Title: A systemic approach to interdisciplinary collaboration for academic research teams

Authors: Nikitas A. Assimakopoulos, Ioannis C. Theocharopoulos, Nikolaos K. Dimitriou

Addresses: Department of Informatics, University of Piraeus, 80, Karaoli and Dimitriou St., GR-18534, Piraeus, Greece. ' Department of Informatics, University of Piraeus, 80, Karaoli and Dimitriou St., GR-18534, Piraeus, Greece. ' Department of Informatics, University of Piraeus, 80, Karaoli and Dimitriou St., GR-18534, Piraeus, Greece

Abstract: The composition of systemic methodologies can result in powerful multimethodologies that effectively compensate complexity, combine different mental pictures and perspectives and handle diversity in a creative and innovative manner. Many systems, especially those involving multiple agents, profoundly limit the capability of traditional generic methods of analysis to devise and utilise interventions. In this paper, we demonstrate the effectiveness of a multimethodology designed to facilitate the creation of a knowledge exchange network among academic research teams in the University of Piraeus. The various stages of the methodology are presented in a progressive manner and the resulting intervention is discussed.

Keywords: interdisciplinary collaboration; academic research teams; ontologies; knowledge mapping; process modelling; DCSYM; SSM; knowledge exchange; university research; higher education; systems thinking; systems design; diagrammatic thinking; soft systems methodology; systemic intervention; Greece.

DOI: 10.1504/IJASS.2007.013818

International Journal of Applied Systemic Studies, 2007 Vol.1 No.1, pp.82 - 112

Published online: 29 May 2007 *

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