Modelling changes in organisations for a complex world

Abstract

In this paper we discuss how to model the dynamic restructuring of a complex organisation and its information flows to ensure that the organisation continues to function despite fundamental changes taking place. Changes occur mainly because of functional and environmental effects. Decisions can be made rapidly and effectively if key information about each level of the organisation is stored in an efficient and accessible way. We show how to model the organisational hierarchy such that it can be adapted quickly and easily to cope with new challenges. As an example, we describe how this model is used in a wargame which simulates two military organisations in conflict. The model itself has far wider applications since it can be used to monitor the flow of command decisions, logistics and changes in unit position and status. We introduce an object-oriented computer model which views an organisation as a set of interacting objects; mathematical process algebras are used to model these interactions.