in Networks and Systems #497)
by Leonard BarolliSoftware intensive systems are systems, which heavily interact with other systems, sensors, actuators, devices, other software systems, and users. More and more domains are involved with software intensive systems, e.g., automotive, telecommunication systems, embedded systems in general, industrial automation systems, and business applications. Moreover, the outcome of web services delivers a new platform for enabling software intensive systems. Complex systems research is focused on the overall understanding of systems rather than its components. Complex systems are very much characterized by the changing environments in which they act by their multiple internal and external interactions. They evolve and adapt through internal and external dynamic interactions. The development of intelligent systems and agents, which is each time more characterized by the use of ontologies and their logical foundations, builds a fruitful impulse for both software intensive systems and complex systems. Recent research in the field of intelligent systems, robotics, neuroscience, artificial intelligence, and cognitive sciences is a very important factor for the future development and innovation of software intensive and complex systems. The aim of the book “Complex, Intelligent and Software Intensive Systems” is to deliver a platform of scientific interaction between the three interwoven challenging areas of research and development of future ICT-enabled applications: software intensive systems, complex systems, and intelligent systems.
Complex, Intelligent and Software Intensive Systems: Proceedings of the 17th International Conference on Complex, Intelligent and Software Intensive Systems (CISIS-2023) (Lecture Notes on Data Engineering and Communications Technologies #176)
by Leonard BarolliThis book aims to deliver a platform of scientific interaction between the three interwoven challenging areas of research and development of future ICT-enabled applications: software intensive systems, complex systems and intelligent systems.Software intensive systems are systems, which heavily interact with other systems, sensors, actuators, devices, other software systems and users. More and more domains are involved with software intensive systems, e.g., automotive, telecommunication systems, embedded systems in general, industrial automation systems and business applications. Moreover, the outcome of web services delivers a new platform for enabling software intensive systems.Complex systems research is focused on the overall understanding of systems rather than its components. Complex systems are very much characterized by the changing environments in which they act by their multiple internal and external interactions. They evolve and adapt through internal and external dynamic interactions. The development of intelligent systems and agents, which is each time more characterized by the use of ontologies and their logical foundations, builds a fruitful impulse for both software intensive systems and complex systems. Recent research in the field of intelligent systems, robotics, neuroscience, artificial intelligence and cognitive sciences are very important factor for the future development and innovation of software intensive and complex systems.
Complex, Intelligent and Software Intensive Systems: Proceedings of the 18th International Conference on Complex, Intelligent and Software Intensive Systems (CISIS-2024) (Lecture Notes on Data Engineering and Communications Technologies #87)
by Leonard BarolliSoftware Intensive Systems are systems, which heavily interact with other systems, sensors, actuators, devices, other software systems and users. More and more domains are involved with software intensive systems, e.g. automotive, telecommunication systems, embedded systems in general, industrial automation systems and business applications. Moreover, the outcome of web services delivers a new platform for enabling software intensive systems. Complex Systems research is focused on the overall understanding of systems rather than its components. Complex Systems are very much characterized by the changing environments in which they act by their multiple internal and external interactions. They evolve and adapt through internal and external dynamic interactions. The development of Intelligent Systems and agents, which is each time more characterized by the use of ontologies and their logical foundations build a fruitful impulse for both Software Intensive Systems and Complex Systems. Recent research in the field of intelligent systems, robotics, neuroscience, artificial intelligence, and cognitive sciences are very important factor for the future development and innovation of software intensive and complex systems. The aim of the volume “Complex, Intelligent and Software Intensive Systems” is to deliver a platform of scientific interaction between the three interwoven challenging areas of research and development of future ICT-enabled applications: Software Intensive Systems, Complex systems and Intelligent Systems.
