A systemic approach to process modeling

Abstract

This article presents a system's view of a common sense management model for systems (COSMOS) [1]. Salient features of COSMOS are introduced through the unfolding story of process development of a hypothetical corporation called IM Co. This systemic view models the dynamic complexity of a system or organization so that inerrelationships, rather than things, patterns of changes, rather than snapshots, are captured. COSMOS views changes as an ongoing opportunity and provides guidance for system changes to be performed in small steps. However, these small steps can build a long lever that is capable of producing dramatic effects. When performing changes, essential trade-offs have to be considered. COSMOS provides three perspectives—activity, communication, and infrastructure—of a process to assist managers in dealing with these trade-offs. The model also includes a generic two-level hierarchy—control and execution levels—to keep balance among the three perspectives.