Applied systems thinking for reflective practitioners.
Latest Projects
VSM7 for Practitioners
VSM7 is a browser-based workspace for designing organizations with the Viable System Model. It supports facilitators through a structured VSM workshop series, keeps the consolidated project record in one place, and turns workshop results into reusable corporate documents.
Blog Post about the VSM7 mockup
VSM Strategy Game
The VSM Strategy Game is an interactive, scenario-based learning and organizational design experience that brings Stafford Beer’s Viable System Model (VSM) to life. Over the course of a working week, participants take responsibility for an organization facing a dynamic, uncertain, and increasingly challenging business environment. Soon to be released!
Viable System Model Blog
Latest blog posts:
Latest posts
Viable System Model: Explained with a Practical Example
By Mark Lambertz At first sight, the Viable System Model can look rather complicated. Five systems, lots of lines, and a language of its own. So let’s start with something familiar: a team trying to deliver useful work. Who makes which decisions? How do people coordinate their work? Who looks beyond the next delivery? And…
VSM Simulation “Pasta Lasta”
Learning the VSM by Running a Restaurant The restaurant Pasta Lasta has been overbooked. The kitchen wants to know which orders take priority. The bar has its own guests to look after. Meanwhile, a supermarket buyer wants to put the restaurant’s famous tomato sauce on the shelves. Who decides? What can people resolve themselves? Where…
VSM7 Walkthrough
A first step towards an open-source VSM software Applying the Viable System Model is hard. But there is the 7-step methodology of Martin Pfiffner, which was a true revelation to me. Honestly, I think this is the smartest way to apply the VSM (in the corporate world) because it entangles the complexity of the theory…
Available Books
Leading by Weak Signals: Using Small Data to Master Complexity
Verantwortungsvoll führen in einer komplexen Welt: Denkmuster – Werkzeuge – Praxisbeispiele (German Edition)
DIE INTELLIGENTE ORGANISATION: Das Playbook für organisatorische Komplexität
Freiheit und Verantwortung für intelligente Organisationen (German Edition)
30 Minuten Besser entscheiden mit Red Teaming (German Edition)
Purpose of this blog
Share knowledge about the Viable Viable System Model and make it more accessible.
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