Our Academic and Professional Team

Professor John Mingers

Professor of Operational Research and Systems

Director of Research
Profile sections

Teaching Group: Management Science & Operations

Room: 206

Extension: 4008

Email: J.Mingers@kent.ac.uk

Office hours:
By email appointment

Research interests
  • Many of my research themes have been explored in a book titled 'Realizing Systems Thinking: Knowledge and Action in Management Science'. To see a review of this book click here http://www.equinoxjournals.com/ojs/index.php/JCR/article/view/3394/2532
  • Multimethodology: The process of linking together or combining a number of different management science methodologies (such as SSM, VSM, cognitive mapping etc), possibly from different underlying paradigms, within a single intervention or piece of research. I have edited a book on this subject (with Anthony Gill) published by Wiley in 1997 - Multimethodology: Towards Theory and Practice for Mixing and Matching Methodologies and another on problem structuring methods with Jonathan Rosenhead published in 2001 - Rational Analysis for a Problematic World Revisited: Problem Structuring Methods for Complexity, Uncertainty and Conflict
  • Critical Realism as an underlying philosophy for management science and information systems. Information about this can be found in a book that I edited with Leslie Willcocks - Social Theory and Philosophy for Information Systems
  • Evaluating research performance particularly in areas such as journal rankings and citations. I have analysed the 2008 RAE results for Business and Management using a mathematical model to try and reconstruct the grades that were awarded by the Panel. This enabled me to produce a journal ranking based on the RAE results (see Kent Business School working paper 205). A table with the rankings is available here. I also carried out a statistical analysis of the peer reviewed journal rankings in the Harzing database (See EJIS 2007 paper). Tables of the ranking produced, sorted by subject and journal title are available. I have also produced papers on the h-index, and on stochastic modelling of the dynamic behaviour of citations.
  • In the light of the credit crunch I have investigated whether one should invest in tracker funds when the stock market is falling (See Kent Business School working paper 183)
  • Information and meaning: The development of a more adequate conceptualisation of the nature of '(within information systems) and its relationship to 'meaning'. Following on from this, the importance of embodiment in human cognition, and our relationship with technology
  • Autopoiesis: The application of the ideas of autopoiesis in different domains such as problem solving interventions and information systems. I have written a key text on autopoiesis published by Plenum in 1995 - Self-producing Systems: Implications and Applications of Autopoiesis
  • More technique-oriented OR work such as developing algorithms for the equitable partitioning problem and applying DEA to marketing
Research supervisees

Wasfi A A Al-Rawabdeh
Research area: The emergence of E-Commerce in the Arab world: A comparison study

 

Yolanda Brown
Research area: Combining 'Hard' and 'Soft' Operational Research Techniques and Methodologies

 

Laura Luo
Research area: Performance Management

 

Aijie Xie

Research area: Changes in Housing Structure in Canterbury as Reflected Through the 1981, 1991 and 2001 Censuses

 

Fang Xu

Research area: Measuring Research Quality by using Bibliometric Methods
Publications
Also view these in the Kent Academic Repository
Monographs

    Mingers, J. and White, L. (2009) A Review of the Recent Contribution of Systems Thinking to Operational Research and Management Science. working_paper. Kent Business School, Canterbury

    Abstract

    The systems approach, or systems thinking, has been intimately connected with the development of OR and management science initially through the work of founders such as Churchman and Ackoff and latterly through innovations such as soft systems. In this paper we have undertaken a review of the contribution that systems thinking has been making more recently, especially to the practice of OR. Systems thinking is a discipline in its own right, with many theoretical and methodological developments, but it is also applicable to almost any problem area because of its generality, and so such a review must always be selective. We have looked at the literature from both a theoretical and an applications orientation. In the first part we consider the main systems theories and methodologies in terms of their recent developments and also their applications. This covers: the systems approach, complexity theory, cybernetics, system dynamics, soft OR and PSMs, critical systems and multimethodology. In the second part we review the main domains of application: strategy, information systems, organisations, production and operations, ecology and agriculture, and medicine and health. Our overall conclusion is that while systems may not be well established institutionally, in terms of academic departments, it is incredibly healthy in terms of the quantity and variety of its applications.

    Mingers, J.C. and Walsham, G. (2008) Towards ethical information systems: The contribution of discourse ethics. working_paper. Kent Business School, Canterbury

    Abstract

    With globalization, environmental problems and significant failures in corporate governance, business ethics is perceived to be of increasing importance. This is particularly so for IS because of the huge social effects of new technologies. Yet there has been relatively little discussion of ethics in the IS literature and no clear consensus has emerged. This paper argues that Habermas?s discourse ethics can make a major, and practical, contribution. After outlining some major ethical theories and how they have been interpreted in business ethics and IS, the paper details the development of discourse ethics. Discourse ethics is different from other approaches to ethics as it is grounded in actual debates between those affected by decisions and proposals. Recognizing that the theory is rather abstract, the final section discusses how it can be pragmatized, with the help of existing soft and critical methodologies, to become a basis for business and IS ethics.

Articles

    Mingers, J. (2009) Measuring the Research Contribution of Management Academics using the Hirsch-Index. Journal of the Operational Research Society, 60 (9). pp. 1143-1153. ISSN 0160-5682.

    Abstract

    There is an increasing emphasis on the use of metrics for assessing the research contribution of academics, departments, journals or conferences. Contribution has two dimensions: quantity which can be measured by number/size of the outputs, and quality which is most easily measured by the number of citations. Recently, Hirsch proposed a new metric which is simple, combines both quality and quantity in one number, and is robust to measurement problems. This paper applies the h-index to three groups of management academics ? BAM Fellows, INFORMS Fellows, and members of COPIOR ? in order to evaluate the extent to which the h-index would serve as a reliable measure of the contribution of researchers in the management field.