Complex, Intelligent and Software Intensive Systems: Proceedings of the 19th International Conference on Complex, Intelligent, and Software Intensive Systems (CISIS-2025), Volume 2 (Lecture Notes on Data Engineering and Communications Technologies #261)
by Isaac Woungang Leonard Barolli Tomoya EnokidoSoftware intensive systems are systems which heavily interact with other systems, sensors, actuators, devices, other software systems and users. More and more domains are involved with software intensive systems, e.g., automotive systems, telecommunication systems, embedded systems in general, industrial automation systems and business applications. Moreover, the outcome of web services delivers a new platform for enabling software intensive systems. Complex systems research is focused on the overall understanding of systems rather than their components. Complex systems are very much characterized by the changing environments in which they act by their multiple internal and external interactions. They evolve and adapt through internal and external dynamic interactions.The development of intelligent systems and agents, which can be characterized by ontologies and their logical foundations builds a fruitful impulse for both software intensive systems and complex systems. Recent researches in the field of intelligent systems, robotics, neuroscience, artificial intelligence, and cognitive sciences are very important factors for the future development and innovation of software intensive and complex systems.The aim of the book is to deliver a platform of scientific interaction between the three interwoven challenging areas of research and development of future ICT-enabled applications: software intensive systems, complex systems, and intelligent systems.
Complex-Valued Neural Networks Systems with Time Delay: Stability Analysis and (Anti-)Synchronization Control (Intelligent Control and Learning Systems #4)
by Jian Chen Zhen Wang Ziye Zhang Chong LinThis book provides up-to-date developments in the stability analysis and (anti-)synchronization control area for complex-valued neural networks systems with time delay. It brings out the characteristic systematism in them and points out further insight to solve relevant problems. It presents a comprehensive, up-to-date, and detailed treatment of dynamical behaviors including stability analysis and (anti-)synchronization control. The materials included in the book are mainly based on the recent research work carried on by the authors in this domain.The book is a useful reference for all those from senior undergraduates, graduate students, to senior researchers interested in or working with control theory, applied mathematics, system analysis and integration, automation, nonlinear science, computer and other related fields, especially those relevant scientific and technical workers in the research of complex-valued neural network systems, dynamic systems, and intelligent control theory.
Complex-shaped Metal Nanoparticles
by Tapan K. Sau Andrey L. RogachThe past few years have witnessed the development of non-spherical metal nanoparticles with complex morphologies, which offer tremendous potential in materials science, chemistry, physics and medicine.Covering all important aspects and techniques of preparation and characterization of metal nanoparticles with controlled morphology and architecture, this book provides a sound overview - from the basics right up to recent developments. Renowned research scientists from all over the world present the existing knowledge in the field, covering theory and modeling, synthesis and properties of these nanomaterials. By emphasizing the underlying concepts and principles in detail, this book enables researchers to fully recognize the future research scope and the application potential of the complex-shaped metal nanoparticles, inspiring further research in this field.Reviews"Complex-shaped Metal Nanoparticles: Bottom-Up Syntheses and Applications is an extremely useful reference, whether the reader is interested in synthesis, application or theory ofcomplex-shaped nanoparticles." From Platninum Metal Reviews
Complexities 1: Various Approaches in the Field of Techno-Scientific Knowledge
by Jean-Pierre Briffaut Philippe KourilskyComplexity is not a new issue. In fact, in their day, William of Ockham and René Descartes proposed what can best be described as reductionist methods for dealing with it. Over the course of the twentieth century, a science of complexity has emerged in an ever-increasing number of fields (computer science, artificial intelligence, engineering, among others), and has now become an integral part of everyday life. As a result, everyone is confronted with increasingly complex situations that need to be understood and analyzed from a global perspective, to ensure the sustainability of our common future. Complexities 1 analyzes how complexity is understood and dealt with in the fields of cybersecurity, medicine, mathematics and information. This broad spectrum of disciplines shows that all fields of knowledge are challenged by complexity. The following volume, Complexities 2, examines the social sciences and humanities in relation to complexity.
Complexities: Women in Mathematics
by Anne M. Leggett Bettye Anne CaseSophie Germain taught herself mathematics by candlelight, huddled in her bedclothes. Ada Byron Lovelace anticipated aspects of general-purpose digital computing by more than a century. Cora Ratto de Sadosky advanced messages of tolerance and equality while sharing her mathematical talents with generations of students. This captivating book gives voice to women mathematicians from the late eighteenth century through to the present day. It documents the complex nature of the conditions women around the world have faced--and continue to face--while pursuing their careers in mathematics. The stories of the three women above and those of many more appear here, each one enlightening and inspiring. The earlier parts of the book provide historical context and perspective, beginning with excursions into the lives of fifteen women born before 1920. Included are histories of collective efforts to improve women's opportunities in research mathematics. In addition, a photo essay puts a human face on the subject as it illustrates women's contributions in professional associations. More than eighty women from academe, government, and the private sector provide a rich mélange of insights and strategies for creating workable career paths while maintaining rewarding personal lives. The book discusses related social and cultural issues, and includes a summary of recent comparative data relating to women and men in mathematics and women from other sciences. First-person accounts provide explicit how-tos; many narratives demonstrate great determination and perseverance. Talented women vividly portray their pleasure in discovering new mathematics. The senior among them speak out candidly, interweaving their mathematics with autobiographical detail. At the beginning of a new century, women at all stages of their careers share their outlooks and experiences. Clear, engaging, and meticulously researched, Complexities will inspire young women who are contemplating careers in mathematics and will speak to women in many fields of endeavor and walks of life.
