From metaphors to mathematized models, the complexity sciences are changing the ways disciplines view their worlds, and ideas borrowed from complexity are increasingly being used to structure conversations and guide research on teaching and learning. The purpose of this corpus of research is to further those conversations and to extend complex systems ideas, theories, and modeling to curricula and to research on learning and teaching. A review of the literatures of learning and of complexity science and a discussion of the intersections between those disciplines are provided. The work reported represents an evolving model of learning qua complex system and that evolution is the result of iterative cycles of design research. One of the signatures of complex systems is the presence of scale invariance and this line of research furnishes empirical evidence of scale invariant behaviors in the activity of learners engaged in participatory simulations. The offered discussion of possible causes for these behaviors and chaotic phase transitions in human learning favors real-time optimization of decision-making as the means for producing such behaviors. Beyond theoretical development and modeling, this work includes the development of teaching activities intended to introduce pre-service mathematics and science teachers to complex systems. While some of the learning goals for this activity focused on the introduction of complex systems as a content area, we also used complex systems to frame perspectives on learning. Results of scoring rubrics and interview responses from students illustrate attributes of the proposed model of complex systems learning and also how these preservice teachers made sense of the ideas. Correlations between established theories of learning and a complex adaptive systems model of learning are established and made explicit, and a means for using complex systems ideas for designing instruction is offered. It is a fundamental assumption of this research and researcher that complex systems ideas and understandings can be appropriated from more complexity-developed disciplines and put to use modeling and building increasingly productive understandings of learning and teaching.

Complexity theory studies the workings of complex adaptive systems (CAS). A complex adaptive system can adapt and change in response to information it gathers from its environment. It responds to feedback by changing its actions, and develops new activities, learning capacity and ability to innovate. Complex adaptive systems depend on information flow through linked networks of individuals and groups, such as those present in cities or communities. Hornby Island, a small northern gulf island in British Columbia, Canada, possesses the characteristics of a complex adaptive system and is used to provide examples of how complexity theory can be applied and used by a community. Observations from Hornby Island and the use of SWOT analysis (strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats) have provided insight to the applicability and usefulness of complexity theory in the theoretical and local action contexts of community development. Misunderstandings between the scientific and humanitarian backgrounds of complexity and community development theories represent weaknesses and pose some threats to the field of community development. However, complexity theory also possesses strengths that have the potential to provide community development practitioners and communities with opportunities, such as tools and ideas, to better adapt to change. The following opportunities for learning and action within communities are suggested and expanded upon in this thesis: human led creative adaptation; location of mal-adaptive schemata; education for adaptive schemata; reducing and changing mal-adaptive schemata; guidelines and generalizations; and intangibles and legitimization of actions. This thesis concludes that complexity theory is applicable and useful to community development because it strengthens other theories and concepts related to community development; helps frame what goes on in the community; and locates focuses for change. It also provides new tools and ideas for action, to communities and practitioners, to better deal with change and create resilient communities.

Thesis (Ph. D. (Investec Business School))--Rhodes University, 2004.

Thesis (Ph.D.)--Victoria University of Wellington, 2009. / Includes bibliographical references.

