Transduction — leading transformation — Issue #118
Benjamin P. Taylor
RedQuadrant | the Public Service Transformation Academy | systems | cybernetics | complexity / public | service | transformation business evolutionary | avid learner. Reframing for better outcomes. Connecting.
This week:
Upcoming Events:
SE Stakeholder Engagement – Productive Conversations (0.5d)
This training programme could equally be called ‘honest conversations’, ‘difficult conversations’, ‘constructive conversations’, or ‘challenging conversations’.
Fundamental to the success and flavour of organisational life – and systems practice interventions – are the quality of conversations we are able to have. If we can develop an honest and shared attempt to get at shared understanding – shared ‘truth’ if you like – or at least to fully appreciate each others’ understanding – then we can make true progress.
This interactive session will:
And help you to have productive conversations even when it seems most unlikely. You will need to bring a record of an ‘unproductive’ conversation you have had, or fear having, and be prepared to work with others around it and other examples. You will end the session with the ability to surface more productive conversations even when it is difficult.
Trainer These courses are delivered by?Benjamin P Taylor, an expert in systems, cybernetics, and complexity in service transformation.
Pricing Info
￡250 +VAT
To enquire please go on this link:?https://www.systemspractice.org/courses/ise-stakeholder-engagement-productive-conversations-05d
ILG Large Group Interventions (1.0d)
In a classic 2005 article, ‘Techniques to Match our Values’, Weisbord set out the ‘learning curve’, with a movement from ‘experts solve problems’ to ‘’everybody’ solves problems’ to ‘experts improve whole systems’ to ‘’everybody’ improves whole systems’. Inherent in the development of systems practice from the start has been recognition of ‘the whole’, which comes in various forms from group dynamics to organisational viability.
This programme will give an overview of intervention approaches which ‘bring whole systems into the room’ rather than have a few experts work on individual issues. We will look at some of the history and the wide range of interventions that have been developed, and provide an overview of some of the most interesting.
We will compare and contrast these approaches and provide ‘ways in’ to consider when, and which, large group intervention might be an appropriate part of a systems practice intervention.
Trainer These courses are delivered by?Benjamin P Taylor, an expert in systems, cybernetics, and complexity in service transformation.
Pricing Info
￡500 +VAT
To enquire please go on this link:?https://www.systemspractice.org/courses/ilg-large-group-interventions-10d
ICS3 Workshop Design (0.5d)
This module provides learners with an understanding of the design of workshops and relevant considerations, taking into account the potentially very different contexts and definitions of what a ‘workshop’ is. It introduces a range of tools and approaches for workshop design, building on the facilitation module. It gives tools to consider evaluation and learning about workshop design, and compares various approaches, enabling learners to better select and apply appropriate workshop design approaches to their context.
A workshop can be distinguished from a meeting (though the boundaries may be blurry at times), by some of the following indicators:
An alternative use of the work,?to workshop (something), refers to taking a product or idea into a period of intense focused experimentation and development, often bringing in fresh or different perspectives than the original developers of the product or idea. This is of course closely related, but implies some partly-developed ‘content’ as the workshop focus, as opposed to simply a product or idea. In either case, some input is expected to a workshop, whether process, content, or both.
The learning will cover:
This is a very practical, hands-on course based on you creating an initial workshop design from your context, using sources offered, and?sharing and discussing it in the session.
This course complements the course on Facilitation for systems practice interventions, though they can be done independently or in any order.
Trainer These courses are delivered by?Benjamin P Taylor, an expert in systems, cybernetics, and complexity in service transformation.
Pricing Info
￡250 +VAT
To enquire please go on this link:?https://www.systemspractice.org/courses/ics3-workshop-design-05d
ICS2 Facilitation Skills for Systems Practice Interventions (0.5d)
This course provides learners with an understanding of the facilitation relationship in the context of systems intervention itself, and of the challenges it brings. It introduces a range of tools and practices for facilitation and provides guidance on workshop planning. Finally, it compares various approaches to facilitation, enabling learners to develop a stronger sense of the kind of facilitator they want to be.
Topics covered include:
Trainer These courses are delivered by?Benjamin P Taylor, an expert in systems, cybernetics, and complexity in service transformation.
