The object of this study is to draw art into the common net of organization, along with those other enterprizes more commonly associated with the exercise of intelligence. The method chosen for this is based upon the idea of effective procedures, namely by setting out to construct a (notional) 'art machine'. The argument falls into two parts, the first dealing with the general concept of authorship and the second with its products. Part I offers a definition of an abstract, rudimentary productive process and describes its observers. There is an examination of the relation between structure and purpose, which moves towards a general definition of authorship made in terms of extracting order from a surrounding. Principles of order extraction are examined, with particular reference to the Law of Requisite Variety. Examination of extracted order, as structure, heuristics and the like, leads to discussion of the transmission of purposes between purposeful systems, as well as general problems of constraint, and of regulation and control. Part I ends with a proposal for a paradigm for a rudimentary mechanical author. Part II concentrates on the products of authorship, seeking characterizing features of those that may be classified as art. There is discussion of objective knowledge and its value and of the characteristics of experience as a form of objective knowledge. It is suggested that art is concerned with experience and that this dictates its method, which is to produce simulation procedures based on a language constituted by the synthetic structures discussed in Part I. Lines are suggested for realizing an 'art machine' and there is a review of prospects. A section of notes consisting of speculative ideas and empirical applications connected with the conclusions of the text follows Part II.

Information systems (IS) projects are complex and costly, but only a 3rd of IS projects are successful; the Standish Group reported that 32% of IS projects were successful in 2012. Although investments in research have led to improvements in practice, there is a general perception that management failures are responsible for the low rate of IS project success. The effects of initiating factors on project outcome had not been sufficiently explored; few IS researchers have explored the initiation phase. The purpose of this grounded theory study was to explore project initiation factors, including relational, as well as decision-making aspects, and how they might be addressed to enhance the possibility of success. The research questions were oriented at identifying key initiation factors, how they might be managed to promote project success, and how decision-making factors at initiation might facilitate project success. A conceptual framework consisting of chaos theory and Ashby's law of requisite variety was used. Purposive and snowballing sampling techniques were used, and 24 IS managers and project managers were interviewed. A 3-stage data analysis approach was used and included open coding, focused coding, and theoretical coding. Key themes identified included project governance and management, as well as stakeholder engagement. The emergent theory of IS project initiation indicated that the factors represented by the themes must be identified during initiation but implemented throughout the project lifecycle to ensure project success. Positive social change may be realized as IS managers, and project managers apply the findings and recommendations to achieve project success and avoid costly failures thus benefiting both companies and customers.

Thesis (M.B.A.)--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2008.

Thesis (M.B.A.)--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2008.

Thesis (M.B.A.)--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2008.