    Mingers, J. (2009) Discourse Ethics and Critical Realist Ethics: An Evaluation in the Context of Business. Journal of Critical Realism, 8 (2). pp. 172-202. ISSN 1476-7430.

    Abstract

    Until recently, businesses and corporations could argue that their only real commitments were to maximise the return to their shareholders whilst staying within the law. However, the world has changed significantly during the last ten years and now most major corporations recognise that they have significant responsibility to local and global societies beyond simply making profit. This means that there is now an increasing concern with the question of how corporations, and their employees, ought to behave, and this leads us to consider ethics as the appropriate theoretical and philosophical domain. I will bring into the debate two relatively recent approaches to ethics: Jürgen Habermas?s discourse ethics (stemming from his critical theory); and the critical realist approach of Roy Bhaskar. These are interesting for several reasons: they both draw on traditional ethical theories, although different ones; they bring in innovations of practical relevance; and they both share an over-arching critical perspective. After a critical introduction to both ethical theories, their similarities and differences are explored. The article ends by considering the extent to which they may be practically useful within business.

    Mingers, J. and Xu, Fang (2009) The Drivers of Citations in Management Science Journals. European Journal of Operational Research.

    Abstract

    The number of citations is becoming an increasingly popular index for measuring the impact of a scholar?s research or the quality of an academic department. One obvious question is: what are the factors that influence the number of citations that a paper receives? This study investigates the number of citations received by papers published in six well-known management science journals. It considers factors that relate to the author(s), the article itself, and the journal. The results show that the strongest factor is the journal itself; but other factors are also significant including the length of the paper, the number of references, the status of the first author?s institution, and the type of paper, especially if it is a review. Overall, this study provides some insights into the determinants of a paper?s impact that may be helpful for particular stakeholders to make important decisions.

    Mingers, J. and White, Leroy (2009) A Review of the Recent Contribution of Systems Thinking to Operational Research and Management Science. European Journal of Operational Research. ISSN 0377-2217.

    Abstract

    The systems approach, or systems thinking, has been intimately connected with the development of OR and management science initially through the work of founders such as Churchman and Ackoff and latterly through innovations such as soft systems. In this paper we have undertaken a review of the contribution that systems thinking has been making more recently, especially to the practice of OR. Systems thinking is a discipline in its own right, with many theoretical and methodological developments, but it is also applicable to almost any problem area because of its generality, and so such a review must always be selective. We have looked at the literature from both a theoretical and an applications orientation. In the first part we consider the main systems theories and methodologies in terms of their recent developments and also their applications. This covers: the systems approach, complexity theory, cybernetics, system dynamics, soft OR and PSMs, critical systems and multimethodology. In the second part we review the main domains of application: strategy, information systems, organisations, production and operations, ecology and agriculture, and medicine and health. Our overall conclusion is that while systems may not be well established institutionally, in terms of academic departments, it is incredibly healthy in terms of the quantity and variety of its applications.

    Mingers, J. (2008) Exploring the dynamics of journal citations: Modelling with s-curves. Journal of the Operational Research Society, 59 (8). pp. 1013-1025. ISSN 0160-5682.

    Abstract

    This paper reports on an exploratory analysis of the behaviour of citations for management science papers over a fourteen year period. Citations often display s-curve type behaviour: beginning slowly, rising in response to previous citations, and then declining as the material becomes obsolete. Within the context of citation research such functions are known as obsolescence functions. The paper addresses three specific questions: i) can collections of papers from the same journal all be modelled using the same obsolescence function? ii) Can we identify specific patterns of behaviour such as ?sleeping beauties? or ?shooting stars?? iii) Can we predict the number of future citations from the pattern of behaviour in the first few years? Over 600 papers published in six leading management science journals are analysed using a variety of s-curves.

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    Mingers, J. (2008) Management Knowledge and Knowledge Management: Realism and Forms of Truth. Knowledge Management Research and Practice, 6. pp. 62-76. ISSN 1477-8238.

    Abstract

    This paper addresses the issue of truth and knowledge in management generally and knowledge management in particular. Based on ideas from critical realism and critical theory, it argues against the monovalent conceptualization of knowledge implicitly or explicitly held by many authors and aims instead to develop a characterization that recognises the rich and varied ways in which human beings may be said ?to know?. It points out and conceptualises a fundamental dimension of knowledge that is generally ignored or cursorily treated within the literature, that is, ?truth?. It identifies four forms of knowledge ? propositional, experiential, performative and epistemological ? and explores their characteristics, especially in terms of truth and validity. It points out some implications for knowledge management.

    Mar-Molinero, C. and Mingers, John (2007) An evaluation of the limitations of, and alternatives to, the Co-Plot methodology. Journal of the Operational Research Society, 58 (7). pp. 874-886. ISSN 0160-5682.

    Abstract

    The Co-Plot technique has become stereotyped in the form of a series of steps that are automatically followed with little regard for the characteristics of the data and the type of analysis it supports. While there are obvious extensions to this type of analysis, the methodology has remained unchanged over many years. Here we argue that the application of the Co-Plot to binary, nominal data, as is done in published papers, is inappropriate. We frame the Co-Plot in the general literature of multivariate analysis in order to show that it is a simplification of standard multivariate methods. We use a recently published example on mapping MBA programmes to show how a similar, although more statistically appropriate, analysis based on multidimensional scaling methods produces very different results.

    Mingers, John and Harzing, A.W. (2007) Ranking journals in business and management: a statistical analysis of the Harzing data set. European Journal of Information Systems, 16 (4). pp. 303-316. ISSN 0960-085X.