Complexity Challenges in Cyber Physical Systems: Using Modeling and Simulation (M&S) to Support Intelligence, Adaptation and Autonomy (Stevens Institute Series on Complex Systems and Enterprises)
by Andreas Tolk Saurabh MittalOffers a one-stop reference on the application of advanced modeling and simulation (M&S) in cyber physical systems (CPS) engineering This book provides the state-of-the-art in methods and technologies that aim to elaborate on the modeling and simulation support to cyber physical systems (CPS) engineering across many sectors such as healthcare, smart grid, or smart home. It presents a compilation of simulation-based methods, technologies, and approaches that encourage the reader to incorporate simulation technologies in their CPS engineering endeavors, supporting management of complexity challenges in such endeavors. Complexity Challenges in Cyber Physical Systems: Using Modeling and Simulation (M&S) to Support Intelligence, Adaptation and Autonomy is laid out in four sections. The first section provides an overview of complexities associated with the application of M&S to CPS Engineering. It discusses M&S in the context of autonomous systems involvement within the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO). The second section provides a more detailed description of the challenges in applying modeling to the operation, risk and design of holistic CPS. The third section delves in details of simulation support to CPS engineering followed by the engineering practices to incorporate the cyber element to build resilient CPS sociotechnical systems. Finally, the fourth section presents a research agenda for handling complexity in application of M&S for CPS engineering. In addition, this text: Introduces a unifying framework for hierarchical co-simulations of cyber physical systems (CPS) Provides understanding of the cycle of macro-level behavior dynamically arising from spaciotemporal interactions between parts at the micro-level Describes a simulation platform for characterizing resilience of CPS Complexity Challenges in Cyber Physical Systems has been written for researchers, practitioners, lecturers, and graduate students in computer engineering who want to learn all about M&S support to addressing complexity in CPS and its applications in today’s and tomorrow’s world.
Complexity Management in Engineering Design – a Primer
by Maik MaurerThe treatise supports understanding the phenomena of complexity in engineering, distinguishes complexity from other challenges and presents an overview of definitions and applied approaches. The historical background of complexity management is explained by highlighting the important epochs, their key actors and their discoveries, findings and developments. Knowing about the appearance of early system awareness in ancient Greece, the creation of mechanical philosophy in the 17th century and the discovery of classic physics enables the reader to better comprehend modern system sciences and management approaches. A classification of complexity management approaches by research fields indicates current focus areas and starting points for future discussions. In a comprehensive map, the classification points out mutual overlaps between engineering disciplines in terms of similar complexity management approaches. Finally, the treatise introduces a generic complexity management framework, which is based on structural management approaches.
Complexity Management with the K-Method: Price Structures, IT and Controlling for Procurement of Packaging Materials
by Daniel Kossmann Donald KossmannThe book describes the K-Method which has been developed by the authors. The purpose of the K-Method is to negotiate and administrate a complex portfolio of customised materials, all belonging to the same purchasing group (e. g. labels). The underlying idea is to agree prices for specification features, instead of giving each material an individual price based on its unique specification. By doing so, a price formula will be agreed between the buyer and supplier which even defines prices of future materials with any kind of specification.
Complexity Measurements and Causation for Dynamic Complex Systems (Understanding Complex Systems)
by Juan Guillermo Diaz OchoaThis book examines the problems of causal determinism and limited completeness in systems theory. Furthermore, the author analyzes options for complexity measurements that include systems&’ autonomy and variability for causal inference—i.e., the ability to derive causal relationships from data recorded as a function of time. Such complexity measures present limitations in the derivation of absolute causality in complex systems and the recognition of relative and contextual causality, with practical consequences for causal inference and modeling. Finally, the author provides concepts for relative causal determinism. As a result, new ideas are presented to explore the frontiers of systems theory, specifically in relation to biological systems and teleonomy, i.e., evolved biological purposiveness. This book is written for graduate students in physics, biology, medicine, social sciences, economics, and engineering who are seeking new concepts of causal inference applied in systems theory. It is also intended for scientists with an interest in philosophy and philosophers interested in the foundations of systems theory. Additionally, data scientists seeking new methods for the analysis of time series to extract features useful for machine learning will find this book of interest.