Pricing Info
￡250 +VAT
To enquire please go on this link:?https://www.systemspractice.org/courses/ics2-facilitation-skills-systems-practice-interventions-05d
ICS1b Consulting for Systems Practice Interventions – (b) Core (0.5d)
This course provides learners with a deeper understanding of:
To maximise your chances of being effective in achieving positive change, you should combine a sound understanding of systems approaches with well-developed intervention skills.
This in turn requires a clear conception of the role of the systems practitioner as ‘consultant’, of their relationships with stakeholders, especially the ‘client’, and the nature of the practitioner’s influence on the organisations they seek to transform.
Drawing on Flawless Consulting, Barry Oshry’s Organic Systems Framework, and more,?Consulting for Systems Practice Interventions?emphasises a collaborative approach and equal responsibility between the intervention practitioner and the client, navigating a path between the twin traps of ‘consultant as boss’ and ‘consultant as servant’.
These courses are relevant to anyone – consultant or not! – who is engaging in organisational change.
Trainer These courses are delivered by?Benjamin P Taylor, an expert in systems, cybernetics, and complexity in service transformation.
Pricing Info
￡250 +VAT
To enquire please go on this link:?https://www.systemspractice.org/courses/ics1b-consulting-systems-practice-interventions-b-core-05d
ICS1a Consulting for Systems Practice Interventions – (a) Foundation (0.5d)
This course will provide learners with key principles and a structure for interventions. Topics covered include:
To maximise your chances of being effective in achieving positive change, you should combine a sound understanding of systems approaches with well-developed intervention skills.
This in turn requires a clear conception of the role of the systems practitioner as ‘consultant’, of their relationships with stakeholders, especially the ‘client’, and the nature of the practitioner’s influence on the organisations they seek to transform.
Drawing on Flawless Consulting, Barry Oshry’s Organic Systems Framework, and more,?Consulting for Systems Practice Interventions?emphasises a collaborative approach and equal responsibility between the intervention practitioner and the client, navigating a path between the twin traps of ‘consultant as boss’ and ‘consultant as servant’.
These courses are relevant to anyone – consultant or not! – who is engaging in organisational change.
Trainer These courses are delivered by?Benjamin P Taylor, an expert in systems, cybernetics, and complexity in service transformation.
Pricing Info
￡250 +VAT
To enquire please go on this link:?https://www.systemspractice.org/courses/ics1a-consulting-systems-practice-interventions-foundation-05d
Link Collection:
My Weekly Blog?post:
Seeking medical attention mirrors a royal audience: I petition my doctor through intermediaries, granted a time slot at his discretion. I present papers punctually or risk forfeiting my chance. In the waiting room, I await his summons. Eventually, I'm called to his chamber, where he consults the oracle of modern knowledge—the computer. There, I share my grievances.
Modern medicine often ends with a prescription, akin to royal decree. Yet, the fulfillment of prescriptions is uncertain. Despite the grand ritual, adherence to medication is inconsistent. This echoes broader challenges in public services. The elaborate process contrasts with the reality of healthcare access and patient compliance. The implications extend to healthcare efficiency, resource allocation, and patient outcomes. Improving medication adherence demands more than symbolic rituals; it requires addressing systemic barriers and promoting patient education and empowerment within public services.
Join our workshop with Etienne and Beverly Wenger-Trayner to explore how Systems Convening skills can help you catalyse change and learning across boundaries. This is the the final workshop in our series on how to build and lead effective networks and communities.
6 Feb 2024 - 12:30 – 14:00
Yuanzhao Zhang, Postdoctoral Fellow, Santa Fe Institute
Thursday, February 1, 2024 - 11:30 AM-1:00 PM - 747 Weiser Hall??Map
https://platform.twitter.com/widgets/tweet_button.2f70fb173b9000da126c79afe2098f02.en.html#dnt=false&id=twitter-widget-0&lang=en&original_referer=https%3A%2F%2Flsa.umich.edu%2Fcscs%2Fnews-events%2Fall-events.detail.html%2F117443-21839304.html&size=m&text=CSCS%20Seminar%20%7C%20Twists%2C%20triangles%2C%20and%20tentacles%3A%20A%20guided%20tour%20of%20high-dimensional%20basins%20in%20networked%20dynamical%20systems%3A%20Yuanzhao%20Zhang%2C%20Postdoctoral%20Fellow%2C%20Santa%20Fe%20Institute%20%7C%20U-M%20LSA%20Center%20for%20the%20Study%20of%20Complex%20Systems&time=1706697546377&type=share&url=https%3A%2F%2Flsa.umich.edu%2Fcscs%2Fnews-events%2Fall-events.detail.html%2F117443-21839304.html??Google??iCal??Email
Coffee and snacks will be provided. This talk will be recorded for later viewing.
