Managing Complexity

Subtitle: Disease Control as a Complex Adaptive System

Article type: Research Article

Authors: Rouse, William B.

Affiliations: Enterprise Support Systems, 3295 River Exchange Drive, Suite 125, Norcross, GA 30092, USA

Abstract: Trends in computer and communications technologies are enabling increased globalization and integration of enterprises, and corresponding increases of enterprise complexity.  This article addresses management of this complexity using a complex adaptive systems framework.  The nature of complex adaptive systems is first reviewed, drawing upon a range of examples to illustrate key concepts.  The domain of disease control is then introduced in terms of prevention, detection, and treatment of disease, as well as major stakeholders in these processes.  Overall approaches to managing complex systems are discussed in the context of disease control.  Finally, strategic implications for stakeholders in disease control are considered.

Keywords: strategic management, complexity, system models, disease control, complex adaptive systems

Journal: Information Knowledge Systems Management, vol. 2, no. 2, pp. 143-165, 2000