    Abstract

    Creating rankings of academic journals is an important but contentious issue. It is of especial interest in the U.K. at this time (2007) as we are only one year away from getting the results of the next Research Assessment Exercise (RAE) the importance of which, for U.K. universities, can hardly be overstated. The purpose of this paper is to present a journal ranking for business and management based on a statistical analysis of the Harzing data set which contains 13 rankings. The primary aim of the analysis is two-fold ? to investigate relationships between the different rankings, including that between peer rankings and citation behaviour; and to develop a ranking based on four groups that could be useful for the RAE. Looking at the different rankings, the main conclusions are that there is in general a high degree of conformity between them as shown by a principal components analysis. Cluster analysis is used to create four groups of journals relevant to the RAE. The higher groups are found to correspond well with previous studies of top management journals and also gave, unlike them, equal coverage to all the management disciplines. The RAE Business and Management panel have a huge and unenviable task in trying to judge the quality of over 10,000 publications and they will inevitably have to resort to some standard mechanistic procedures to do so. This work will hopefully contribute by producing a ranking based on a statistical analysis of a variety of measures.

    Mingers, John (2007) Operational research: the science of better? Journal of the Operational Research Society, 58 (5). pp. 683-686. ISSN 0160-5682.

    Mingers, John and Liu, W.B. and Meng, W (2007) Using SSM to structure the identification ofinputs and outputs in DEA. J. Operational Research Society, December. pp. 1-12.

    Abstract

    This paper reports on an innovative combination of hard and soft methods ? soft systems methodology with data envelopment analysis. Problems in defining and agreeing appropriate inputs and outputs for DEA led to the use of SSM as a way or producing a comprehensive and systemic database of performance indicators. The contributions of the paper are: the use of SSM to improve DEA specifications; conceptual clarifications within both SSM and DEA; and an innovative example of multimethodology. These developments are illustrated through a study evaluating the performance of the basic research institutes of the Chinese Academy of Sciences.

    Mingers, John (2007) Pluralism, realism and truth: the keys to knowledge in information systems research. International Journal of Information Technologies and the Systems Approach, 1 (1). pp. 81-92. ISSN 1935-570X.

    Abstract

    The aim of this paper is to outline some of the key themes that I believe are important, first in applying the systems approach to produce high quality IS research in general, and second to consider more specifically some of the questions and debates that are of interest within the philosophy of IS and of the systems approach. Four themes are identified: being systemic, being critical and realist, being pluralist in approach, and having a concern for truth and knowledge.

    Mingers, John and Liu, W.B. and Meng, W (2007) Studies on a framework for science-technology evaluation using soft system methodology. Journal of Science Research Management, 28 (2). pp. 1-8.

    Mingers, J. and Burrell, Q.L. (2006) Modeling Citation Behavior in Management Science Journals. Information Processing and Management, 42 (6). pp. 1451-1464. ISSN 0306-4573.

    Abstract

    Citation rates are becoming increasingly important in judging the research quality of journals, institutions and departments, and individual faculty. This paper looks at the pattern of citations across different management science journals and over time. A stochastic model is proposed which views the generating mechanism of citations as a gamma mixture of Poisson processes generating overall a negative binomial distribution. This is tested empirically with a large sample of papers published in 1990 from six management science journals and found to fit well. The model is extended to include obsolescence, i.e., that the citation rate for a paper varies over its cited lifetime. This leads to the additional citations distribution which shows that future citations are a linear function of past citations with a time-dependent and decreasing slope. This is also verified empirically in a way that allows different obsolescence functions to be fitted to the data. Conclusions concerning the predictability of future citations, and future research in this area are discussed.

    Mingers, J. (2006) Intelligent thinking instead of critical realism? Response from the author: Intelligence and realism in OR. Journal of the Operational Research Society, 57 (11). pp. 1375-1379. ISSN 0160-5682.

    Mingers, J. (2006) A Critique of Statistical Modelling in Management Science from a Critical Realist Perspective: Its Role Within Multimethodology. Journal of the Operational Research Society, 57 (2). pp. 202-219. ISSN 0160-5682.

    Abstract

    Management science was historically dominated by an empiricist philosophy that saw quantitative modelling and statistical analysis as the only legitimate research method. More recently interpretive or constructivist philosophies have also developed employing a range of non-quantitative methods. This has sometimes led to divisive debates. ?Critical realism? has been proposed as a philosophy of science that can potentially provide a synthesis in recognizing both the value and limitations of these approaches. This paper explores the critical realist critique of quantitative modelling, as exemplified by multivariate statistics, and argues that its grounds must be re-conceptualised within a multimethodological framework.

    Kotiadis, K. and Mingers, J. (2006) Combining PSMs with hard OR methods: the philosophical and practical challenges. Journal of the Operational Research Society, 57 (7). pp. 856-867. ISSN 0160-5682.

    Abstract

    Combinations of problem structuring methods with hard OR methodologies are seldom described in the literature. This paper will reflect on the barriers to such combinations that can be seen at the philosophical level-paradigm incommensurability-and cognitive level-type of personality and difficulty of switching paradigm. This paper examines the combination of Soft Systems Methodology and Discrete Event Simulation within an Intermediate Care case study. The paper will argue, by way of the practical application, that these problems are not insurmountable and that the result can be seen as interplay of the soft and hard paradigms. The idea of yin and yang is proposed as a metaphor for this process.

    Brocklesby, J. and Mingers, J. (2005) The use of the concept autopoiesis in the theory of viable systems. Systems Research and Behavioural Science, 22 (1). pp. 3-9. ISSN 1092-7026.

    Abstract

    This paper examines the application and usage of the idea of autopoiesis-a theory of living systems-within the context of viable systems theory. In recent years the term autopoiesis has extended beyond the domain of cellular biology where it originated and is now used extensively across a range of different disciplines, fields of enquiry, and professional practice. The paper seeks to provide clarification of a distinction between viable and autopoietic systems that appears to have become somewhat clouded as a result of the transfer of ideas and terminology from one domain to another.