Thesis (MPhil (Information Science))--University of Stellenbosch, 2010. / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: This thesis investigates investment theory in the light of complexity theory. These insights from diverse fields contain powerful images, metaphors and ways of thinking that allows one to seek new ways of comprehending the nature of the economy and therefore the nature of investment and the related issues of uncertainty and decision making. Complexity theory views the economy as being a dynamic, continuously adaptive, nonlinear system. This is in contrast to traditional or classical economic theory that views the economy as being a simple, linear, equilibrium deterministic system. This thesis is a conceptual study exploring the implications of a complexity worldview for investment decisions by looking at the nature and characteristics of complexity and then overlaying it on the characteristics of the economy. It is argued that complexity is caused by three elements: the structure of the system, human behaviour and exogenous factors. Thereafter follows an analysis of how investment decisions are made in the light of complexity by illustrating the investment models of two very successful, yet different investors: Warren Buffet and George Soros. Buffet’s model hinges on value. He realises that emergent phenomenon driven by irrational behaviour of investors leads to intrinsic values of shares to differ widely from perceived value. When quoted or perceived values are low than it is advisable to purchase as you have a margin of safety. Over the long term the market recognises the real value of the share. He tries to ignore the vagaries of the market and to focus on fundamentals. His list of fundamentals include; the franchise value of the company, quality of management and industry dynamics. George Soros in contrast utilises emergence patterns to locate potential investments. His model is that systems are flawed, human thinking and decision making is flawed and the interaction of the two lead to perturbations and oscillations. He focuses in trying to understand the flaw in systems and in human behaviour and to find some kind of pattern that he could utilise to make a profit. It is shown that both investment models can be understood from a complexity perspective and that these two investors built aspects from complexity into their decision models. / AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Die tesis ondersoek investeringsteorie in die lig van kompleksiteitsteorie. Met die hulp van metafore en insigte vanuit kompleksiteitsdenke word gesoek na nuwe maniere om die aard van die mark en investering verwante aspekte van onsekerheid en besluitneming te verstaan. Die kompleksiteitsperspektief sien die ekonomie as’n dinamiese en aanpassende nie-lineêre sisteem. Dit word gedoen deur die implikasies wat kompleksiteit vir investeringsbesluite inhou konseptueel te ondersoek. Die aard en eienskappe van komplekse sisteme word verduidelik en dan op die ekonomie toegepas. Daar word geargumenteer dat kompleksiteit deur drie elemente veroorsaak word: die struktuur van die sisteem, menslike gedrag en eksogene faktore. Daarna word die praktyk van investeringsbesluite geanaliseer in terme van kompleksiteit duer investeringsmodelle van twee suksesvolle, maar uiteenlopende, investeerders te ondersoek, naamlik Warren Buffet en George Soros. Buffet se model draai rondom waarde. Hy sien die irrasionele gedrag van investeerders as ‘n ontvouende fenomeen wat lei tot ‘n gaping tussen intrinsieke en verwagte waarde. Sy investering word gebaseer op die aanname dat oor die langer termyn die mark die intrinsieke waarde herken. Hy ignoreer dus korttermyn skommelinge in die verwagte waarde en fokus op die fundamentele, waaronder die maanwaarde van die besigheid, die kwaliteit van die bestuur, en industrie-dinamika tel. Soros se model daarenteen gebruik ontvouende patrone en potensiële investeringsgeleenthede te ontbloot. Sy model is dat sisteme inherente teenstrydighede het as ook menslike gedrag en besluitneming. Dit lei tot ossilasies en versteurings. Sy fokus is gerig daarop om hierdie versteurings in die sisteem tot voordeel aan te wend. Daar word getoon hoedat beide investeringsmodelle vanuit ‘n kompleksiteitsperspektief verstaan kan word en dat die twee investeerders sulke aspekte in hulle investeringsbesluite inbou.

