🚀 go-pugleaf

David remarked that Rob could make a contribution by providing a
*framework* for integrating his ideas into the "traditional" approach.
I believe this misses the point.  As Rob's paper (and previous works)
pointed out, one of the shortcomings of the discrete entity modelling
approach is the assumption that various elements of the model are
separable.  When a framework is built, the usual objective is to give
researchers and practitioners a tool whereby the separable elements can
be identified and then systematically isolated for study.

But a point made repeatedly in Rob's paper is that these elements are
*not* separable, and cannot be broken down into subsystems, etc., for
study.  The analyst must learn to cope with real life, where all the
dynamic factors are constantly interacting and creating new situations.

The introduction of a new procedure into an organisation is very
disruptive.  The discrete entity approach tackles this problem by
considering each element of the system piecemeal.  The web model
encourages the analyst to think of the system as interacting with all
the other "parts" of the organization simultaneously.  Consider that
*any* change in any "part" immediately affects all other  elements.  We
cannot isolate subsystems of a living organisation.

In his case,  Rob is describing how changes in computing support can
impact the functioning of a workgroup, and how the infrastructure is
dragged into the mess, like it or not.  The concept of web models is not
something that can be tacked onto discrete entity thinking, because it
is an entirely different way of thinking.  Take the time to read over
the two tables of contrasting assumptions, then reflect on the case.
This is not an idea which can be considered summary-style.




-- 
Roy Schmidt   SCHMIDT@USTHK.bitnet  after 7/15 | #include <disclaimer.h>     
Hong Kong University of Science and Technology | /* I didn't say it,
School of Business and Management              | nobody saw me say it,
**Presently disguised as a Hoosier**           | you can't prove it! */