Complexity Science in Air Traffic Management
by Andrew Cook Damián RivasAir traffic management (ATM) comprises a highly complex socio-technical system that keeps air traffic flowing safely and efficiently, worldwide, every minute of the year. Over the last few decades, several ambitious ATM performance improvement programmes have been undertaken. Such programmes have mostly delivered local technological solutions, whilst corresponding ATM performance improvements have fallen short of stakeholder expectations. In hindsight, this can be substantially explained from a complexity science perspective: ATM is simply too complex to address through classical approaches such as system engineering and human factors. In order to change this, complexity science has to be embraced as ATM's 'best friend'. The applicability of complexity science paradigms to the analysis and modelling of future operations is driven by the need to accommodate long-term air traffic growth within an already-saturated ATM infrastructure. Complexity Science in Air Traffic Management is written particularly, but not exclusively, for transport researchers, though it also has a complementary appeal to practitioners, supported through the frequent references made to practical examples and operational themes such as performance, airline strategy, passenger mobility, delay propagation and free-flight safety. The book should also have significant appeal beyond the transport domain, due to its intrinsic value as an exposition of applied complexity science and applied research, drawing on examples of simulations and modelling throughout, with corresponding insights into the design of new concepts and policies, and the understanding of complex phenomena that are invisible to classical techniques.
Complexity Theories of Cities Have Come of Age: An Overview with Implications to Urban Planning and Design
by Juval Portugali Egbert Stolk Ekim Tan Han MeyerToday, our cities are an embodiment of the complex, historical evolution of knowledge, desires and technology. Our planned and designed activities co-evolve with our aspirations, mediated by the existing technologies and social structures. The city represents the accretion and accumulation of successive layers of collective activity, structuring and being structured by other, increasingly distant cities, reaching now right around the globe. This historical and structural development cannot therefore be understood or captured by any set of fixed quantitative relations. Structural changes imply that the patterns of growth, and their underlying reasons change over time, and therefore that any attempt to control the morphology of cities and their patterns of flow by means of planning and design, must be dynamical, based on the mechanisms that drive the changes occurring at a given moment. This carefully edited post-proceedings volume gathers a snapshot view by leading researchers in field, of current complexity theories of cities. In it, the achievements, criticisms and potentials yet to be realized are reviewed and the implications to planning and urban design are assessed.
Complexity Theory and Project Management
by Gordon Robert L. Wanda CurleeAn insightful view on how to use the power of complexity theory to manage projects more successfully Current management practices require adherence to rigid, global responses unsuitable for addressing the changing needs of most projects. Complexity Theory and Project Management shifts this paradigm to create opportunities for expanding the decision-making process in ways that promote flexibility-and increase effectiveness. It informs readers on the managerial challenges of juggling project requirements, and offers them a clear roadmap on how to revise perspectives and reassess priorities to excel despite having an unpredictable workflow. Complexity Theory and Project Management provides remedies through the use of teaching notes, power point slides, a solutions manual, and a toolbox of answers to common project management problems to illustrate how the deployment of complexity theory can make a project more successful. One of the first books covering the subject of complexity theory for project management, this useful guide: Explains the relationship of complexity theory to virtual project management Supplies techniques, tips, and suggestions for building effective and successful teams in the virtual environment Presents current information about best practices and relevant proactive tools Makes a strong case for including complexity theory in PMI's PMBOK Guide Complexity Theory and Project Management gives a firsthand view on the future of complexity theory as a driving force in the management field, and allows project managers to get a head start in applying its principles immediately to produce more favorable outcomes.
