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Operational research and critical systems thinking—an integrated perspective. Part 1: OR as applied systems thinking

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  • W Ulrich

    (1] University of Fribourg, Fribourg, Switzerland[2] The Open University, Milton Keynes, UK)

Abstract

What does good OR practice mean, and what can critical systems thinking (CST) do for it? This two-part essay proposes new answers to both questions. It reaches out to the wider community of OR professionals and explains from their perspective what CST is all about and why it matters for good practice. Part 1 first reviews the idea and history of systems thinking in OR, as a basis for properly situating CST within OR. It then offers a comparative, non-partisan account of the two strands of CST, critical systems heuristics and total systems intervention, and identifies their combined potential in an ability to enhance the contextual sophistication of OR. The prevalent but inaccurate notion of the history of OR as a linear evolution from ‘hard’ to ‘soft’ and ‘critical’ systems thinking is replaced by an integrated perspective of OR as applied systems thinking.

Suggested Citation

  • W Ulrich, 2012. "Operational research and critical systems thinking—an integrated perspective. Part 1: OR as applied systems thinking," Journal of the Operational Research Society, Palgrave Macmillan;The OR Society, vol. 63(9), pages 1228-1247, September.
    • Handle: RePEc:pal:jorsoc:v:63:y:2012:i:9:p:1228-1247
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    Citations

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    Cited by:

    1. Daniel Ebakoleaneh Ufua, 2020. "Exploring the Effectiveness of Boundary Critique in an Intervention: a Case in the Niger Delta Region, Nigeria," Systemic Practice and Action Research, Springer, vol. 33(5), pages 485-499, October.
    2. Örsan Şenalp & Gerald Midgley, 2023. "Alexander Bogdanov and the question of unity: An emerging research agenda," Systems Research and Behavioral Science, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 40(2), pages 328-348, March.
    3. Ranyard, J.C. & Fildes, R. & Hu, Tun-I, 2015. "Reassessing the scope of OR practice: The Influences of Problem Structuring Methods and the Analytics Movement," European Journal of Operational Research, Elsevier, vol. 245(1), pages 1-13.
    4. Luis Arturo Pinzon‐Salcedo & Juanita Bernal‐Alvarado, 2022. "Dealing with complexity by using multilevel system boundary models," Systems Research and Behavioral Science, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 39(2), pages 175-184, March.
    5. Ormerod, Richard J. & Ulrich, Werner, 2013. "Operational research and ethics: A literature review," European Journal of Operational Research, Elsevier, vol. 228(2), pages 291-307.
    6. Gerald Midgley & Erik Lindhult, 2021. "A systems perspective on systemic innovation," Systems Research and Behavioral Science, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 38(5), pages 635-670, October.
    7. Daniel E. Ufua & Odunayo P. Salau & Joseph A. Dada & Mosunmola O. Adeyeye, 2020. "Application of Systems Approach to Achieving Cleaner and Sustainable Environment: A study of Waste Dumping Issue on Idiroko Road, Ota, Ogun State, Nigeria," Working Papers 20/007, European Xtramile Centre of African Studies (EXCAS).
    8. Slavica P. Petrovic, 2015. "Systemic intervention in creative managing problems in enterprises," Journal of Business Economics and Management, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 16(5), pages 949-961, October.
    9. Daniel E. Ufua & Odunayo P. Salau & Joseph A. Dada & Mosunmola O. Adeyeye, 2020. "Application of Systems Approach to Achieving Cleaner and Sustainable Environment: A study of Waste Dumping Issue on Idiroko Road, Ota, Ogun State, Nigeria," Working Papers of the African Governance and Development Institute. 20/007, African Governance and Development Institute..
    10. Daniel E. Ufua & Odunayo P. Salau & Joseph A. Dada & Mosunmola O. Adeyeye, 2020. "Application of Systems Approach to Achieving Cleaner and Sustainable Environment: A study of Waste Dumping Issue on Idiroko Road, Ota, Ogun State, Nigeria," Research Africa Network Working Papers 20/007, Research Africa Network (RAN).
    11. Ormerod, R.J., 2014. "Critical rationalism in practice: Strategies to manage subjectivity in OR investigations," European Journal of Operational Research, Elsevier, vol. 235(3), pages 784-797.

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