[AISWorld] New Book: Using Activity Domain Theory for Managing Complex Systems

[Lars Taxén]

Dear Colleagues,

I am pleased to announce the publication of my new book * Using
Activity Domain Theory for Managing Complex Systems *

ISBN: 978-1-60566-192-6, 376 pp; November 2009

Published under the imprint Information Science Reference (formerly Idea
Group Reference)
http://www.igi-global.com/reference/details.asp?ID=35030

Authored by: Lars Taxén, Associate Professor, Linkoping University, SWEDEN

DESCRIPTION
*****************
Latest research indicates that construction of a communal meaning
regarding coordination of complex systems development tasks should be
implemented into practice, proving that far more attention should be
given to the issue of communal meaning construction in organizations.

*Using Activity Domain Theory for Managing Complex Systems* offers a
new approach towards managing complex systems that informs the
co-construction of technical support for coordination and communal
meaning regarding this support. Compiling and structuring empirical
observations from the Ericsson™ Company and theoretical developments
from the perspective of meaning construction, this unique book
combines a deep understanding of concrete, every-day conditions of the
telecom industry with innovative theoretical development of the
Activity Domain Theory (ADT).

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"The reader is invited to a rewarding ride through research and
experimentation, ending up in highly useful new insights."
- Christian Berggren, Professor, Linkoping University, Sweden
“The book adds a new dimension in systems literature. I think this is
one of the few books that addresses philosophical issues of
complexities with the practices. It attempts to make a bridge between
the theory and practice.
- Anonymous reviewer

TABLE OF CONTENTS
**************************
PREFACE
       The reality of the telecom industry

PART I - THE PRACTICAL TRAIL
   THE DAWN OF THE ACTIVITY DOMAIN THEORY
   REFLECTIONS

PART II – THE THEORETICAL TRAIL
   THE PHILOSOPHICAL ROOTS
       Praxis
       The dialectical relation
       The dialectical method
       The epistemology of praxis
       The dialectical method
   ACTIVITY THEORY
      The concept of activity
      Mediation
      Meaning

PART III – THE ACTIVITY DOMAIN THEORY
   THE CONSTITUTION OF THE ACTIVITY DOMAIN
      Aspects of the activity domain
      The congruence of mind and activity
      The activity modalities
      Mediational means and activity modalities
   COGNITIVE GROUNDING
      The Gärdenfors model of cognition
      The linguistic stratum
      The conceptual stratum
      The neuropsychological stratum
   OPERATIONALIZING THE THEORY
   POSITIONING AGAINST OTHER THEORIES
   THE PRACTICAL AND THEORETICAL TRAILS IN HINDSIGHT

PART IV – IMPLICATIONS
   THE ANATOMY-CENTRIC APPROACH TOWARDS MANAGING COMPLEX PROJECTS
   ENTERPRISE ARCHITECTURES – AN ALTERNATIVE VIEW
   PRODUCT LIFECYCLE MANAGEMENT REVISITED
   ALIGNMENT – THE ACTIVITY DOMAIN IN THE CENTRE
   IN SEARCH OF AN INTEGRATING CONSTRUCT
      Business process reconstruction
      From information system development to domain construction
      Conclusions – The activity domain as an integrating construct

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Best regards
Lars


-- 
Lars Taxén, Associated Professor
Department of Science and Technology
Campus Norrköping, Linköpings Universitet
Rundan 91
SE 14645 Tullinge, Sweden
mobile: +46 (0)73 0977864
lars.taxen at telia.com
www.neana.se