Suchergebnisse

1 Introduction to Complex Systems -- 1.1 Finite Complex Systems -- 1.2 Some Concepts of Complexity -- 1.3 Fundamental Issues of Complexity -- 1.4 Multi-level System and Control -- 1.5 Design and Algebraic Systems -- 1.6 Models Using Catastrophe Theory -- 1.7 Aspects of FCS Modelling -- 1.8 Computer Models and Man Machine Interaction -- Note -- References -- 2* Mathematics of Machines, Semigroups and Complexity -- 2.1 Finite State Machines -- 2.2 Definitions and Bounds of Complexity -- 2.3 Machines and Semigroups -- 2.4 The Krohn-Rhodes Prime Decomposition Theorem for Finite Semigroups and Machines -- 2.5 An Application of the Prime Decomposition Theorem — Some Results on Combinatorial Semigroups -- 2.6 Calculating the Complexity of a Transformation Semigroup -- 2.7 The Generalized Model -- References -- 3 Complexity and Dynamics -- 3.1 Introduction and Motivation -- 3.2 Competitive Processes and Dynamical Systems -- 3.3 Description of a Dynamic System -- 3.4 Axioms of Complexity -- 3.5 Evolution Complexity -- 3.6 Dynamic Systems of Resource Depletion -- 3.7 Complexity in Thom's Program -- 3.8 Policy Conclusions -- Notes -- References -- 4 Structural Characteristics in Economic Models -- 4.1 Introduction -- 4.2 Preliminary Considerations -- 4.3 Decomposable Systems -- 4.4 Systems Modelling and Complexity -- 4.5 Structure of the Model -- 4.6 The Model's Basic Set of Relationships -- 4.7 Evaluation of Complexity -- 4.8 Discussion -- 4.9 Comparison with some Studies on the Economics of Organization -- Note -- References -- 5 Complexity, Bounded Rationality and Problem-Solving -- 5.1 Introduction -- 5.2 Bounded Rationality -- 5.3 Problem Solving -- 5.4 An Overview of Algorithmic Complexity and Problem-Solving -- 5.5 A Case in Heuristics: General Problem-Solving (GPS) -- 5.6 Planning -- 5.7 Conclusions -- Appendix: Problem-Solving for Energy Technology Assessment -- Notes -- References -- 6 Complexity and Decision Rules -- 6.1 Introduction -- 6.2 Background and Motivation -- 6.3 Choice Processes and Complexity -- 6.4 An Example of a Decision or Search Rule -- 6.5 A Social Choice Machine -- 6.6 Complexity of Decision Rules -- 6.7 A Construction of Compatible Decision Rules -- 6.8 Summary and Extension -- Notes -- References -- 7 Complexity and Organizational Decision-Making -- 7.1 Introduction -- 7.2 Organizational Structures and Performance -- 7.3 Organizations and Environments -- 7.4 A Real-time Organization -- 7.5 Information Technology -- 7.6 Costs of Information Processing -- 7.7 A Simple Machine Model of Organizational Design -- 7.8 Organizational Malfunctioning and Design -- 7.9 The Case of Line Organization -- 7.10 The Parallel Processing Line -- 7.11 The Case of Staff Organization -- 7.12 The Staff Acting as an Input Filter -- 7.13 Optimization Problem of the Staff Design -- 7.14 The Alternately Processing Staff -- 7.15 The Parallel Processing Staff -- 7.16 Some Practical Aspects of Organizational Design -- Notes -- References -- Index of Names -- Index of Subjects.

We suggest a two-country, two-sector model as a basis for the control of global climate change in which the dynamic time path of the world economy is analysed under the provision that the outcomes of a negotiation game generate the global optimal solution.

This paper attempts to show how complexity can defeat the analysis, prediction and control of large-scale dynamic systems. Some characteristics and facets of complexity are explored, and three research strategies are discussed which lead to a satisfactory treatment of complexity in dynamic systems. The research strategies relate to (i) the control-theoretic, hierarchical approach, (ii) the design-oriented, algebraic approach, (iii) models using catastrophe theory. The virtues of these approaches are compared, and some practical difficulties in dealing with complex systems are discussed.