Abstract: In this talk, I will explore the interesting geometries that emerge in high-dimensional attraction basins, which are important in applications such as protein folding, cell differentiation, and neural networks. Using simple networks of coupled oscillators, I will show that high-dimensional basins are generally highly nonconvex and nonlocal, with most of the basin volume concentrated in tentacle-like structures. Next, I will show that introducing non-pairwise interactions in the network can make basins deeper but smaller—the attractors become linearly more stable but much harder to find due to basins shrinking dramatically. I will end with a few applications to neuroscience.
In this conversation Evan Thompson, Bruce Clarke, and Dulmini Perera explore the relationships between Bateson and Varela’s work.
Saturday, February 10Mind, Ecology, Enaction: Encounters between Bateson and VarelaIn this conversation Evan Thompson, Bruce Clarke, and Dulmini Perera explore the relationships between Bateson and Varela’s work.
Face-to-Face Open Meeting: A series of presentations of interest to Systems and Complexity in Organisation’s members and others.
By?SCiO – Systems and Complexity in Organisation
Date and time: Mon, 18 Mar 2024 09:30 – 17:00 GMT
Location: Conway Hall 25 Red Lion Street London WC1R 4RL United KingdomShow map
Refund Policy: Contact the organiser to request a refund. Eventbrite’s fee is nonrefundable.
About this event:
SCiO holds Open Meetings to provide opportunities for practitioners to learn and develop new practice, to build relationships, networks hear about skills, tools, practice and experiences. This meeting will be held face-to-face in London, with details of speakers confirmed shortly.
This open meeting explores specific application of systems thinking practice methods and learning, with five sessions. The programme for the evening is as follows:
09:30 –?Introduction to Systemic Intervention?(pre-event) – Simon MacCormac
10:00 – Welcome, SCiO notices and community exercise
10:45 –?session?1 tbc
11:45 –?Break
12:15 –?What’s Stopping Us Stopping Climate Change??– Ed Straw
13:15-?Lunch Break
14:30 –?How to transform organisations by Managing Tensions not People?– Russ Lewis
15:30 –?Break
16:00 –?session?4 tbc
17:00 –?Later in the Bar social
Monday, 18 MarchSCiO London Open Meeting – 18th March 2024Face-to-Face Open Meeting: A series of presentations of interest to Systems and Complexity in Organisation’s members and others.By SCiO – Systems and Complexity in Organisation202 followers26% of attendees are repeat customersFollowingDate and timeMon, 18 Mar 2024 09:30 – 17:00 GMTLocationConway Hall25 Red Lion Street London WC1R 4RL United KingdomShow mapRefund PolicyContact the organiser to request a refund.Eventbrite’s fee is nonrefundable.About this event7 hours 30 minutesMobile eTicketSCiO holds Open Meetings to provide opportunities for practitioners to learn and develop new practice, to build relationships, networks hear about skills, tools, practice and experiences. This meeting will be held face-to-face in London, with details of speakers confirmed shortly.This open meeting explores specific application of systems thinking practice methods and learning, with five sessions. The programme for the evening is as follows:09:30 – Introduction to Systemic Intervention (pre-event) – Simon MacCormac10:00 – Welcome, SCiO notices and community exercise10:45 – session 1 tbc11:45 – Break12:15 – What’s Stopping Us Stopping Climate Change? – Ed Straw13:15- Lunch Break14:30 – How to transform organisations by Managing Tensions not People – Russ Lewis15:30 – Break16:00 – session 4 tbc17:00 – Later in the Bar social
Posted by: alexfleming?and?vanessalefton,?Posted on: 30 January 2024?–
How do we know if we are healthy? What do we look out for? We have a regular temperature, we know our energy levels, our body doesn’t ache. These are indicators of good health.??
