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Better Theory & More Effective Collaboration Within &
Between Academic Departments Through a
Conceptual Systems Approach
First Global Conference on Research Integration and Implementation
September 8-11, 2013 Canberra, Australia
Steve Wallis, Ph.D. Director, Foundation for the Advancement of Social TheoryPart Time Faculty, Capella UniversityFulbright Specialist [email protected]
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The Fulbright Specialist Program
For non-US, education-focused, institutions (e.g. universities and research centers)Length: 2-6 weeksFulbright covers transportation expenses; the hosting institution covers basic living expensesProjects for improving capacity of institution (e.g. increasing collaboration between departments to improve theory & practice)
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An Innovative ApproachIn a world of systems, those theories and policies that are measurably more systemic are more likely to be useful in practical application.
Thus, a “Science of Conceptual Systems” approach - based on complexity theory, systems thinking, & analysis of the propositions within the conceptual systems of theories and policies.
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Suggested Projects:
• Improve research & collaboration within & between departments / disciplines
• Improve collaboration between academia & community
• Identify better theory for teaching to students• Develop better policy which will allow us to
achieve higher goals at lower cost.
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Examples of Activities
Analysis:
Serving as an expert, I perform analyses of key conceptual systems (theories, policies, etc.) to stimulate conversation in new directions for institutions to improve their policies and practices to achieve greater success.
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Examples of Activities
Lecture:
Attendees learn new methods to analyze the potential usefulness of conceptual systems. This enables them to choose better theories, integrate theories more effective, and find paths for discovering the “unknown unknowns” in theory and policy.
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Examples of Activities
Workshops:
Participants analyze theories from the literature, textbooks, and other sources to identify the best theories to teach and apply in the real world.
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Examples of Activities
Collaborative workshops:
Participants bring theories and policies from within and/or across disciplinary domains. Engage in facilitated process of deconstruction and re-integration to create unified, more effective theories/policies and identify/clarify directions for research.
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Examples of Activities
Facilitated process:
Participants work together to plan the collaborative integration and implementation of policies.
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Collaboration Supports Success(Larger Conceptual Systems
Require More Collaboration)
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To Conclude…
Research shows that theories and policies which are more systemic and more complex will be more effective in practical application. With these new methods, we can bridge disciplines, synthesize knowledge, integrate research, and support collaboration to achieve more effective results.
More Information on the Fulbright
Specialist Program:
http://www.cies.org/Fulbrightagency_files/FSP/Specialist_HostInstitution_flyer.pdf
http://www.cies.org/specialists/Developing_a_Project/
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References & LinksHttp://ProjectFAST.orgWallis, S. (in press). A Systems Approach to Understanding Theory: Finding the Core, Identifying Opportunities for Improvement, and Integrating Fragmented Fields. Systems Research and Behavioral Science. Wallis, S. (2013). How to Choose Between Policy Proposals: A Simple Tool Based on Systems Thinking and Complexity Theory. E:CO – Emergence: Complexity and Organizations. Vol. 15 (3).Wallis, S. (2011). “Avoiding Policy Failure: A Workable Approach.” Litchfield Park, AZ: Emergent Publications, ISBN: 978-0-9842165-0-5. Wallis, S. (2010). “Toward a science of metatheory.” Integral Review, Vol. 6 (3), p. 73-120. Wallis, S. (2010). “The structure of theory and the structure of scientific revolutions: What constitutes an advance in theory?” Chapter in “Cybernetics and Systems Theory in Management: Tools, Views and Advancements.” Wallis, S. E. (Ed.) Hershey, PA: IGI Global.
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I look forward to collaborating with YOU!
First Global Conference on Research Integration and Implementation
September 8-11, 2013 Canberra, Australia
For More Information, Please Contact:
Steve Wallis, [email protected]
FOUNDATION FOR THE ADVANCEMENT OF SOCIAL THEORY
