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Textbook : Framework

 

 

Framework

Landmarks
Modules
Patterns

Framework : summing up

 

 

Framework  (^)

 

 

Framework  (^)

Definition
The Framework is the shell within which the process of Problem Dealing takes place.

Function
The function of the Framework is to provide a background and a thread for all the stages and activities of Problem Dealing, i.e.:

generate/promote input
organize/direct throughput
assess/appraise output


Components  (^)

The Framework consists of the following components:

Landmarks
Modules
Patterns

The components are the working materials and ingredients for the activity of Problem Framing.


Problem Framing  (^)

Definition
Problem Framing is the activity of delimiting and organizing the area of Problem Dealing.

Function
The basic function of Problem Framing is to address and assess all the activities of Problem Dealing. This function is performed through the interplay of Landmarks, Modules, Patterns.

 

 


Landmarks  (^)

Landmarks : overview

 

 

Landmarks  (^)

Definition
Landmarks are fundamental aspects of life experience that manifest themselves as:

Needs
Values
Norms

 

 


Needs  (^)

Definition
Human needs are basic universal exigencies of the human being whose appropriate satisfaction generates and sustains a condition of fitness.

Analysis of Definition
- Basic = intrinsic to the emotive/cognitive/volitive dimensions of human nature
- Universal = common to all human beings
- Exigencies = essential requirements for functioning/thriving as a human being
- Appropriate satisfaction = related to widely recognized standards
- Fitness = psychophysical working of the organism

Classification
Needs can be classified with reference to the following categories:

Category
Qualifications
Time present - future; recurrent - non recurrent
Space geographical area : warm climate - cool climate
Type biological, psychological, social, etc.
Weight strong - weak; high priority - low priority
Subject old - young; male - female; normal - special
Range individual - collective
Link associated needs - disjointed needs

Function
The function of needs is to promote and guide the process of Problem Dealing.

The role of Problem Dealing with respect to needs is to guarantee and foster:
- preconditions for satisfaction
- satisfaction
- sustainability of satisfaction

 

 


Values  (^)

Definition
Values are emotive, cognitive, and volitive aspects of the human being that reveal themselves as attitudes, beliefs, commitments.

Analysis of Definition
- Emotive/Cognitive/Volitive = dimensions of human nature
- Attitude = emotive disposition towards somebody - something
- Belief = cognitive conviction
- Commitment = volitive (operative) engagement

Classification
Values can be arranged and classified with reference to the following categories (dimensions):

Category
Qualifications
Emotive pleasant, fair,  beautiful
Cognitive just, true, valid
Volitive good, right, useful

Function
The function of values is to address and assess the process of Problem Dealing.

The role of Problem Dealing with respect to values is to root/deepen/spread them, as deemed appropriate to the Problem.

 

 


Norms  (^)

Definition
Norms are emotive, cognitive, volitive guidelines for the human being in the form of principles, rules, laws.

Analysis of Definition
- Emotive/Cognitive/Volitive = dimensions of human nature
- Principle = moral norm
- Rule = technical norm
- Law = legal norm

Classification
Norms can be arranged and classified with reference to the following categories :

Category
Qualifications
Permissive to allow (can do)
Indicative to regulate (should/could do)
Prescriptive to command (do)
Proscriptive to forbid (do not)

Function
Norms are means for:
- regulating the dealing with problems (can/could do)
- assisting in dealing with problems (should do)
- instructing for dealing with problems (do, do not)

The role of Problem Dealing with respect to norms is to grow/refine a repository of principles, rules, laws that will reduce the likelihood of 'problem arising' (sprouting/spreading) and increase the likelihood of 'problem disposing' (finding, solving, acting upon).

 

 


Landmarks : overview  (^)

The general role of the Landmarks (needs - values - norms) within the Framework is to:
- promote the selection of the Research theme
- influence the formulation of the Design project
- guide the implementation of the Planning goals

In these respects needs - values - norms act and interact as :

Parameters (needs)
Criteria (values)
Standards (norms)

in the various phases of Problem Dealing.

The Landmarks are the viewing points from which Modules of Problemistics are seen and approached.

 

 

Modules  (^)

Modules : overview

 

 

Modules  (^)

Definition
Modules are any entity relevant to the process of Problem Dealing.

Modules are characterized by the following aspects:
- fields : the specific domains in which modules play a role (as situations, operations, combinations)
- factors : the specific elements (isolated) and components (interrelated) that make up modules
- features : the specific properties (constant) and instances (changeable) of factors

Classification
Modules can be classified according to the various roles they play in Problem Dealing  as situations/operations/combinations.

For this reason Modules can be seen as:

Nodes situations of modules
Paths operations of modules
Nets combinations of modules

Function
The function (role) of Modules in Problem Dealing is similar to that of pieces in an assembly kit.