Earth systems dynamics
Wednesday, 22 May
Often assumed to be derived from cybernetics, today’s generative AI ignores many of its concerns. This essay compares and contrasts two theories of the cyberneticist Gordon Pask with today’s thinking of AI, by looking at Pask’s conversation theory, black boxes, and “maverick machines”.
Kempinski?is the third installment of?Uncomputables: On Cybernetics and Alien Intelligences, an online program of films and accompanying texts convened by?Agnieszka Kurant?as the thirteenth cycle of?Artist Cinemas, a long-term, online series of film programs curated by artists for e-flux Film.
Uncomputables: #3Kempinski Ne?l Beloufa 2007 14 Minutes
Artist Cinemas
Date: January 29–February 4, 2024
In this?science-fiction documentary, Beloufa takes us to a village in Mali where inhabitants are invited to express their visions of the future. They speak of their present, but also come up with futuristic accounts and visions, where men couple with cows, cars talk, and rockets spy on people’s lives.
Kempinski?is the third installment of?Uncomputables: On Cybernetics and Alien Intelligences, an online program of films and accompanying texts convened by?Agnieszka Kurant?as the thirteenth cycle of?Artist Cinemas, a long-term, online series of film programs curated by artists for e-flux Film.
The film is presented alongside a text by?Noam Segal.
Uncomputables: On Cybernetics and Alien Intelligences?runs in six episodes released every Monday from January 15 through February 26, 2024, streaming a new film each week accompanied by a commissioned interview or response published in text form.
[not the best-informed I’ve seen]
Towards a Metaphysics of Worlds: Meta-commentary on the most fun talk I’ve done in years – Rao?(2024
[Deeply cybernetic, in my view!]
JAN 27, 2024
Towards a Metaphysics of WorldsMeta-commentary on the most fun talk I’ve done in yearsVENKATESH RAOJAN 27, 2024
See also
领英推荐
Meyers LA, Bull JJ. Fighting change with change. Trends Ecol Evol 17: 551-557December 2002Trends in Ecology & Evolution 17(12):551-55
via the tweet
[I wonder how, if it all, people will react to this?]
FEATURED PAPER
By Michael Frahm Baden-Württemberg, Germany and Dr.?Martin Pfiffner Pf?ffikon, Switzerland
Abstract
The following article is an introduction to the design of megaproject organizations based on the viable system model. It combines approaches from project management with approaches from systems theory. The understanding of complexity and how it is effectively managed by the organizational code is a central theme. After referring to current research and a short introduction, the application is shown by using an example. The article shows how important the ?applied“ management model is for a successful management of mega projects.
Keywords:?Majorprojects, Megaprojects, System Theory, Viable System Model, Organisation, Complexity
DECRYPTING THE DNA OF MEGAPROJECTS?A Model-based Management Approachusing the Viable System Model (VSM)?FEATURED PAPERBy Michael FrahmBaden-Württemberg, GermanyandDr. Martin PfiffnerPf?ffikon, SwitzerlandAbstractThe following article is an introduction to the design of megaproject organizations based on the viable system model. It combines approaches from project management with approaches from systems theory. The understanding of complexity and how it is effectively managed by the organizational code is a central theme. After referring to current research and a short introduction, the application is shown by using an example. The article shows how important the ?applied“ management model is for a successful management of mega projects.Keywords: Majorprojects, Megaprojects, System Theory, Viable System Model, Organisation, Complexity
Abstract
We introduce an algebraic analogue of dynamical systems, based on term rewriting. We show that a recursive function applied to the output of an iterated rewriting system defines a formal class of models into which all the main architectures for dynamic machine learning models (including recurrent neural networks, graph neural networks, and diffusion models) can be embedded. Considered in category theory, we also show that these algebraic models are a natural language for describing the compositionality of dynamic models. Furthermore, we propose that these models provide a template for the generalisation of the above dynamic models to learning problems on structured or non-numerical data, including ‘hybrid symbolic-numeric’ models.
