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Evolutionary systems: Modelling organisational innovation
James S Baldwin
Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre with Boeing, Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Sheffield, United Kingdom
Peter M Allen
Head, Complex Systems Management Centre, School of Management, Cranfield University, United Kingdom
Keith Ridgway
Director, Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre with Boeing, Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Sheffield, United Kingdom
Belinda Winder
Head, Industrial Psychology Research Group, Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Sheffield, United Kingdom
Abstract
The aim of this paper is to present the results of combining two complementary areas of research.
The first area is manufacturing cladistics, a classification system where best practice can be mapped allowing organisations to locate their position in evolution, the position of competitors and the chance to re-engineer their organisation using the classification as a guide.
The second area is evolutionary systems modelling, which has successfully been applied to ecosystems, urban systems, industrial networks, economics and financial markets. Using an evolutionary framework, designed to model through simulation the evolution of manufacturing form, new structural organisations may be explored.
In addition, organisational innovation and the consequences of particular decisions in the context of introducing new technologies and practices to the existing structure may also be investigated.
Keywords
evolutionary systems modelling, evolutionary systems simulation, manufacturing cladistics, organisational structures, organisational innovation, management commitment
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