Topic 4: Cynefin Framework
4. Discuss the value of the Cynefin Framework for understanding and responding to
complex decision environments. Illustrate, Explain and Articulate the purpose of the Cynefin
Framework
What is the Cynefin Framework?
 Developed by Dave Snowden in 1990s to aid decision making
 Helps people to understand the nature of problems and situations they encounter
and suggets appropriate approaches / strategies based on the complexity of those
problems
Framework categorizes issues in 5 domains
Clear
Complicated
Cause + Effect are clear and
predictable
Solutions are
straightforward and best
practices can be applied
Cause and effect are not
immediately apparent
Can be discovered through
analysis and expertise
Solutions are more expert
driven and there may be
multiple valid approaches
Chaotic
Confusion
Situations of extreme
uncertainty /
unpredictability
After stabilization, system
can move into a more
ordered domain for analysis
and solution development
Nature of the problem is not
understood
Lack of agreement on how
to approach it
Goal is to move it into
another domain for clarity
Complex
Cause and effect are not
clear
Situation is dynamic and
unpredictable
Instead of predefined
solutions, it looks for
experimentation, learning,
and adapting based on
feedback given
The framework is used in fields of
1. Organisational Management
2. Strategic Planning
3. Problem Solving
- Helps individuals / teams recognise the nature of challenges they face and select
appropriate methods for addressing the challenges
- The Cynefin Framework encourgaes a more nuanced and context aware approach to
decision making, recognizing that different problems requires different strategies
Cynefin Framework;
Topic 5; Systems Theory
Q. Systems are a response to reality. Explain the importance of this statement with respect
to the development of a fundamental understanding of IS. Explain what a system is, the
fundamentals of System Theory including an explanation as to why systems theory is
necessarily anti-reductionist
Systems are a response to reality
- This echoes the idea that IS are developed in response to challenges and
opportunities presented by the real world
- Creating an efficient and effective is crucial in gaining competitive advantage
- IS are designed and implemented to address specific problems/challenges faced by
organisations in the real world i.e automating business processes, managing data etc
- Successful IS are those that align with the business needs and goals of an
organisation. The IS must understand the reality of the business environment i.e
processess, requirements and restraints
- IS must be able to adapt to changes in tech, market conditions, regulatory
environments and other factors. Therefore, it must be responsive to the evolving
reality of the business landscape
- IS must be able to support strategic decision making as it must be able to provide
relevant, timely and accurate information to decision makers
- IS IS DEVELOPED TO MANAGE REALITIES
What is a system?
- An organised and interconnected set of components that work together to achieve a
common purpose
- IS collects, processes, stores, analyzes and disseminates information for a specific
purpose
- Purpose is to get the right information to the right people at the right time, in the
right amount and in the right format
What is Systems Theory
- Studies the principles of complex systems, regardless of their specifc nature.
- Provides a framework for understanding and analyzing the structures and
behaviours of systems
Fundamentals of Systems Theory
1. System (organised and interconnected set of components working together)
2. Systems have boundaries that define what is in / out of a system and helps focus on
the interactions within
3. Inputs, Processes, Outputs (IPO) framework is fundamental in understanding how
systems transform resources / information
4. Feedback loops are crucial in systems theory. Occurs when a portion of the output is
fed back into the system as input. Positive Feedback amplifies a process, while
negative feedback helps maintain stability and balance
5. Cybernetics – study of communication and control in systems
6. Entropy – measure of disorder and randomness within a system – Managing this
entropy is key in system functionality and stability
Why is Systems Theory anti-reductionist?
Anti-reductionist => against the idea that everything can be explained be reducing complex
ideas or issues to their simplest component parts
-
Systems Theory rejects the approach of understanding phenomena by breaking
them into isolated components
Instead it emphasized a holistic view, asserting that the interactions and
relationships among components are vital for comprehending a system’s behaviour
Reductionism dissects systems into simpler elements. This is opposed to System’s
Theory as it considers the interconnectedness and dynamic nature of real world
systems and advocates for an integrative approach