Made available in DSpace on 2014-06-11T19:27:27Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 0 Previous issue date: 2012-06-22Bitstream added on 2014-06-13T19:47:42Z : No. of bitstreams: 1 miranda_pcc_me_ia.pdf: 2750242 bytes, checksum: b1371a1c2f80c58ffa30f651ba364513 (MD5) / Em virtude da Lei nº 11.769/2008, que dispõe sobre a obrigatoriedade do ensino da Música na Educação Básica, foram observadas lacunas de pesquisas em relação aos conhecimentos atuais para atender as demandas didáticas nesse nível pedagógico. Nesse sentido, o presente estudo visou verificar e registrar a existência da música, dos jogos e brincadeiras musicais da tradição na cultura da escola estudada. Objetivou, por outro viés, localizar um aspecto da vida social, representado pelo jogo e a brincadeira musicais, considerados como tema da educação musical, da educação geral e de estudos sociais. Pretendeu, além disso, analisar a viabilidade de sua utilização em aulas de Educação Musical e Arte-Educação, no ensino fundamental. Devido às múltiplas propostas inseridas no interior da temática, surgidas ao se trabalhar com a cultura popular, adotou-se como ponto de partida as relações de complexidade existentes no objeto a ser pesquisado. O estudo destas relações foi embasado no pensamento sistêmico, na teoria da complexidade aplicada à Educação e fundamentou-se, também, metodologicamente, em autores da área das Ciências Sociais, o que resultou em um estudo de caso com abordagem qualitativa realizada junto ao corpo discente de uma escola pública de ensino fundamental II, na cidade de São Paulo. Realizaram-se levantamento e registro, por meio de entrevistas, caderno de campo, questionários e gravações em vídeo. Ao final da investigação, analisou-se o material recolhido relativo ao tema da pesquisa, além de outros, conexos ou transversais com os seguintes resultados: os jogos e brincadeiras musicais e a educação musical se imbricam em questões técnicas musicais criadas pela ação de jogar e brincar, na sensibilização pela música, por meio dos elementos de natureza social e relacionados com o... / student body from a public school in basic education II, in the city of Sao Paulo. The study aimed to verify the existence of traditional music, musical ludic activities and frolics, as well as to deepen its investigation and register its presence in the culture of the studied school, in case it was, indeed, present. Furthermore, it aimed to locate an aspect of social life, which is musical ludic activity and frolic, considered a matter of music education, education and social studies. It intended to analyze the feasibility of its use in Music Education and Art Education classes in primary school. Due to the multiple proposals contained within the theme, encountered when working with popular culture, the complex relations that exist within the object of research were adopted as a starting point. The study of these relations was grounded in Maturana’s systems thinking (1998, 2001), Maturana; Verden-Zöller (2004) and in the complexity theory applied to Education, as it is presented in Edgard Morin’s proposal (2011a, 2011b). It was also based, methodologically, in Fernandes (1979), Cândido (1975) and Magnani (1998), amongst others, in the Social Sciences area. Surveys and records were made, through interviews, field notes, questionnaires and video recordings. At the end of the study, the collected material and the content related to the research topic, in addition to others, connected or transverse, were analyzed. It was established that the study proposals achieved their goals. It is intended to forward the prepared material... (Complete abstract click electronic access below)

Orientador: Rosangela Ballini / Tese (doutorado) - Universidade Estadual de Campinas, Instituto de Economia / Made available in DSpace on 2018-08-19T16:56:59Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 Aggio_GustavodeOliveira_D.pdf: 2849218 bytes, checksum: 6c073c3959c91ca84f78c51c5873c6aa (MD5) Previous issue date: 2011 / Resumo: Nesta tese buscamos compreender aspectos das dinâmicas dos fenômenos da aceitabilidade da moeda, da estrutura de taxas de juros e do processo inflacionário utilizando a abordagem dos sistemas dinâmicos complexos. Nossa justificativa é que o comportamento dos agentes econômicos ocorre de forma descentralizada e, ao menos em parte, delimitado por uma estrutura funcional que, por sua vez, também é sujeita a variação ao longo do tempo. Portanto, nossa abordagem deve considerar um fenômeno em processo e sujeito a não-linearidades. A tese está dividida em cinco capítulos. No primeiro nós expomos conceitos gerais sobre sistemas dinâmicos complexos, auto-organização, modelos baseados em agentes e lógica fuzzy e conjuntos probabilísticos. Explicitamos, assim, as características que atribuímos aos fenômenos estudados e o método empregado para análise. No segundo capítulo nós oferecemos uma teoria em processo para a emergência da aceitabilidade generalizada de uma moeda, assim como dois modelos para a demonstração das possibilidades deste processo. No terceiro capítulo nós observamos estudos sobre a dinâmica da estrutura das taxas de juros e sugerimos uma explicação para a diferença empiricamente observada entre a dinâmica das taxas de juros de curto e longo prazo. No quarto capítulo nós realizamos um estudo sobre a volatilidade e a persistência na série de variações percentuais do Índice de Preços ao Consumidor dos Estados Unidos. No capítulo final nós comparamos a abordagem do processo inflacionário da chamada nova síntese neoclássica com um modelo de dinâmica de preços fora do equilíbrio / Abstract: In this thesis we aim to understand aspects of the dynamics of the phenomena of the acceptability of the money, of the structure of interest rates and of the inflationary process using the approach of complex dynamic systems. Our explanation is that the behavior of the economic occurs in a decentralized manner, and at least partially delimited by a functional structure which, in turn, is also subject to variation over time. Therefore, our approach should consider a phenomenon in the process and subject to the nonlinearities. The thesis is divided into five chapters. At first chapter we expose the general concepts about complex dynamic systems, self-organization, agent-based models and fuzzy logic and probabilistic sets. Made explicit, so the characteristics we attribute to the phenomena studied and the analysis method. In the second chapter we offer a theory in process for the emergence of generalized acceptance of money, as well as two models for demonstrating the possibilities of this process. In the third chapter we observe dynamics studies of the structure of interest rates and suggest an explanation for the empirically observed differences between the dynamics of interest rates for short and long term. In the fourth chapter we perform a study on the volatility and persistence in the series of percentage changes in the Consumer Price Index of the United States. In the final chapter we compare the approach of the inflationary process of the so-called new neoclassical synthesis with a model of price dynamics out of balance / Doutorado / Teoria Economica / Doutor em Ciências Econômicas

