A question of interpretation: The Viable System Model (VSM)

Stephen A. Harwood

European Journal of Operational Research, 2019, vol. 274, issue 3, 1198-1201

Abstract: Smith and Shaw (2018) The characteristics of problem structuring methods: A literature review. European Journal of Operational Research. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ejor.2018.05.003) offer an interesting insight into the characteristics of problem structuring methods (PSMs) grounding this upon a literature review. However, their evaluation of Stafford Beer's Viable System Model (VSM) is open to a different interpretation to the one they offer, drawing upon significant literatures seemingly not considered. Whilst Smith and Shaw argue that the VSM is not a PSM, the characterisation of the VSM presented in this short communication suggests that in terms of the thirteen questions posed by these authors, that indeed, the VSM can be viewed as PSM.

Keywords: Problem structuring methods; Viable system model; Models; Cybernetics; Soft OR (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2019
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (5)

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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:eee:ejores:v:274:y:2019:i:3:p:1198-1201

DOI: 10.1016/j.ejor.2018.10.054

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