The activity of strategic management is important because it is the activity through which the structure of an organisation is developed and adapted in relation to its environment. The activities within an organisation are systematised within structures because they enable the organisation to ensure the effectiveness of those activities, and there already exist teaching methods appropriate for training managers in the operation of such structures. Few teaching methods exist however for teaching managers about structure itself. This paper initially discusses what structure is, and then goes on to describe an approach to the support of managers learning about structure: how structure can be related to the activities of managers, and how managers can explore the implications of adopting alternative structures within their organisation. The paper puts forward symbols for describing structure. It is then shown how the symbols can be combined by a manager to describe a particular organisational context in the form of a simulator, and how the resulting design can be transformed into the form of a computer program. This enables the resulting simulator to be used by the manager to explore the implications of adopting particular structural choices as he has defined them within the organisation. Finally, the nature of the teacher’s role is considered when supporting the learning of managers using this approach.
Proceedings of the 25th International Meeting of the Society of General Systems Research, Springer-Verlag.
Abstract:
The concept of managing metamorphosis is developed as the conscious process of exercising strategic control. It is argued that for such structural change to be managed, both those effecting and affected by change must be able to consider the ideological assumptions implicit in their actions. It is further argued that the form of language present in consciousness can be disabling in its inability to support such consideration, and therefore restricts the manager’s ability to experience stability within himself and quality outside himself by making him dependent. The use of media which extend the properties of language by being trebly articulated is described, and the ability of such media to support the development of intentionality is explained. It is concluded that such media can be used to enable the development of consciousness and the managing of metamorphosis.
International Journal of Man-Machine Studies, 11, 547-583
The paper describes a method of computer assisted reflective learning capable of being used by managers. The method enables managers to explore the value of their past experience in relation to a particular problem context; to consider how their own experience relates to that of other managers; and finally to create design criteria for strategic options within a problem context capable of commanding a consensus between the managers. The paper concludes that the method represents a new departure in the use of computers for supporting strategic management.
Title: A Project Proposal for the Development of a Computer-Assisted Management Development Package
Author: Philip Boxer
Category: Working
Publication Year: 1974
A learner-controlled system for the integration of specialist knowledge and the development of problem-solving ability in uncertain environments.