The viable system model and the Viplan software

Abstract

The software Viplan learning system is an aid to learn about Beer’s viable system model (VSM) and its application. This is done with the support of the Viplan method. The five activities of this method are explained with examples. First, it offers an approach to understand and discuss organisational identity through analysis of stakeholders. Second, it describes structural modelling of activities, which is followed by the crucial idea in the method of unfolding the organisation’s complexity. Fourth, it shows a tool for studying the distribution of resources and discretion in an organisation. Fifth, and finally, it offers a form of relating these resources to the VSM, thus allowing the development of diagnostic points. The paper ends with a short description of the software itself.

Citation

Espejo, R., Bowling, D. and Hoverstadt, P. (1999), "The viable system model and the Viplan software", Kybernetes, Vol. 28 No. 6/7, pp. 661-678. https://doi.org/10.1108/03684929910282944