Complex Systems Theory and Development Practice : Understanding Non-Linear Realities

Rihani, Samir

ISBN 10: 1842770470 / ISBN 13: 9781842770474

Edité par Zed Books, Limited, 2002

A propos de cet article

Ships from the UK. Former library book; may include library markings. Used book that is in clean, average condition without any missing pages.

N° de réf. du vendeur 50162403-20

Détails bibliographiques

• Titre: Complex Systems Theory and Development Practice : Understanding Non-Linear Realities
• Éditeur: Zed Books, Limited
• Date de parution: 2002
• Langue: anglais
• ISBN à 10 chiffres: 1842770470
• ISBN à 13 chiffres: 9781842770474
• Reliure: Couverture souple
• Édition: Paperback.
• État de l'article: Good
• Poids: 19,621 livres

A propos de ce titre

Synopsis

Real paradigm shifts are rare phenomena, and professionals are rightly cautious about claims in this regard. This thoughtful book, however, advocates just such a shift in the development field, and advances a reasoned case in its support. Its author hopes to open the door to a rather different way of looking at historical processes of development. Dr Rihani, an engineer with long experience of development, takes as his starting point the undoubted paradigm shift which is taking hold in the natural sciences. He argues that the emerging science of complexity can also illuminate the flawed nature of customary assumptions about causality, certainty and universality in the way nations develop. Ranging over a wide terrain of social, political and economic thinking and specific country experiences, the author explains the key concepts in complex systems theory and their possible applications in development practice. He examines various development issues and institutions in the light of what he sees as the limitations of rigid linear thinking in an essentially fluid, non-linear world. Little wonder, he concludes, that the results of half a century of development effort have been so disappointing. If development thinkers take up this book's invitation to apply the new thinking to the processes which they seek to understand and manage, Dr Rihani's work will have made an exceptional contribution to the theory and practice of development.

À propos de l?auteur

Dr Samir Rihani is Senior Research Fellow, School of Politics and Communication Studies at the University of Liverpool. He is a member of the Institute of Civil Engineers and of the Chartered Institute of Marketing. His long and varied career both in Britain and abroad has included lecturing, consultancy and public service. Since 1992 he has been Managing Director of EPHOR Consultants Ltd. A former Chief Executive of the Merseyside Tourism Board, he is currently a Non-Executive Director of Liverpool Women's Hospital NHS Trust. His doctorate in development studies is from the University of Liverpool and, since January 2000, he has been Joint Editor (with Dr Robert Geyer) of the social-science-forum.org website.