Algebraic Dynamical Systems in Machine LearningOpen accessPublished: 18 January 2024Volume?32, article?number?4, (2024)Cite this articleDownload PDFYou have full access to thisopen accessarticleApplied Categorical StructuresAims and scopeSubmit manuscriptAlgebraic Dynamical Systems in Machine LearningDownload PDFIolo Jones, Jerry Swan & Jeffrey Giansiracusa?83 AccessesExplore all metrics AbstractWe introduce an algebraic analogue of dynamical systems, based on term rewriting. We show that a recursive function applied to the output of an iterated rewriting system defines a formal class of models into which all the main architectures for dynamic machine learning models (including recurrent neural networks, graph neural networks, and diffusion models) can be embedded. Considered in category theory, we also show that these algebraic models are a natural language for describing the compositionality of dynamic models. Furthermore, we propose that these models provide a template for the generalisation of the above dynamic models to learning problems on structured or non-numerical data, including ‘hybrid symbolic-numeric’ models.
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@antlerboy - Benjamin P Taylor - groups I own, support, or recommend https://docs.google.com/document/d/19ji4L38JVVJiWj9EiSglY--q_rn_fr6a7G4MjnuDYK0/edit
What are the British Empire’s “Legacies”? | Snapshots of Empire https://blogs.sussex.ac.uk/snapshotsofempire/2022/10/10/what-are-the-british-empires-legacies/
Snapshots of Empire · Oct 10, 2022 What are the British Empire’s “Legacies”? Before he became a beleaguered Chancellor Kwasi Kwarteng wrote that “generations of politicians, historians and campaigners have made the British empire in their own image, promoting it as a vehicl…
Eryk Salvaggio: Conversations with Maverick Machines – On Gordon Pask and Generative AI
Towards a Metaphysics of Worlds: Meta-commentary on the most fun talk I’ve done in years – Rao (2024 https://stream.syscoi.com/2024/01/27/towards-a-metaphysics-of-worlds-meta-commentary-on-the-most-fun-talk-ive-done-in-years-rao-20
Systems Community of Inquiry · 5d Towards a Metaphysics of Worlds: Meta-commentary on the most fun talk I’ve done in years – Rao (2024[Deeply cybernetic, in my view!] VENKATESH RAO JAN 27, 2024 Towards a Metaphysics of WorldsMeta-commentary on the most fun talk I’ve done in yearsVENKATESH RAOJAN 27, 2024 Towards a Metaphysics of …
National Multiple Disadvantage Summit, 22 May 2024, London (all day, charged) https://stream.syscoi.com/2024/01/30/national-multiple-disadvantage-summit-22-may-2024-london-all-day-charged/
Systems Community of Inquiry · 1d National Multiple Disadvantage Summit, 22 May 2024, London (all day, charged) Wednesday, 22 May Clarity and complexity: the reality of systems change Join the MEAM Approach network and Changing Futures to explore the reality of transforming systems for people facing multiple…
X (formerly Twitter) Latif Nasser (@latifnasser) on XLast January, I noticed something peculiar in my 2yo’s bedroom that - after a year of obsessive reporting - led me to a profound cosmic revelation about what’s even possible in our universe. A ??.
Unknown Knowns https://www.ribbonfarm.com/2024/01/24/unknown-
ribbonfarm · Jan 25 Unknown Knowns In a thread on the various socials, my friend necopinus pointed out that my essay on AI, A Camera Not An Engine, effectively maps the generative potential we’ve discovered latent in AI models of hu…
Paul Quinn & Edwyn Collins - Pale Blue Eyes (Adult Western Version)
YouTube Paul Quinn & Edwyn Collins - Pale Blue Eyes (Adult Western Version) By Postcard Recordings Of Scotland Extra Terrestrial
(PDF) Wittgenstein’s Thought-Experiments https://www.researchgate.net/publication/312415484_Wittgenstein's_Thought-Experiments
REFORM The State of the State 2024 - REFORM The?‘State of the State’, in partnership with Deloitte, explores key issues. facing the UK government and public services. The report is based on an exclusive Ipsos public poll, and more than 100 interviews with public sector leaders. Together these provide both an insider’s view of the challenges facing an incoming government, and a citizen’s view […]
https://oldavista.com/
Old'Avista Old'aVista A search engine for OLD websites hosted in services like Geocities, Angelfire, Xoom, AOL, Tripod and so on!
