Thomas P. Hughes and the development of the ‘systems’ approach: SIRG seminar Wednesday 30 March 2011 @ 2 pm
The next SIRG seminar will take place on Wednesday 30 March at 2 pm. Details follow.
SIRG Seminar, Open University
Wednesday 30 March 2011 @ 2 pm
David Gorham Library (first floor Venables, N1015
Thomas P. Hughes and the development of the ‘systems’ approach
Advait Deshpande
Abstract
Thomas P. Hughes’ systems approach is one of the three constituent approaches within SCOT. While the systems approach became part of SCOT framework as an outcome of the well-known workshop at University of Twente in 1984, the important tenets of the approach had started to appear in Hughes’ works since late 1950s. Hughes however assembled the ideas and articulated the approach only in early 1980s, an example of which is his 1983 book – Networks of Power.
This presentation traces the progress of the systems approach from Hughes’ early work starting in 1958 to its most recent high profile use in year 2000. The presentation will explore Hughes’ better known works during this period to understand the systems approach and its development. Some of the limitations and criticisms of the systems approach will also be covered.