Complexity and Control in Quantum Photonics (Springer Theses)
by Peter ShadboltThis work explores the scope and flexibility afforded by integrated quantum photonics, both in terms of practical problem-solving, and for the pursuit of fundamental science. The author demonstrates and fully characterizes a two-qubit quantum photonic chip, capable of arbitrary two-qubit state preparation. Making use of the unprecedented degree of reconfigurability afforded by this device, a novel variation on Wheeler's delayed choice experiment is implemented, and a new technique to obtain nonlocal statistics without a shared reference frame is tested. Also presented is a new algorithm for quantum chemistry, simulating the helium hydride ion. Finally, multiphoton quantum interference in a large Hilbert space is demonstrated, and its implications for computational complexity are examined.
Complexity and Emergence in Market Ecosystems (New Economic Windows)
by Francesco Polese Debora Sarno Stephen Louis VargoThis book delves into the intricacies of transformative processes, focusing particularly on radical and disruptive changes that shape markets, social systems, organizations, cities, and service ecosystems. In a world characterized by turbulence, unpredictability, and complex challenges, managers and marketers are tasked with navigating change and driving progress. Drawing on frameworks, typologies, and insights from diverse theories—including complexity theory, emergence theory, and service-dominant logic—this book equips academics and practitioners with the tools to analyze, understand, and facilitate the transformation of their systems. Rooted in research and discussions from international academic events such as the Naples Forum on Service and the Forum of Markets and Marketing, this book offers invaluable guidance for those seeking to design sustainable transformations in today's dynamic landscape.
Complexity and Resilience in the Social and Ecological Sciences
by Eoin FlahertyThis book introduces a new approach to environmental sociology, by integrating complexity-informed social science, Marxian ecological theory, and resilience-based human ecology. It argues that sociologists have largely ignored developments in ecology which move beyond functionalist approaches to systems analysis, and as a result, environmental sociology has failed to capitalise not only on the analytical promise of resilience ecology, but on complementary developments in complexity theory. By tracing the origins and discussing current developments in each of these areas, it offers several paths to interdisciplinary dialogue. Eoin Flaherty argues that complexity theory and Marxian ecology can enhance our understanding of the social aspect of social-ecological systems, whilst a resilience approach can sharpen the analytical power of environmental sociology.
Compliance and Initiative in the Production of Safety: A Systems Perspective on Managing Tensions and Building Complementarity (SpringerBriefs in Applied Sciences and Technology)
by Benoît Journé Jean-Christophe Le CozeThis open access book addresses the idea that there are two ways to go about achieving a safe working environment. The text challenges the prevailing notion that compliance with a rule system, imposed from the top of an organization and designed to anticipate possible hazards in system operation, is really incompatible with the idea that the professional expertise of front-line workers is what promotes safe outcomes despite inevitable unanticipated perturbations. The contributors, drawn from academic and industrial backgrounds, demonstrate that rather than being at odds with each other, rules-compliance and proactivity are in fact complementary resources the coexistence of which increases safety. Furthermore, the implications of this approach extend beyond safety, being relevant to business performance, strategies for innovation and system resilience as well.The book steps back from an exclusive focus on front-line work to explore the way in which compliance and initiative are articulated at different levels within the hierarchy of a firm, right up to that of top management. Further, the contributors analyze the way in which safety authorities, the justice system, and the general public perceive and interpret such strategies, in particular in the aftermath of major events.This book deals with issues of interest to researchers and graduate students in safety science and organization studies and to members of expert bodies and experts in industry and consultancy concerned with similar subjects.
Compliance or Defiance?: Assessing the Implementation of Policy Prescriptions for Commercialization by Water Operators (IHE Delft PhD Thesis Series)
by Mireia TutusausWhereas the global water community may have reached consensus on the need for water providers to operate on the basis of commercial principles, staff of water utilities are faced with the challenge of implementing these principles in their everyday work. In the everyday domain, these principles appear to directly conflict with the mandate of water operators to provide water services to all. Moreover, the socio-political, economic and bio-physical context in which these water operate may be ill-suited to implement commercialization. In pursuing commercialization these operators adapt, reinterpret, modify, deflect, alter or betray the original principles of commercialization during implementation. This research takes inspiration from the rich literature on policy implementation and policy translation, which argues that policy models need to be transformed and modified if they are to be successfully adopted or implemented. This research analyzes the alterations visible in the daily implementation of commercial models of water provisioning and, in doing so, present a better understanding of how water operators implement policy prescriptions of commercialization in practice. Based on the analysis of the adaptations and (re)interpretations of the implemented model of commercialization in the different cases, this thesis argues that a new way of speaking about commercialization should be developed.