perhaps of interest ... ---------- Forwarded message ---------- From: Michelle Smith <[email protected]> Date: Thu, Jun 9, 2011 at 8:04 PM Subject: Complexity Demystified To: [email protected] Dear Michel, *"For every complex problem there is a solution * *that is simple, neat and wrong"* H.L.Mencken The word complexity gets used at every turn by politicians, policy-makers, managers, community leaders and so on, usually as an excuse for making a poor decision or for reaching only a partial solution to a problem. The trouble is: - By default, we tend to look for simple linear solutions to problems - Linear approches always reduce or avoid the complexity of an issue - Complexity, by its very nature, can't be *managed* or *solved* Management thinkers have turned to complexity theory for a new methodology that takes account of our interconnected and rapidly changing environment. * But,* *when it comes to putting the theory into practice, much of it can feel about as clear as mud*. According to Patrick Beautement and Christine Broenner, complexity practice isn't rocket science. By demystifying the theory, their practical Approach gives us the confidence to take *2 key steps*: *Step 1: to **embrace* complexity rather than try to solve or avoid it. *Step 2:* to understand and apply familiar terms like emergence, co-evolution, self-organisation, the edge of chaos, etc. in our work and daily lives. *Complexity Demystified*<http://www.triarchypress.com/pages/ComplexityDemystified.htm> presents a clear Framework for applying a range of complexity techniques. *Part 1 *of this 2-part Guide evaluates and explains: - the utility and limitations of academic complexity - how to be positioned, by design, to be adaptive and able to engage with constantly evolving situations - how to engage with dynamic phenomena on the fly - how to use their Approach and Framework for 'putting complexity to work' In *Part 2 *the practical application of the Approach is then considered in relation to six case studies. Each case study explains how to understand and work with the underlying complexity of that particular context. The book is written for managers, project managers, team leaders, 'change leaders', strategists, policy makers and concerned citizens as well as university students from a broad set of disciplines. Read more about *Complexity Demystified *and save £7.00 if you buy it.<http://www.triarchypress.com/pages/ComplexityDemystified.htm> Thanks for reading, Michelle Smith ========== *About Triarchy Press* Triarchy Press <http://www.triarchypress.co.uk/pages/triarchy.htm> is an independent publisher of books and pamphlets, focusing on organisations, how they work and the way we work in them. [email protected] ~ www.triarchypress.com * <http://www.triarchypress.com/pages/ComplexityDemystified.htm>* *Foreword by* *Professor Brian Collins, Chief Scientific Advisor, Uk Department for Transport and Department for Business, Innovation and Skills* ... Practitioners who are engaged in dealing with complex issues across diverse domains and contexts will find this book illuminating, thought provoking and most of all useful - in guiding them to... understand and then exploit that understanding for greater purpose... It should be on the bookshelf of anyone seriously engaged with any complex issue." *Patrick Beautement has over 25 years experience of implementing innovative studies and high-profile evaluations for government, academia and commerce. He has been lead facilitator for a set of UK government sponsored workshops involving practitioners.* *Christine Broenner has worked with practitioners in many domains and in international research and educational institutions. She has been involved in projects in Europe, as well as in technical assistance missions for development cooperation in Africa and Asia.* *Special Offer - save £7.00 when you order the book from our website <http://www.triarchypress.com/pages/ComplexityDemystified.htm> * This message was sent to [email protected] from: Triarchy Press | Station Offices | Axminster, Devon EX13 5PF, United Kingdom Email Marketing by [image: iContact - Try It Free!]<http://www.icontact.com/a.pl/144186> Manage Your Subscription <http://app.icontact.com/icp/mmail-mprofile.pl?r=11844980&l=8220&s=CH3A&m=5607746&c=43399> -- P2P Foundation: http://p2pfoundation.net - http://blog.p2pfoundation.net Connect: http://p2pfoundation.ning.com; Discuss: http://lists.ourproject.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/p2p-foundation Updates: http://del.icio.us/mbauwens; http://friendfeed.com/mbauwens; http://twitter.com/mbauwens; http://www.facebook.com/mbauwens