    Mingers, J. (2005) Classifying philosophical assumptions: a reply to Ormerod. Journal of the Operational Research Society, 56 (4). pp. 465-467. ISSN 0160-5682.

    Mingers, J. (2005) 'More dangerous than an unanswered question is an unquestioned answer': a contribution to the Ulrich debate. Journal of the Operational Research Society, 56 (4). pp. 468-474. ISSN 0160-5682.

    Mingers, J (2004) Paradigm Wars: Ceasefire Announced. Who Will Set up the New Administration? Journal of Information Technology, 19 (part 3). pp. 165-171. ISSN 0268-3962.

    Abstract

    This paper presents a personal overview of the history of the IS discipline over the last twenty years. It highlights two particular strands of development over which there has been much controversy ? the so-called paradigm wars which were an epistemological battle between positivism and interpretivism; and the related debate over a critical approach to information systems. It is argued that the battle has died down and a period of stability has emerged. But further development needs to occur, especially in the area of critical management, and the philosophy of critical realism can be a significant way forward.

    Mingers, J (2004) Real-izing Information Systems: Critical Realism as an Underpinning Philosophy for Information Systems. Information and Organization, 14 (2). pp. 87-103. ISSN 1471-7727.

    Abstract

    The paper begins by pointing out the diversity of philosophical positions within IS, and the range of reactions to this diversity. It then discusses problems within the underlying philosophies of science - particularly positivism and interpretivism. With this as a background, the paper proposes critical realism as an underpinning philosophy that has the potential to overcome both sets of difficulties. The theoretical arguments are practically illustrated by critiques of (positivist) statistical analysis and (interpretivist) soft systems methodology.

    Mingers, J (2004) Critical Realism and Information Systems: Brief Responses to Monod and Klein. Information and Organization, 14 (2). pp. 145-153. ISSN 1471-7727.

    Mingers, J (2004) Can Social Systems be Autopoietic? Bhaskar's and Giddens' Social Theories. J. for the Theory of Social Behaviour, 34 (4). pp. 403-428. ISSN 0021-8308.

    Abstract

    The theory of autopoiesis, that is systems that are self-producing or self-constructing, was originally developed to explain the particular nature of living as opposed to non-living entities. It was subsequently enlarged to encompass cognition and language leading to what is known as second-order cybernetics. However, as with earlier biological theories, many authors have tried to extend the domain of the theory to encompass social systems, the most notable being Luhmann. The purpose of this paper is to consider critically the extent to which the theory of autopoiesis, as originally defined, can be applied to social systems-that is, whether social systems are autopoietic. And, if it cannot, whether some weaker version might be appropriate. It addresses this question by considering whether autopoiesis can be applied to the theoretical conceptions of Giddens and Bhaskar. It follows an earlier paper that evaluated Luhmann's autopoietic social theory.

    Mingers, John and Rosenhead, J (2004) Problem Structuring Methods in Action. Eur.J of Operational Research, 152 (3). pp. 530-554. ISSN 0377-2217.

    Abstract

    This paper provides a review and evaluation of the use of problem structuring methods (PSMs) in practice. It starts by describing the origins of problem structuring methods, the type of problem situation for which they are suitable, and the characteristics of some leading methods. An overview of the practice of PSMs is provided from a number of angles, including case studies and surveys of applications. A number of issues in the application of PSMs are discussed, in particular an account of the debate about evaluation of the success of PSMs; the selection of an appropriate method; multimethodology; and a variety of aspects of the maintenance of relationships with the client organisation(s). Finally, some possible future developments are suggested, especially through productive interactions with similar or related practices.

    Mingers, J. (2003) The Paucity of Multimethod Research: A Review of the Information Systems Literature. Information Systems Journal, 13 (3). pp. 233-249. ISSN 1350-1917.

    Abstract

    It has commonly been argued that the use of different research methods within the IS discipline and within individual pieces of research will produce richer and more reliable results. This paper reports on a survey of the IS literature to discover the extent of multimethod research. The findings are that such work is relatively scarce, and where it occurs involves only a small set of traditional methods. Possible reasons for this are discussed.

    Mingers, J. (2003) A Classification of the Philosophical Assumptions of Management Science Methods. Journal of the Operational Research Society, 54 (6). pp. 559-570. ISSN 0160-5682.

    Abstract

    Abstract: This paper presents a framework within which to examine and compare the main philosophical assumptions underpinning management science methods. It takes the position that they all have in common the basic mechanism of modelling, but that they differ in terms of what they model (ontology), how they model (epistemology), and why they model (axiology). A wide range of both hard and soft methods and methodologies ace categorised within the paper. One of the purposes of the framework is to assist in the process of multimethodology-that is, combining together several methods in an intervention. In particular, it will assist users in understanding both the implicit or explicit assumptions underlying methods, and their principle aims and purposes, in order to be able to make more informed and critically aware choices when designing particular combinations in practice.

    Robinson, S. and Meadows, M. and Mingers, J. et al. (2003) Teaching OR/MS to MBA's at Warwick Business School: A Turnaround Story. Interfaces, 33 (2). pp. 67-76. ISSN 0092-2102.

    Abstract

    Abstract: OR/MS is under pressure in MBA programs in the United Kingdom as it is in the United States. To ensure its continuance, members of the operational research group at Warwick Business School redesigned the core OR/MS module. The first attempt at a redesign was a failure. As a result, the module was redesigned again. The second version was a success. Through this process, we have learned many lessons about teaching OR/MS to MBA students, among them the need to have a guiding philosophy, adopt a critical-consumer approach, stress managerial relevance, discuss the context and process of modeling as well as content, and use spreadsheets for analytical work.

    Mingers, J (2002) Reply to Ormerod - The Importance of Being Real. Journal of Operational Research Society, 53 (3). pp. 351-354. ISSN 0160-5682.