Complexity theory studies the workings of complex adaptive systems (CAS). A complex adaptive system can adapt and change in response to information it gathers from its environment. It responds to feedback by changing its actions, and develops new activities, learning capacity and ability to innovate. Complex adaptive systems depend on information flow through linked networks of individuals and groups, such as those present in cities or communities. Hornby Island, a small northern gulf island in British Columbia, Canada, possesses the characteristics of a complex adaptive system and is used to provide examples of how complexity theory can be applied and used by a community. Observations from Hornby Island and the use of SWOT analysis (strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats) have provided insight to the applicability and usefulness of complexity theory in the theoretical and local action contexts of community development. Misunderstandings between the scientific and humanitarian backgrounds of complexity and community development theories represent weaknesses and pose some threats to the field of community development. However, complexity theory also possesses strengths that have the potential to provide community development practitioners and communities with opportunities, such as tools and ideas, to better adapt to change. The following opportunities for learning and action within communities are suggested and expanded upon in this thesis: human led creative adaptation; location of mal-adaptive schemata; education for adaptive schemata; reducing and changing mal-adaptive schemata; guidelines and generalizations; and intangibles and legitimization of actions. This thesis concludes that complexity theory is applicable and useful to community development because it strengthens other theories and concepts related to community development; helps frame what goes on in the community; and locates focuses for change. It also provides new tools and ideas for action, to communities and practitioners, to better deal with change and create resilient communities. / Applied Science, Faculty of / Community and Regional Planning (SCARP), School of / Graduate

No description available.

