Decision and Control: The Meaning of Operational Research and Management CyberneticsPresents the basic approaches underlying Stafford Beer's thinking since the publication of his first book in 1959. Deals with a philosophy of science relevant to management and particularly with the nature of models. Demonstrates all major points through examples quoted of management science applications to industry and government. |
Contents
Connective Summary | 1 |
An Initial Posture | 3 |
On Fixing Belief | 17 |
Copyright | |
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activity actually answer argument automation behaviour black box brain chapter complete concept conceptual model considered control system cost course cybernetic cybernetician decision decision theory decision-taking demand depth charge diagram difficulty discussed enterprise entropy example existing experience fact feedback Figure firm forecast formal formal languages given happens homeostasis homeostat homomorphic industrial ingots input interaction kind language large number linear programming logical machine managerial mapping mathematical matter means measure mechanism ment metalanguage method nature no-one notion operational research optimal organization outcome output particular pattern phase space possible practice precisely predictive probabilism probability problem production real-life reason relevant requisite variety responsible scientific model scientist self-organizing self-organizing system servomechanics solution specify statistical stochastic stochastic network strategy structure sub-system techniques theory things thinking thought block tion variables viable systems whole world situation