    Mingers, J (2002) Can Social Systems be Autopoietic? Assessing Luhmann's Social Theory. The Sociological Review, 50 (2). pp. 278-299. ISSN 0038-0261.

    Abstract

    The theory of autopoiesis, that is systems that are self-producing or self-constructing, was originally developed to explain the particular nature of living as opposed to non-living entities. It was subsequently enlarged to encompass cognition and language leading to what is known as second-order cybernetics. However, as with earlier biological theories, many authors have tried to extend the domain of the theory to encompass social systems, the most notable being Luhmann. The purpose of this article is to consider critically the extent to which the theory of autopoiesis, as originally defined, can be applied to social systems - that is, whether social systems are autopoietic. And, if it cannot, whether some weaker version might be appropriate.

    Mingers, J (2002) The Long and Winding Road: Publishing Papers in Top Journals. Communications of the Association for Information, 8. pp. 330-339. ISSN 1529-3181.

    Abstract

    This paper goes behind the scenes, from the author?s point of view, in the messy process of publishing papers in top quality journals. It describes the tortuous history of a particular paper that was eventually published in Information Systems Research to provide some insight, especially for those new to the academic world. It goes on to draw more general guidelines for shaping papers for publication.

    Mingers, John and Munro, I (2002) The Use of Multimethodology in Practice - Results of a Survey of Practitioners. Journal Operational Research Society, 53 (4). pp. 369-378. ISSN 0160-5682.

    Abstract

    There is now a vast range of techniques and methodologies, both hard and soft, available to the OR/MS practitioner. After a period of concern about methodology choice, ie 'which method when', we are now moving towards a pluralistic approach of combining together several methods within an intervention-multimethodology. This paper reports on a survey of OR/MS practitioners to discover the extent of multimethodology usage and which particular combinations are most commonly utilised.

    Mingers, J (2001) Combining IS Research Methods: Towards a Pluralist Methodology. Information Systems Research, 12 (3). pp. 240-259. ISSN 1047-7047.

    Abstract

    This paper puts forward arguments in favor of a pluralist approach to IS research. Rather than advocating a single paradigm, be it interpretive or positivist, or even a plurality of paradigms within the discipline as a whole, it suggests that research results will be richer and more reliable if different research methods, preferably from different (existing) paradigms, are routinely combined together. The paper is organized into three sections after the Introduction. In 2, the main arguments for the desirability of multimethod research are put forward, while 3 discusses its feasibility in theory and practice. 4 outlines two frameworks that are helpful in designing mixed-method research studies. These are illustrated with a critical evaluation of three examples of empirical research.

    Mingers, J. (2001) Embodying Information Systems: the Contribution of Phenomenology. Information and Organization (formerly Accounting), 11 (2). pp. 103-128.

    Mingers, John (2000) What is it to be Critical? Teaching a Critical Approach to Management Undergraduates. Management Learning, 31 (2). pp. 219-237. ISSN 1350-5076.

    Abstract

    Developing our students' abilities to be critical is important but what does it mean to be critical? It is just the cognitive skills of critical thinking or should it involve more radical re-examination of management knowledge and practice from a Foucauldian or Habermasian perspective? This article addresses the issue of what it is to be critical by reflecting on the development of an innovative core course for final year management students concerned with critical management issues. The first section outlines the specific educational context and the structure of the course as a whole. Then the article explains the underlying theoretical framework that was developed which identified four aspects of being critical-scepticism towards rhetoric, tradition, authority, and objectivity. The teaching material associated wit this part of the course is discussed next. This looks at two real situations, one the debacle of the Taurus stock exchange system, and the other an ongoing legal case concerning racial discrimination that is being documented on the web. The article concludes with a more theoretical discussion of the relation between this particular course and critical management more generally.

    Mingers, John (2000) The Contribution of Critical Realism as an Underpinning Philosophy for OR/MS and Systems. Journal of the Operational Research Society, 51 (11). pp. 1256-1270. ISSN 0160-5682.

    Abstract

    Many issues are under debate as to the philosophical nature of OR/MS: is it science or technology? Is it natural or social science? Can it be realist as well as being interpretivist? There are also many debates within the philosophy of science itself. This paper proposes that a particular account of the philosophy of science, known as 'critical realism', is especially suitable as an underpinning of OR/MS. The structure of the argument of this paper is to outline the main positions within the philosophy of science and highlight their problems, especially from the point of view of OR/MS; then to introduce critical realism and to show how it addresses these problems and how it is particularly appropriate for OR/MS; and finally to illustrate this by considering examples of various practical OR methods.

    Mingers, John (2000) Variety is the Spice of Life: Combining Soft and Hard OR/MS Methods. International Transactions in OR, 7 (6). pp. 673-691. ISSN 0969-6016.

    Abstract

    Some observers have expressed concern over the state of the OR/MS profession, especially as to its failure to tackle complex, messy problems. One response has been to develop various ``soft'' methods (also called ``problem structuring methods'') that focus on the human and political aspects of OR/MS interventions. Recent work, both theoretical and practitioner-based, involves the combination of several methods in a particular project (multimethod). Often the combination includes both hard (quantitative) and soft (qualitative) approaches. This paper illustrates the utility of soft methods, and in particular their combination, with recently published case studies. It then proposes an approach to the process of combining methods, including several frameworks and techniques to assist in selecting and linking di€erent methods. Finally, it discusses future research in this field

    Mingers, John (2000) An Idea Ahead of its Time: The History and Development of Soft Systems Methodology. Systemic Practice and Action Research, 13 (6). pp. 733-756. ISSN 1094-429X.

    Abstract

    This paper, part of the Festschrift for Peter Checkland, provides an outline of the history and development of soft systems methodology. It includes a personal reflection on my experiences of SSM, as well as a more objective evaluation of its achievements and limitations.

