Research Design Using Systemic Thinking

Research Design Using Systemic Thinking provides a fresh approach to conducting research, emphasising the importance of systemic thinking as a framework for structuring scientific inquiry.

Jon-Arild Johannessen is a professor of leadership at Kristiania University of Applied Science, Oslo, Norway. He holds a master of science in history from Oslo University and a PhD in systemic thinking from Stockholm University. With extensive academic experience, he has previously held full professorships in innovation at Syd-Danske University (Denmark), management at The Arctic University (Norway), information management at Bodø Graduate School of Business (Norway), and knowledge management at the Norwegian School of Management.

PROLOGUE: HOW TO STRUCTURE THE PAPER PREFACE PART I - SCIENTIFIC STRATEGY CHAPTER 1 - APPROACHES AND PERSPECTIVES Learning objectives: Introduction The scientific approach Conclusion Exercises CHAPTER 2 THE SCIENTIFIC METHOD Learning objectives: Introduction The general scientific method Conclusion Exercises CHAPTER 3 SCIENTIFIC PERSPECTIVE Learning objectives: Introduction Different knowledge perspectives Conclusion Exercises CHAPTER 4 SCIENTIFIC LANGUAGE Learning objectives: Introduction Science as language Conclusion Exercises PART II PROBLEMS, RESEARCH QUESTIONS, AND MODELS CHAPTER 5: RESEARCH PROBLEMS Learning objectives: Introduction The start of the process of asking questions Relationships between problems Problem solutions Defining a problem Problems and research questions: A summary Conclusion Exercises CHAPTER 6: HYPOTHESES Learning objectives: Introduction Low-level and high-level hypotheses The purpose of concepts and hypotheses Mental constructions Phenomenological and dynamic hypotheses Science in a free society Everyday hypotheses and basic hypotheses Factual hypotheses Hypothesis testability Conclusion Exercises CHAPTER 7 THEORIES Learning objectives: Introduction The purpose of science Theory development Developing theories Requirements for testing a theory Conclusion Exercises CHAPTER 8 MODELS IN CONCEPTUAL PAPERS Learning objectives: Introduction How we are guided by our models The purpose of developing models Analytical and causal models Model types Conclusion Exercises CHAPTER 9 EXPLANATIONS Learning objectives: Introduction Describe, understand, explain Explanations Aspects of causal processes: a systemic point of view Causal processes Historical explanations Functional explanations Cybernetic explanations Pattern-based explanations Conclusion Exercises EPILOGUE: HOW TO WRITE CONCEPTUAL PAPERS APPENDICES APPENDIX 1 A GENERAL RESEARCH METHODOLOGY FOR SYSTEMIC THINKING APPENDIX 2 STUDYING PATTERNS EXPLAINING CONCEPTS USED IN THE BOOK