Primarily this book demonstrates how to interpret and apply soft systems concepts in practical situations. It bridges the gap between pragmatists and academics in the systems field by approaching the subject from a practical viewpoint, first translating the language of systems into common parlance, examining the difficulties that occur in practice and overcoming them, and providing substantial examples of real-life applications based on the author's extensive experience. The first part explains systems concepts in general, with particular reference to formal systems models and attributes, and then distinguishes between hard and soft systems models. The second part details each stage of a soft systems examination - its purpose, model development, the use of rich pictures, the terminology, methods of information collection and analysis, performance measures, control mechanisms, and client involvement. The final part provides the full practical element, beginning with the types of application that can benefit from soft systems analysis, followed by a comprehensive illustration of its use in organisational analysis based on a local authority social services department, a study carried out as part of an Esprit project, and finishing with a paradigmatic information model of an organization that can be used to improve the information base or the communication system. A final chapter is an example of the use of soft systems ideas to set up and implement an audit of procedures, whether low or high level.

Practical Soft Systems Analysis

Computers & Technology

David Patching

Hardware & DIY

Financial Times Pp

This book is an introduction to the current concepts, applications and tools of information technology. No previous knowledge of the underlying and engineering ideas is required, making it invaluable to specialists and non-specialists alike.

Information Technology, An Introduction

PETER ZORKOCZY

This new textbook provides students with the necessary knowledge and skills to enable them to undertake a piece of business research making best use of information technology where appropriate. Using real-life case studies and student activities, it gives an insight into the realities of undertaking business research whilst guiding them through the process, which the students could use for their dissertation or any major project.

Research Methods for Business Students

Mark N.K. Saunders

Philip Lewis

Adrian Thornhill

Business & Money

<p>Law for Purchasing and Supply 2ND EDITION Margaret Griffiths Principal Lecturer in Law, Department of Law and Finance, University of Glamorgan Published in association with the Chartered Institute of Purchasing and Supply (CIPS). ISBN: 0 273 62308 7 Published: 1996 336pp 234 x 156mm paper Price A GBP22.99</p>

Law for Purchasing and Supply

Griffiths, Margaret

Management & Leadership

This edition updates recently decided cases and new legislation. It provides a treatment of the main principles of the law of contract, with a selective presentation of key topics, described and analyzed at an appropriate depth for undergraduate study. The book is intended to provide a basic framework for the subject, particularly suitable for part-time, distance-learning and CPE courses, as well as more traditional full-time courses where learning is becoming increasingly student-centred and modularized. Split into six parts, the first section covers the formation of a contract. Part two deals with the contents of the contract, including terms and exemption clauses. The last part of the book covers the rights and liabilities of third parties to the contract.

Law of Contract (Foundation Studies in Law)

Paul Richards

Trusts and Equity provides a comprehensive guide to the key principles of many of the leading cases in this area of the law, as well as covering statutory provisions. The authors tackle the subject in a lively and approachable style; complex areas are dealt with in a straightforward and non-technical matter. New decisions, legislation and proposals for reform have been recorded, including the Trustee Delegation Bill 1998 and Law Commission proposals on perpetuity rules, and powers and duties of trustees.

Trusts and Equity (Foundation Studies in Law Series)

Richard Cluff Edwards

<p>If you are responsible for other people's work you need this book. The Manager's Book of Checklists will help you to be more systematic, to consider all angles of any situation, and to manage more effectively. Written in line with Management Charter Initiative and relevant managers seeking the S/NVQ certification, the checklists given include: finance, customer care, IT, quality, equal opportunities and developing competencies. The Manager's Book of Checklists is an essential business tool that no manager should be without. "Congratulations, many congratulations, on your 'Checklists'. Had I not seen it and read it I would not have believed it possible to reduce all those fine-sounding theories to such straightforward lists - you are a genius, even if you are doing me out of a job!" Charles Handy</p>

Manager's Book of Checklists : Instant Management Solutions When You Need Them

Derek Rowntree

How to market tourist attractions, festivals and special events: A practical guide to maximising visitor attendance and income

Bill Richards

Travel

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