Thesis (DPhil (Philosophy))--University of Stellenbosch, 2010. / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: This study commences with a critical, philosophical exploration of the ethical theories that constitute the normative basis of the dominant business ethics paradigm. It is argued that the universal and communitarian notions of the good upon which this paradigm is based, are inadequate in helping us deal with the complexities that define the modern day business environment. It is suggested that a sophisticated and affirmative account of postmodernism is a better suited alternative, as this paradigm is geared towards assisting us in finding workable solutions to our problems in the absence of universal truths or homogenous operating environments. Although postmodernism serves as a useful starting point for challenging the normative basis of business ethics, this study moves beyond this broad paradigm in providing an analysis of both complexity theory (specifically critical complexity theory), and Jacques Derrida’s deconstructive philosophy. The paradigm of critical complexity presents us with a useful framework for understanding, and thinking through the implications that complex phenomena hold for us, for our practices, and for our understanding of our responsibilities. Deconstruction (which serves as a philosophical example of a complex position) contributes to, and supplements this paradigm. Specifically, deconstruction draws attention to the processual nature of ethical decision-making and action, as well as to the ethical and political implications that arise from our limited knowledge of complex phenomena. Once critical complexity theory and deconstruction are adequately defined, a close reading of a critical text on the relevance of Derrida for understanding business ethics is presented. In undertaking the close reading, a number of criticisms against deconstruction are addressed, and an argument is made for why a more complex understanding of ethics is preferable to universal or communitarian notions of the good – and, therefore, preferable as a normative basis for business ethics. After making the case for a complex ethics, a general circumscription of a complex ethics is provided. This circumscription is premised on an understanding of ethics as a critical, provisional, transgressive, and imaginative enterprise. The specific implications that such a notion of ethics hold for teaching business ethics, and for understanding prominent business ethics themes (such as corporate social responsibility, responsible leadership, and sustainable development) are also elaborated upon. In conclusion, it is argued that taking cognisance of the insights and implications that arise from this study will help to support the future viability of business ethics. This is because a complex understanding of ethics can promote the development of robust and flexible strategies, which are needed for dealing with the realities of the modern business environment. / AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Hierdie studie begin met ‘n kritiese, filosofiese ondersoek na die etiese teorieë wat die normatiewe basis van die dominante sake-etiek paradigma vorm. Daar word aangevoer dat die universele en kommunitaristiese idees van die goeie, waarop hierdie paradigma berus, onvoldoende is om ons in staat te stel om die kompleksiteite wat die hedendaagse sakeomgewing definieer sinvol te hanteer. Die voorstel word gemaak dat ’n gesofistikeerde en positiewe beskrywing van postmodernisme ’n meer gepaste alternatief is, omdat hierdie paradigma gerig is op werkbare oplossings vir ons probleme in die afwesigheid van universele waarhede of homogene werksomgewings. Alhoewel postmodernisme as ’n nuttige vertrekpunt dien om die normatiewe basis van sake-etiek te bevraagteken, beweeg hierdie studie verby die breë paradigma deur ’n analise van beide kompleksiteitsteorie (meer spesifiek kritiese kompleksiteitsteorie), en Jacques Derrida se dekonstruktiewe filosofie aan te bied. Die paradigma van kritiese kompleksiteitsteorie verskaf aan ons ‘n nuttige raamwerk om komplekse verskynsels te verstaan, en ook om deur die gevolge wat kompleksiteit vir ons praktyke en ons begrip van ons verantwoordelikhede te bedink. Dekonstruksie (wat dien as ’n filosofiese voorbeeld van ’n komplekse posisie) dra by tot, en vul hierdie paradigma aan. Meer spesifiek fokus dekonstruksie ons aandag op die prosessuele aard van etiese besluitneming en optrede, sowel as die etiese en politieke implikasies wat uit ons beperkte kennis van komplekse verskynsels voortspruit. Nadat kritiese kompleksiteitsteorie en dekonstruksie deeglik omskryf is, word ‘n kritiese teks oor die moontlike bydrae wat Derrida tot ons begrip van sake-etiek kan lewer noukeurig ontleed. Deur die loop van die ontleding word ’n aantal punte van kritiek teen dekonstruksie aangespreek, en ’n saak word uitgemaak dat ’n meer komplekse begrip van etiek verkieslik is bo universele en kommunitaristiese idees van die goeie – en dus meer geskik is as ’n normatiewe basis vir sakeetiek. ’n Algemene omskrywing van ’n komplekse etiek word ook verskaf om verdere steun te bied vir die verkieslikheid van so ’n opvatting van die etiek. Hierdie omskrywing is op die begrip van die etiek as ’n kritiese, provisionele, oorskryende, en verbeeldingsryke onderneming gebaseer. Die bepaalde implikasies wat hierdie idee vir onderrig in sake-etiek en ’n kennis van prominente sake-etiek temas (soos korporatiewe sosiale verantwoordelikheid, verantwoordelike leierskap, en volhoubare ontwikkeling) inhou, word aangespreek. In die gevolgtrekkig word daar geargumenteer dat kennisname van die insigte en implikasies wat uit hierdie studie voortspruit die toekomstige lewensvatbaarheid van sake-etiek kan bevorder. Dit is omdat ‘n komplekse begrip van die etiek die ontwikkeling van robuuste en buigsame strategieë, wat nodig is vir die hantering van die realiteite van die moderne sakeomgewing, kan aanspoor.