what-when-how
In Depth Tutorials and Information
1.6 SociotechnicalNetworksandCognition
he ability of a sociotechnical network to autonomously sense changes in its envi-
ronment and respond to those changes relatively autonomously based on its prior
experiences demonstrates its level of cognition. he higher the autonomy, the higher
the cognitive ability of the network. One can define a Cognitioncentric System as
having the following capabilities (Mitola, 2006):
1. Sensing individual internal and external changes
2. Perceiving the overall picture that these changes represent
3. Associating the new situation with past experienced situations and acting
accordingly if similar
4. Planning various alternatives in response to the change within a given response
timeline
5. Choosing course of action that seems best suited to the situation
6. Taking action . by adjusting resources and outcomes to meet new needs and
requirements
7. Monitoringandlearning from the impact of capabilities 1-6
From the definition it follows that every system could exhibit these capabilities in
different degrees. Each of these capabilities is used in a systems process that directly
corresponds to it. he chain of the seven resulting processes constitutes the full
cognitive process cycle for the system for any given set of changes. Chapter 10 will
look at cognitioncentric sociotechnical systems in more detail.
1.7 AnalyzingSociotechnicalNetworks:CLIOS
AnalysisandtheSTINHeuristics
here are two main analysis methodologies for sociotechnical networks. he
CLIOS (Complex, Large-scale, integrated, open systems) process (Mostashari
and Sussman, 2009, Sussman, 2003) and the sociotechnical interaction network
(STIN) concept (Kling et al., 2003). We will discuss the CLIOS process in detail
in the sociotechnical systems modeling chapter. STIN is based on earlier work by
Kling and Scacchi (1982) and identifies the following broad analysis activities for
sociotechnical networks (Kling et al., 2003):
1. Stakeholder/Actor Analysis
2. Network Relationship Analysis
3. Network Trajectory Analysis
In the first, the relevant population of system interactors is identified, the core inter-
actor groups are mapped, and incentives within the network are characterized. In
the second, excluded actors and undesired interactions are identified, and existing
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