    Mingers, J. (1999) Information, Meaning and Communication: An Autopoietic Approach to Linking the Social and Individual. Cybernetics and Human Knowing, 6 (4). pp. 25-42. ISSN 0907-0877.

    Abstract

    This paper considers the relations between information and meaning, as generated through the interactions of individuals, and communication, at the level of society, from an autopoietic perspective. It draws on earlier work concerning first, the nature of information and its relation to meaning via embodied cognition; and, second, a classification of organizationally closed, or self-referential, systems. The contribution made in this paper is to link these analyses at the level of the individual up to the social system of communication (based on Luhmann's work) utilising structuration theory.

    Mingers, J. and Brocklesby, J. (1997) Multimethodology: Towards a Framework for Mixing Methodologies. Omega, 25 (5). pp. 489-509. ISSN 0305-0483.

    Abstract

    In recent years the predilection for Systems/OR practice to be underpinned by a single methodology has been called into question, and reports on multimethodology projects are now filtering through into the literature, This paper takes a closer look at multimethodology, It outlines a number of different possibilities for combining methodologies, and considers why such a development might be desirable for more effective practice, in particular by focusing upon how it can deal more effectively with the richness of the real world and better assist through the various intervention stages, The paper outlines some of the philosophical, cultural and cognitive feasibility issues that multimethodology raises, It then describes a framework that can attend to the relative strengths of different methodologies and provide a basis for constructing multimethodology designs. Finally it presents a systematic way of decomposing methodologies to identify detachable elements, and the paper concludes by outlining aspects of an agenda for further research that emerges out of the discussion,

    Mingers, J. (1997) A Critical Evaluation of Maturana's Constructivist Family Therapy. Systemic Practice and Action Research, 10 (2). pp. 137-151. ISSN 1094-429X.

    Abstract

    This paper presents a critical evaluation of the impact of Maturana's constructivist approach to (systemic) family therapy. After an historical introduction and a brief description of the main ideas, a number of criticisms are considered. These concern the radical antirealist epistemology, and problems in dealing with the social context of the family and power relations within the family.

    Mingers, J. (1997) Systems Typologies in the Light of Autopoiesis: A Reconceptualization of Boulding's Hierarchy, and a Typology of Self-referential Systems. Systems Research and Behavioural Science, 14 (5). pp. 303-313. ISSN 1092-7026.

    Mingers, J. (1996) An Evaluation of Theories of Information with Regard to the Semantic and Pragmatic Aspects of Information Systems. Systemic Practice and Action Research, 9 (3). pp. 187-209. ISSN 1094-429X.

    Mingers, J (1996) A Comparison of Maturana's Autopoietic Social Theory and Giddens' Theory of Structuration. Systems Research, 13 (4). pp. 469-482. ISSN 1092-7026.

    Mingers, J. (1995) Information and Meaning:Foundations for an Intersubjective Account. Information Systems Journal, 5 (4). pp. 285-306. ISSN 0959-2954.

    Abstract

    Information is fundamental to the discipline of information systems, yet there is little agreement about even this basic concept Traditionally, information has been seen as 'processed data,' while more recently soft, interpretive approaches have taken information to be 'data plus meaning.' This paper provides a coherent and consistent analysis of data, information, meaning and their interrelations. It is particularly concerned with the semantic and pragmatic dimensions of information, and integrates the work of Maturana and Habermas into a framework provided by Dretske's theory of semantic information. The results show that meaning is generated from the information carried by signs. Information is objective, but inaccessible to humans, who exist exclusively in a world of meaning. Meaning is intersubjective - that is, based on shared agreement and understanding - rather than purely subjective. information, and information processing systems, exist within the wider context of meaning or sense-making and the IS discipline needs take account of this.

    Mingers, J. and O'Brien, F.A. (1995) Creating student groups with similar characteristics: A heuristic approach. Omega - International Journal of Management Science, 23 (3). pp. 313-321. ISSN 0305-0483.

    Abstract

    This paper describes an algorithm for classifying elements with binary valued attributes so that the classes are similar. The problem chosen for discussing is that of allocating students to groups within an educational setting. Individual students are described by a set of binary-valued attributes. The objective of the algorithm is to create working groups which are similar to each other in terms of their mix of student attributes. The algorithm uses an information theory measure. The paper also compares the performance of the algorithm to a goal programming formulation of the problem

    Mingers, J. (1993) The System of Systems Methodologies - A Reply. Journal of the Operational Research Society, 44 (2). pp. 206-208.. ISSN 0160-5682.

    Mingers, J. (1992) Criticizing the Phenomenological Critique - Autopoiesis and Critical Realism. Systemic Practice and Action Research, 5 (2). pp. 173-180.. ISSN 1094-429X.

    Abstract

    There has been, and still is, an important debate between critical systems and soft (interpretive) systems concerning epistemology and ontology. Flood and Ulrich argued for a position they termed critical idealism, but this has been contested by Fuenmayor, who proposed that critical systems was unnecessary since phenomenology provided the necessary and sufficient form of critique. This paper, in turn, argues for critical systems, providing a critique of phenomenology which shows that at least three of its own presuppositions are invalid. It is further suggested that an adequate philosophy for critical systems has not yet emerged and that the cognitive autopoietic theories of Maturana and the critical realism of Bhaskar will be important strands in its development.

    Mingers, J. (1992) Recent Developments in Critical Management Science. Journal of the Operational Research Society, 43 (1). pp. 1-10. ISSN 0160-5682.

    Abstract

    For much of its history management science had a quantitative and technical emphasis. More recently, there has been a move towards more subjective approaches such as 'soft OR' and 'soft systems'. Currently, there is interest in 'critical management science' drawing on critical theory, particularly the work of Habermas. This paper reviews developments in critical management science, in particular critiques of traditional and 'soft' management science; Jackson and Keys' system of systems methodology; critical management science methodologies and the problem of power in bringing about change; and the postmodernist critique.

