Abstract
Learning and using the viable system model (VSM) are both facilitated by good software. This paper reports on software developed to support expert users in storing, managing, and retrieving the data associated with large-scale VSM studies. The software also seems to help novice users in learning to apply the VSM. To stereotype the software somewhat, it is a graphics-interface dbms for the various diagrams associated with VSM, for instance, the diagrams in Stafford Beer'sDiagnosing the System for Organizations (Wiley, Chichester, 1984).
This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.
Similar content being viewed by others
References
Anderton, R. (1989). The need for formal development of the VSM. In Espejo, R., and Harnden, R. (eds.),The Viable System Model: Interpretations and Applications of Stafford Beer's VSM, John Wiley & Sons, Chichester, England.
Beer, S. (1979).Heart of Enterprise: The Managerial Cybernetics of Organization, John Wiley & Sons, Chichester, England.
Beer, S. (1981).Brain of the Firm: A Development in Management Cybernetics, John Wiley & Sons, Chichester, England.
Beer, S. (1984).Diagnosing the System for Organizations, John Wiley & Sons, Chichester, England.
Beer, S. (1975).Platform for Change: A Message from Stafford Beer, John Wiley & Sons, London.
Clemson, B. (1984).Cybernetics: A New Management Tool, Gordon & Breach Science, Philadelphia.
Espejo, R., and Harnden, R. eds., (1989a).The Viable System Model: Interpretations and Applications of Stafford Beer's VSM, John Wiley & Sons, Chichester, England.
Espejo, R., and Harnden, R. (1989b). The VSM An ongoing conversation in Espejo, R., and Harnden, R. (eds.),The Viable System Model: Interpretations and Applications of Stafford Beer's VSM, John Wiley & Sons, Chichester, England.
Harnden, R. (1989). Outside and then: An interpretive approach to the VSM. In Espejo, R, and Harnden, R. (eds.),The Viable System Model: Interpretations and Applications of Stafford Beer's VSM, John Wiley & Sons, Chichester, England.
van Foerster, H. (1981).Observing Systems, Intersystems, Salinas, CA
von Glaserfeld, E. (1987).The Construction of Knowledge—Contributions to Conceptual Semantics, Intersystems, Salinas, CA.
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Clemson, B. The VSM toolbox: Software for the viable system model. Systems Practice 7, 281–296 (1994). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02169175
Received:
Revised:
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02169175