title: Planning: what we can learn from complex systems science.
abstract: As systems evolve over time, their natural tendency is to become increasingly more complex. Studies in the field of complex systems have generated new perspectives on managing in social organizations such as hospitals. Much of this research appears as a natural extension of the cross-disciplinary field of systems theory. This is the first article in a 5-part series on applying complex systems science to the traditional management concepts of planning, organizing, directing, coordinating, and controlling. In this article, the concept of planning is explored from a complex systems' perspective.
authors.affiliation: Professional Services, Mercy Hospital, 500 E. Market Street, Iowa City, IA 52240, USA. tom.clancy@mercyic.org
authors.forename: Thomas R
authors.initials: TR
authors.lastname: Clancy
mesh_terms: D003627:Data Interpretation, Statistical; D005246:Feedback; D006333:Heart Failure / Q000191:economics; D017721:Hospital Costs / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D006801:Humans; D007902:Length of Stay / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D008962:Models, Theoretical; D017711:Nonlinear Dynamics; D009718:Nurse Administrators; D015401:Nursing Administration Research / Q000379:methods*; D010351:Patient Discharge / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D010507:Periodicity; D010934:Planning Techniques; D012017:Referral and Consultation / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D012044:Regression Analysis; D012944:Social Support; D013597:Systems Analysis; D013598:Systems Theory; D013997:Time Factors