Preface to Part I Complex Systems

The world is increasingly moving towards a complex web of systems. The reductionist scientific paradigm of studying closely one part at a time is not sufficient enough to understand structural and functional features of these systems. The field of complex systems focuses on interactions and functions between parts that lead to the emergence of new order and coherence which is only evident in the system as a whole. This system view approach is necessary to make better decisions about complex systems and to prevent negative unintended consequences. Research in complex systems cuts across all science, engineering and management disciplines and provides a variety of tools including conceptual tools to help us think and understand the characteristics of these systems, analytical tools to help us study these systems in greater depth, and simulation models to help us analyze the dynamics of these systems. Part I of this book presents a wide variety of research aimed at increasing our understanding of complex systems. These papers are arranged in several sub-themes: Characteristics of complexity: These papers contribute to our understanding of complexity. Along this theme, Heydari and Dalili present a general design decision framework for modularity and fractionation in complex systems. Abuelenin and Abul-Magd use the Random Matrix Theory to analyse spectral fluctuations of complex networks. Challenges of managing complexity: These papers present a view of the complexity within organizations and propose methodologies of managing organizational complexity. Along this theme, Omarova et al propose a methodology for finding adaptive loops in complex organizations based on the adaptive decision making process in human behavior. Rapaport and Ireland explore the interconnectedness in complex regional conflicts and discuss application of complex system methods in regional conflicts and international disputes. Ireland et al discuss wicked problems as a subset of complex projects and discuss system thinking techniques for dealing with these problems. Complexity and modelling: These papers present various modeling approaches to support complex system design. Along this theme, Wang and Dagli present a holistic modeling approach that combines the capabilities of Object Process Methodology (OPM), Colored Petri Net (CPN) and feature model to capture the structural, behavior, and dynamic aspects of a system during system architecture development. Hoyland Available online at www.sciencedirect.com