    Mingers, J. and Taylor, S. (1992) The Use of Soft Systems Methodology in Practice. Journal of the Operational Research Society, 43 (4). pp. 321-331. ISSN 0160-5682.

    Abstract

    This paper reports the results of a survey intended to discover the extent to which Checkland's Soft Systems Methodology (SSM) is used in practice. Some 300 questionnaires were sent to people who had had some exposure to SSM and, surprisingly, nearly half were returned. The majority described in detail their uses of SSM and most felt that it had been successful. This paper describes the overall quantitative results from the survey as well as presenting a qualitative analysis of the experiences of using SSM

    Mingers, J. (1992) The Problems of Social Autopoiesis. International Journal of General Systems, 21 (2). pp. 229-236.. ISSN 0308-1079.

    Abstract

    Zeleny and Hufford apply the concept of autopoiesis to three different classes of systems-biological, chemical, and social. My response is concerned with the latter and in particular with Zeleny and Hufford's claims that social systems are autopoietic and that autopoietic systems are inherently social. I argue that these claims are quite ill-founded. There are a number of general weaknesses with Zeleny and Hufford's paper, but, most importantly, the authors fail to see major problems in the ascription of autopoiesis to social systems. These problems are outlined, and the responses of other writers such as Maturana, Varela, and Luhmann are explored. Finally, the importance of and problems with Maturana's and Varela's work is assessed.

    Mingers, J. (1991) The Cognitive Theories of Maturana and Varela. Systemic Practice and Action Research, 4 (4). pp. 319-338.. ISSN 1094-429X.

    Abstract

    Maturana and Varela developed the concept of autopoiesis to explain the phenomena of living organisms. They went further and postulated theories concerning the nervous system and the development of cognition. These theories have radical conclusions concerning human thought, language, and social activity. This paper aims to introduce these ideas and to explore the main implications. It also discusses the application of these cognitive theories in three separate domains-computer systems design, family therapy, and the Law.

    Mingers, J. (1991) The Content of MSc Operational Research Courses: Results of a Questionnaire to OR Groups. Journal of the Operational Research Society, 42 (5). pp. 375-382. ISSN 0160-5682.

    Abstract

    This paper presents the results of a survey of practising OR groups in UK organizations. The survey was conducted as part of the review procedures of Warwick University's MSc. in Operational Research. The aim was to elicit the views of OR practitioners as to the desirable content of such a course. The questionnaire was sent to 66 OR groups, of which 45 responded, and covered 75 different topics. As well as presenting the basic results, this paper explores the structure of the responses using factor analysis and attempts to classify the OR groups using cluster analysis. Comparisons are drawn with previous surveys and with the SERC OR panel recommendations

    Mingers, J (1990) The What/How Distinction and Conceptual Models: A Reappraisal. Journal of Applied Systems Analysis, 17. pp. 21-28. ISSN 0308-9541.

    Mingers, J. (1990) The Philosophical Implications of Maturana's Cognitive Theories. Systemic Practice and Action Research, 3 (6). pp. 569-584.. ISSN 1094-429X.

    Abstract

    Maturana and Varela have developed important theories about living systems (autopoiesis) and also about the brain/nervous system and cognition. These theories have strongly subjectivist implications leading to the view that our explanations and descriptions reflect the structure of the subject, rather than that of an objective world, and that we therefore construct the world which we experience. This paper analyzes Maturana's ideas in terms of the main philosophical traditions ? empiricism, idealism, and realism ? showing that they are a blend of both realist and antirealist positions. It then provides a critique of Maturana's radical subjectivism and argues that his theory is best seen as compatible with critical realism.

    Mingers, J. (1989) An Introduction to Autopoiesis - Implications and Applications. Systemic Practice and Action Research, 2 (2). pp. 159-180.. ISSN 1094-429X.

    Abstract

    Maturana and Varela have developed a theory to explain the particular character of living systems. Such systems, they claim, have an autopoietic, or self-producing, organization. This term is now used widely, although often without a proper understanding of the detail of the theory. Moreover, the concept has been applied to other systems, such as societies and institutions, in a rather naïve manner. It is a very important theory, with far-reaching consequences both for science and for social intervention, but it must be correctly appreciated and applied. The aim of this paper is to aid that process by, first, elucidating the theoretical ideas and, second, critically evaluating its implications and applications.

    Mingers, J. (1989) An Empirical Comparison of Selection Measures for Decision-Tree Induction. Machine Learning, 3 (4). pp. 319-342. ISSN 0885-6125.

    Abstract

    One approach to induction is to develop a decision tree from a set of examples. When used with noisy rather than deterministic data, the method involve-three main stages?creating a complete tree able to classify all the examples, pruning this tree to give statistical reliability, and processing the pruned tree to improve understandability. This paper is concerned with the first stage ? tree creation which relies on a measure for goodness of split, that is, how well the attributes discriminate between classes. Some problems encountered at this stage are missing data and multi-valued attributes. The paper considers a number of different measures and experimentally examines their behavior in four domains. The results show that the choice of measure affects the size of a tree but not its accuracy, which remains the same even when attributes are selected randomly.

    Mingers, J. (1989) An Empirical Comparison of Pruning Methods for Decision Tree Induction. Machine Learning, 4 (2). pp. 227-243. ISSN 0885-6125.

    Abstract

    This paper compares five methods for pruning decision trees, developed from sets of examples. When used with uncertain rather than deterministic data, decision-tree induction involves three main stages?creating a complete tree able to classify all the training examples, pruning this tree to give statistical reliability, and processing the pruned tree to improve understandability. This paper concerns the second stage?pruning. It presents empirical comparisons of the five methods across several domains. The results show that three methods?critical value, error complexity and reduced error?perform well, while the other two may cause problems. They also show that there is no significant interaction between the creation and pruning methods.

