Ken, et al,
It is interesting to think about parts, larger composite parts, wholes, and the
influence and interaction of those wholes on whatever they come in contact with
in reality, virtually or theoretically. However I think it is also important to
understand the synergy of the each additive event and also to remember that the
hand is a part of the body and can be examined in isolation and broken down
into its component parts even down to a sub-atomic level but the integrity of
the hand is compromised by its isolation from the body as is its aesthetic,
utility and social importance. Alistair Mant (Intelligent Leadership 1997) has
a wonderful frog/bike metaphor for the relationship and impact of systems and
parts starting on page 29 of his book the whole of which is an entertaining
read.
Jan
Jan Coker
C3-10 Underdale Campus
University of South Australia
Underdale, South Australia 5032
Phone +61 8 8302 6919
fax +61 8 8302 6239
[log in to unmask]
"We are caught in an inescapable network of mutuality, tied in a single garment
of destiny. Whatever affects one directly, affects all indirectly." Martin
Luther King, Jnr.
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Ken Friedman [mailto:[log in to unmask]]
> Sent: Tuesday, 5 March 2002 12:46 AM
> To: [log in to unmask]
> Subject: Products and parts
>
>
> Adrian Espinosa-Bautista asks about the distinction
> between products and parts.
>
> Anders Ekholm offers a useful response in terms of
> systems thinking.
>
> I'd like to follow this with a quick note.
>
> Most of the things we manufacture today involve
> systems of parts that become larger products.
>
> In many cases, these parts are themselves complex
> products assembled from smaller parts and sold as
> a product that becomes the part of another system.
>
> This means that one must consider level of analysis
> and establish clear operational definitions for any
> object under study. A headlight, a car, or a skyscraper
> may be a finished product in one frame, while
> becoming a part within a larger product or system
> in another frame.
>
> Systemic descriptions support by clear analysis
> and operational definitions will allow the researcher
> to sort these issues out for any given study. The same
> objects and issues may be cast in an entirely different
> frame for a different kind of study.
>
> --
>
> Ken Friedman, Ph.D.
> Associate Professor of Leadership and Strategic Design
> Department of Leadership and Organization
> Norwegian School of Management
>
> Visiting Professor
> Advanced Research Institute
> School of Art and Design
> Staffordshire University
>
>
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