Complexity, Management and Change Workshop

Open University, Milton Keynes, UK.
Wednesday 30th April 2008

You are invited to the Open University in Milton Keynes to participate in a one day workshop on Elizabeth McMillan’s latest book: Complexity, Management and the Dynamics of Change: Challenges for Practice. This is to be published by Routledge in early March and a synopsis is printed below.

The day will have an interactive focus with opportunities to explore the contents of the book with the author, to consider complexity and management issues and to participate in group discussion.

Delegates attending the workshop will receive a free hardback copy of the book which retails at £80, a buffet lunch and refreshments. Everyone is invited to stay on for a wine reception immediately after the workshop to meet with other Open University academics.

The event is free to all full members of the Complexity Management Business Club and costs £45 to Networking Members of the Club. For all non members the price is £95.

If you would like reserve a place on the workshop please email Gemma Walker at g.m.r.walker@open.ac.uk or telephone 01908 652103. The closing date for registrations is 3rd April 2008 so that we can order sufficient books. Anyone booking after that date may have to wait for their copy of the book!

Publisher’s Synopsis
‘The structure of contemporary business organizations owes more to the ideas of Isaac Newton and the seventeenth century than many of us realise. Most are modelled on principles of cause and effect and linear chains of command structured around distinct departments. But modern science has moved on since Newtonian mechanics, and in this profoundly important text, Elizabeth McMillan shows how the insights of complexity science can allow today's managers to embrace the challenges and uncertainty of the twenty-first century, and successfully oversee organizational change and development. Complexity science refers to the study of complex adaptive systems. These can absorb information, learn and then intelligently adapt in response to environmental changes. This book brings these ideas into an important new arena by: outlining the historical relationship between science and organizations; reviewing current perspectives on organizational change and best practice; citing real-life examples of the use of complexity science ideas; and, discussing issues which may arise when using ideas from complexity.'

'Written in an accessible style to bridge the gap from scientific theory to commercial applicability, this ground breaking text shows how organizations can become more effective, democratic and sustainable through complexity science. It is a key text for all students of business and management, and all practitioners working in the field.’

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