Methodology of Complex Activity

The methodology of complex activity (MCA) is a system of formal models that, from a systems science perspective, generalizes nontrivial human activity and the operation of enterprises and complex (sociotechnical) systems. Complex activity (CA) is defined as one with a nontrivial internal structure and with multiple and/or changing actors/players, methods, and roles of the subject matter of activity in its relevant context. A dialectically coupled pair – a complex activity and a sociotechnical system that is a complex player in activity – is the subject matter of MCA. The complexity of the activity requires the study of: The structure of complex activity. Not only the CA itself – its direct implementation – but also the organization of the CA, the creation of its technology. Therefore, CA is considered during the whole lifecycle – from demand to reflection. The uncertainty of CA, including the active choice of people and their creative activity. Uncertainty is considered not only a source of problems but also a source of development – the creation of a new CA. As a result of studying complex activity: CA is a primary element in the pair . Practically all the elements of CA, excluding elementary operations, are management in a broad sense. Only a synthesis of the technology of another CA is a creative and actual complex activity. The remaining elements of CA are largely routine and mechanistic. It is the synthesis that determines the future result of CA and the effectiveness of CA to the greatest extent.