{"title":"Towards a Viable Knowledge Environment within an Academic Institution","authors":"Erdelina Kurti, Sadaf Salavati","doi":"10.1007/s11213-024-09681-3","DOIUrl":null,"url":null,"abstract":"<p>This study presents a Viable System Model diagnosis of the academic structure in the form of Knowledge Environment focusing on digital transformation. Data has been collected through interviews complemented with document analysis. This research has identified several challenges mainly in terms of structural alignment between two recursive levels. In addition, we discuss how the viability of the Knowledge Environment can be strengthened by redefining roles and responsibilities of different systems. This research contributes to the scholarly work on the Viable System Model application to academic institutions. The case in focus cuts across several faculties and departments raising known challenges as identified in related research and new challenges found through the diagnosis. In this research we apply a soft systems lens combining two systems approaches, Rich Picture from Soft Systems Methodology and Viable System Model to diagnose and discuss the complexity of the dynamic knowledge environment, as well as to explore initial ideas for further enhancing its viability.</p>","PeriodicalId":51694,"journal":{"name":"Systemic Practice and Action Research","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":1.0000,"publicationDate":"2024-07-06","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":"0","resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":null,"PeriodicalName":"Systemic Practice and Action Research","FirstCategoryId":"91","ListUrlMain":"https://doi.org/10.1007/s11213-024-09681-3","RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"管理学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":null,"EPubDate":"","PubModel":"","JCR":"Q4","JCRName":"MANAGEMENT","Score":null,"Total":0}
引用次数: 0
Abstract
This study presents a Viable System Model diagnosis of the academic structure in the form of Knowledge Environment focusing on digital transformation. Data has been collected through interviews complemented with document analysis. This research has identified several challenges mainly in terms of structural alignment between two recursive levels. In addition, we discuss how the viability of the Knowledge Environment can be strengthened by redefining roles and responsibilities of different systems. This research contributes to the scholarly work on the Viable System Model application to academic institutions. The case in focus cuts across several faculties and departments raising known challenges as identified in related research and new challenges found through the diagnosis. In this research we apply a soft systems lens combining two systems approaches, Rich Picture from Soft Systems Methodology and Viable System Model to diagnose and discuss the complexity of the dynamic knowledge environment, as well as to explore initial ideas for further enhancing its viability.
期刊介绍:
Systemic Practice and Action Research is dedicated to advancing deeper understandings of issues that confront the contemporary world, and better means for engaging with these issues for the benefit of individuals, organizations, communities and their natural environments. To this end, a fundamental rethink of the purposes and methods of science is needed, making it more systemic and action-orientated. The journal therefore seeks to make a substantial contribution to rethinking science as well as to the reflective application of systemic practice and action research in all types of organizational and social settings. This international journal is committed to nurturing wide-ranging conversations around both qualitative and technical approaches for the betterment of people''s lives and ways of working together. It seeks to influence policy and strategy in its advocacy of action research as a primary means to gain vision and leverage in wicked problem areas. All forms of investigation and reasoning are considered potentially suitable for publication, including personal experience. There are no priorities attached to settings for studies and no greater significance given to one methodological style over another - as long as the work demonstrates a reflective and systemic quality. The journal welcomes manuscripts that are original, are well written, and contain a vivid argument. Papers normally will demonstrate knowledge of existing literature. Full papers are normally between 5,000 – 10,000 words (although longer papers will not be excluded if the argument justifies the word count) and short papers are about 2,000 words. Notes and letters are welcomed for publication in the ''notes from the field'' and ''letters'' sections. A rigorous mentoring-based refereeing system is applied in all cases. Officially cited as: Syst Pract Action Res