Decision and Control: The meaning of Operational Research and Management Cybernetics

Description

Presents the basic approaches underlying Stafford Beer's thinking since the publication of his first book in 1959. Deals with a philosophy of science relevant to management and particularly with the nature of models. Demonstrates all major points through examples quoted of management science applications to industry and government. About Stafford Beer Title Page Copyright Dedication Preface Part I The Nature of Operational Research   1. An Initial Posture   2. On Fixing Belief   3. Some Dangerous Precedents   4. The Wedged Bear   5. The New Look Part II The Activity of Operational Research   6. About Models   7. Models in Aspic   8. The Formal Languages   9. A Walk in the Ramified System   10. Apollo's Gift Part III The Relevance of Cybernetics   11. About Systems   12. Coping with Complexity   13. Controlling Operations   14. Self-Organizing Systems   15. Controlling Enterprises Part IV Outcomes   16. The Outcome for Industry   17. Information and Automation   18. The Outcome for Government   19. The Outcome for Management Science   20. On Practicability Index