Study reveals ‘worrying’ state of local government leadership | LocalGov https://www.localgov.co.uk/Study-reveals-worrying-state-of-local-government-leadership--/58726?actId=ebwp0YMB8s3Mv0I20l85odUcvuQDVN7aZHxMk8Rn99QejTIJtrjY8MaETqfcos5a&actCampaignType=CAMPAIGN_MAIL&actSource=510451
www.localgov.co.uk Study reveals ‘worrying’ state of local government leadership | LocalGov By William Eichler
Harsh Browns Design systems are a folk craft Borrow from design systems as an early-stage startup, and focus your efforts on solving user’s problems. Trust in what other digital craftspeople have created.
Mark McKergow - 44. My smart power matrix – combini
g soft and hard power
Steps To A Humanity Of Organisation · Jan 2444. My smart power matrix – combining soft and hard power By Mark McKergow
The Maine Farmer Saving the World's Rarest Heirloom Seeds https://downeast.com/land-wildlife/rare-heirloom-seeds/?fbclid=IwAR0Kxk1_OZeMAoABP9_4UzPDOUX6NSjL02tJlMR4pLPhJaTg6FmfQ96x4pw
The 20 best small towns in Europe https://www.yardbarker.com/lifestyle/articles/the_20_best_small_towns_in_europe_012224/s1__383978
A Working Library Fauxtomation Conceptually, the potential of automation has been that the same work could be carried out by fewer (or, hopefully or fearfully) no human hands. Automation has long been held up as a gift of leisur...
The Lighthouse Café & Lab a futures-orientated open conversation for mutual discovery and learning hosted online by H3Uni Wednesday 31st January 2024: "Service" Dedicated to the memory of David Beatty 19:00 UK time https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/the-lighthouse-cafe-service-tickets-807775065967?aff=odeimcmailchimp&mc_cid=bf0f8c15c0&mc_eid=eaed8d357c&utm_content=bufferbdae9&utm_medium=social&utm_source=twitter.com&utm_campaign=buffer
Eventbrite The Lighthouse Cafe - "Service" The Lighthouse Café & Lab a futures-orientated open conversation of mutual discovery and sandbox for H3Uni methods
Varyag degrees of success - https://dreadships.com/
DreadShips.com - Premium nautical nonsense DreadShips.com - Premium nautical nonsense DreadShips.com Naval and maritime history, satire, commentary and farce
https://makingitreal.org.uk/
Making It Real · Jan 22 Home - Making It Real Making It Real is a set of co-produced statements that describe what good care and support looks like. They are aligned to the Care Act, and built in to the CQC Single Assessment Framework.
The View from Culllingworth · Jan 23 My friends, all of our interests do not match those of The State By Simon Cooke
Spatially embedded neuromorphic networks - Nature Machine Intelligence https://www.nature.com/articles/s42256-023-00771-w
Nature Spatially embedded neuromorphic networks - Nature Machine Intelligence A framework for training artificial neural networks in physical space allows neuroscientists to build networks that look and function like real brains.
Ciaran's Crispy Cogitations · Jan 20 On the matter of the British Library cyber incident By Ciaran Martin
https://betterwithout.ai/
Better without AI · Feb 11, 2023 Table of contents | Better without AI How to avert an AI apocalypse... and create a future we would like
Townscapes: Pride in Place - Bennett Institute for Public Policy https://www.bennettinstitute.cam.ac.uk/publications/pride-in-place/
Bennett Institute for Public Policy Townscapes: Pride in Place - Bennett Institute for Public Policy This report calls on the next Prime Minister to rethink the government’s strategy to boost civic pride – a core commitment of the ‘levelling up’ agenda
Although 'Statement of Levelling Up Missions' does smack rather of 2012's, 'deliverance of sustainable legacy' - and I'm sure the meetings were equally hard - these are sensible and potentially useful. https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/statement-of-levelling-up-missions/statement-of-levelling-up-missions#introduction