    Mingers, J. (1988) Comparing Conceptual Models and Data Flow Diagrams. Computer Journal, 31 (4). pp. 376-379. ISSN 1460-2067.

    Abstract

    In ?Towards a tool kit for the systems analyst?, Benyon and Skidmore discuss various approaches to systems analysis and include a comparison of De Marco's data flow diagrams and Checkland's conceptual models. This note compares the two in greater detail and concludes that the underlying methodologies are much further apart than Benyon and Skidmore

    Mingers, J. (1987) Expert Systems - Rule Induction with Statistical Data. Journal of the Operational Research Society, 38 (1). pp. 39-47. ISSN 0160-5682.

    Mingers, J. (1987) Rule Induction with Statistical Data - A Comparison with Multiple Regression. Journal of the Operational Research Society, 38 (4). pp. 347-351. ISSN 0160-5682.

    Mingers, J. (1986) Expert systems - Experiments with Rule Induction. Journal of the Operational Research Society, 37 (11). pp. 1031-1037. ISSN 0160-5682.

Conference Items

    Mingers, J. (2008) Ethics for Business: The Contribution of Discourse Ethics and Critical Realism. In: International Association for Critical Realism, 11-13 July 2008, King's College, London.

    Abstract

    Until fairly recently, businesses and corporations could argue that their only real commitments were to maximize the return to their shareholders whilst staying within the law within their local nation states. However, the world has changed significantly during the last ten years and now I think it fair to claim that most major corporations recognize that they have significant responsibility to local and global societies beyond simply making profit. All this means that there is now an increasing concern with the question of how corporations, and their employees, ought to behave, and this leads us to consider ethics as the appropriate theoretical and philosophical domain. I will bring into the debate two relatively recent approaches to ethics, Jürgen Habermas?s discourse ethics (stemming from his critical theory) and the critical realist approach of Bhaskar. These are interesting for several reasons: they both draw on traditional ethical theories, although different ones; they bring in new innovations of practical relevance; and they both share an over-arching critical perspective. The aim is to compare and contrast these with the traditional approaches to generate a potential ethical framework for business ethics.

    Mingers, J. (2007) Shooting Stars and Sleeping Beauties: the Secret Life of Citations. In: EURO XXII,, 8-11 July, Prague.

    Abstract

    This paper analyses the pattern of citations for papers published in 1990 across 6 MS/OR journals. A stochastic model is proposed which views the generating mechanism of citations as a gamma mixture of Poisson processes generating overall a negative binomial distribution. The model is extended to include obsolescence, i.e., the citation rate for a paper varies over its cited lifetime. The research then identies specic patterns of behaviour such as ”sleeping beauties” or ”shooting stars”. Conclusions concerning the predictability of future citations, and future research are discussed.

    Mingers, J (2002) Real-izing Information Systems: Critical Realism as an Underpinning Philosophy for Information Systems. In: International Conference on Information Systems, December 15-18th 2002, Barcelona.

    Abstract

    The paper begins by pointing out the diversity of philosophical positions within IS, and the range of reactions to this diversity. It then discusses problems within the underlying philosophies of science?particularly positivism and interpretivism. With this as a background, the paper proposes critical realism as an underpinning philosophy that has the potential to overcome both sets of difficulties. The theoretical arguments are practically illustrated by critiques of (positivist) statistical analysis and (interpretivist) soft systems methodology.

Books
Edited Books

    Mingers, John and Willcocks, Leslie (2004) Social Theory and Philosophy for Information Systems. John Wiley and Sons, Chichester, 472 pp. ISBN 0470851171.

    Abstract

    As Information Systems matures as a discipline, there is a gradual move away from pure statistics towards consideration of alternative approaches and philosophies. This has not been incorporated into the literature of the field. Until now. Collecting major social theorists and philosophers into one volume, Social Theory and Philosophy for Information Systems provides a historical and critical analysis of each that is both authoritative and firmly focused on practical relevance to IS. The result is an insightful text for researchers, academics and students that will provide an up-to-date starting point for those considering alternative approaches.

    Mingers, John and Rosenhead, J (2001) Rational Analysis for a Problematic World Revisited. John Wiley and Sons Ltd, Chichester, 384 pp. ISBN 0471495239.

    Abstract

    Now, more than ever, planning and managing in the real world is beset by change and uncertainty. Knowledge is incomplete, values are in dispute, decisions of others are often unpredictable. Sheathed in opaque technicalities, inflexible and over-ambitious, the highly mathematical methods of analysing problem situations are no longer considered acceptable. In their place a coherent alternative paradigm has emerged - a range of formal methodologies which aim not to produce 'optimal' solutions but to facilitate an enriched decision-making process. 'Low-tech' transparent and participatory, these methods assist in the formulation and reformulation of problem solving in an uncertain world. This fully revised and updated book brings together contributions from some of the great thinkers on this subject. The authors present the most influential methods (each illustrated with a case study), describe the principles on which the method operates, the step and the stages of analysis, and how these methods relate to the decision making process. The concluding section explores future developments and research issues, as well as links with other relevant domains.

    Mingers, J. and Stowell, F. (1997) Information Systems: an Emerging Discipline? McGraw-Hill, London, 368 pp. ISBN 978-0077092955.

    Mingers, J and Gill, A (1997) Multimethodology: Theory and Practice of Combining Management Science Methodologies. Wiley, 320 pp. ISBN 0471974900.

Book Sections
Total publications in KAR: 90 [See all in KAR]
Information obtained from the Kent Academic Repository. The University of Kent official repository of academic activity.
More information about the Kent Academic Repository
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