1st Edition
Research Design Using Systemic Thinking Describing the General Scientific Method
PROLOGUE: HOW TO STRUCTURE THE PAPER
PREFACE
PART I - SCIENTIFIC STRATEGY
CHAPTER 1 – APPROACHES AND PERSPECTIVES
Learning objectives:
Introduction
The scientific approach
Conclusion
Exercises
CHAPTER 2 THE SCIENTIFIC METHOD
Learning objectives:
Introduction
The general scientific method
Conclusion
Exercises
CHAPTER 3 SCIENTIFIC PERSPECTIVE
Learning objectives:
Introduction
Different knowledge perspectives
Conclusion
Exercises
CHAPTER 4 SCIENTIFIC LANGUAGE
Learning objectives:
Introduction
Science as language
Conclusion
Exercises
PART II PROBLEMS, RESEARCH QUESTIONS, AND MODELS
CHAPTER 5: RESEARCH PROBLEMS
Learning objectives:
Introduction
The start of the process of asking questions
Relationships between problems
Problem solutions
Defining a problem
Problems and research questions: A summary
Conclusion
Exercises
CHAPTER 6: HYPOTHESES
Learning objectives:
Introduction
Low-level and high-level hypotheses
The purpose of concepts and hypotheses
Mental constructions
Phenomenological and dynamic hypotheses
Science in a free society
Everyday hypotheses and basic hypotheses
Factual hypotheses
Hypothesis testability
Conclusion
Exercises
CHAPTER 7 THEORIES
Learning objectives:
Introduction
The purpose of science
Theory development
Developing theories
Requirements for testing a theory
Conclusion
Exercises
CHAPTER 8 MODELS IN CONCEPTUAL PAPERS
Learning objectives:
Introduction
How we are guided by our models
The purpose of developing models
Analytical and causal models
Model types
Conclusion
Exercises
CHAPTER 9 EXPLANATIONS
Learning objectives:
Introduction
Describe, understand, explain
Explanations
Aspects of causal processes: a systemic point of view
Causal processes
Historical explanations
Functional explanations
Cybernetic explanations
Pattern-based explanations
Conclusion
Exercises
EPILOGUE: HOW TO WRITE CONCEPTUAL PAPERS
APPENDICES
APPENDIX 1 A GENERAL RESEARCH METHODOLOGY FOR SYSTEMIC THINKING
APPENDIX 2 STUDYING PATTERNS
EXPLAINING CONCEPTS USED IN THE BOOK
Biography
Jon-Arild Johannessen is a professor of leadership at Kristiania University of Applied Science, Oslo, Norway. He holds a master of science in history from Oslo University and a PhD in systemic thinking from Stockholm University. With extensive academic experience, he has previously held full professorships in innovation at Syd-Danske University (Denmark), management at The Arctic University (Norway), information management at Bodø Graduate School of Business (Norway), and knowledge management at the Norwegian School of Management.
