Title :
Restoring legitimacy to the systems approach
Author :
Andrews, Clinton J.
Author_Institution :
Sch. of Planning & Public Policy, Rutgers Univ., New Brunswick, NJ, USA
Abstract :
The systems approach is a mainstay of engineering theory and practice, but it has been misapplied in the public policy arena and it is now viewed skeptically. This article briefly analyzes the problems that have been encountered with certain prescriptive applications of system concepts in the field of public policy. It then suggests steps that could restore credibility and legitimacy to policy-related applications of the systems approach.
Keywords :
government policies; management science; politics; legitimacy; policy-related applications; public policy; system concepts; systems approach; Controllability; Costs; Design engineering; Ecosystems; Ethics; Image restoration; Meteorology; Observability; Public policy; Systems engineering and theory;
Journal_Title :
Technology and Society Magazine, IEEE