Modules are dealt with by taking into account their
 

actual situations (Nodes : position, state)
possible operations (Paths : motion, process)
preferable combinations (Nets : association, direction)

The dealing with Modules is aimed at the emergence of Patterns.

 

 

Nodes  (^)

 

 

Nodes  (^)

Definition
Nodes represent situations (state, position) of Modules.

They appear as:

Data
Facts
Concepts

 

 


Data  (^)

Definition
Data are containers/providers of Information in the form of:

Signs
Signals
Symbols

Analysis of Definition
- Sign = indicator of potential (possible) meaning
  (e.g. a medical symptom, a trace, a clue)
- Signal = indicator of intentional (actual) meaning
  (e.g. a directional arrow)
- Symbol = indicator of conventional (arbitrary) meaning
  (e.g. symbols in chemistry; in religion, etc.)

Classification
Data can be classified according to:

Category
Qualifications
Who provider - source
Where place - origin
What nature - type - content
Why role - rationale
When time - length of time - how many times (collecting)
How modes of collecting - selecting
Which form - texture (aggregate/disaggregate)

Function
The function of Data is to produce Information that promotes/leads to understanding in Problem Dealing, making it possible to:

depict situations (state, position)
draft operations (change, motion)
devise combinations (association, direction)

Requirements
To accomplish their function, Data should be characterized by:

Representativeness (i.e. illustrative, indicative)
Relevance (i.e. useful)
Reliability (i.e. trustful)

 

 


Facts  (^)

Definition
Facts are selected, verifiable or highly reliable Data drawn from experience to which some meaning is attributed.

Analysis of Definition
- Selected = relevant
- Verifiable or Reliable = documented, sound
- Data drawn from Experience = occurrences, happenings, events
- Meaning = significance and signification

Classification
Facts can be classified according to:

Category
Qualifications
Type theoretical (conceptions)
empirical (sensations)
Time unique (e.g. a historical event)
recurrent (e.g. an eclipse)
replicable (e.g. a laboratory experiment)
Tie-in causation (facts cause - facts effect)
correlation (association of facts)

Function
The function of Facts is to assist in:

- Problem Finding : addressing hypotheses about problems
- Problem Solving : generating ideas for solutions
- Problem Acting :  supporting decisions on actions

 

 


Concepts  (^)

Definition
Concepts are tools for dealing with reality.
They are the product of abstraction, categorization and representation of entities of experience (Data and Facts).

Analysis of Definition
- Abstraction = symbolization of entities
- Categorization = generalization (association) and discrimination (differentiation) of entities
- Representation = formalization of entities (e.g. labelling, visualizing)

Classification
Concepts can be classified according to:

Category
Qualifications
Content
(referent)
Concrete ---------------------- Abstract
(thing) ----------------------- (thought)
Character
(refinement)
Firm ---------------------------- Fuzzy
(well-definable ------------ ill-definable)

Function
The function of Concepts consists primarily in:

- mastery of Information (organization of Data, Facts)
- sharing of Communication (coding/decoding of Messages)

Remark
New Data and New Facts sometimes require totally New Concepts for Information and Communication to take place.

 

 

Paths  (^)



Paths  (^)

Definition
Paths represent operations (process, motion) of Modules.

They are referred to as:

Ends
Means
Modes

 

 


Ends  (^)

Definition
Ends are general aims (Goals) that are converted to and pursued as objectives and targets.

Analysis of Definition
- Goals = general aims
- Objectives, Targets = specific operative aims

 

 


Means  (^)

Definition
Means are resources (tools, goods, skills, etc.) employed in order to achieve Ends.
 

Remark
Means and Ends in Problem Dealing are seen as entities on a continuum of different gradations.

• --------------------------------------- •
means       means/ends            ends

 

 


Modes  (^)

Definition
Modes are ways and styles expressed while using Means to achieve Ends.

Analysis of Definition
- Ways = procedures
- Styles = techniques

 

 

Nets  (^)

 

 

Nets  (^)

Definition
Nets represent combinations (association, direction) of Modules.

They appear as:

Relations
Forms
Meanings

 

 


Relations  (^)

Definition
Relations are links between two or more Modules.

Analysis of Definition
- Link = connection
- Modules = nodes, paths, nets

Classification
Relations can be classified according to:

Category
Qualifications
Type Formal : e.g. visual
Factual : e.g. operational
Functional : e.g. effectual
Measure Order : e.g. first, second, etc.
Degree : e.g. bigger than, smaller than
Nature Coincidence : accidental connection
Correlation : associational connection
Causation : essential connection

 

 


Forms  (^)

Definition
Forms are the configuration and organization of Modules in space (setting) and time (sequence).

Analysis of Definition
- Configuration = placement, location
- Organization = arrangement, disposition
- Modules = nodes, paths, nets

Classification
Forms can be classified according to:

Category
Qualifications
Type Logical  (Conceptual)
Phenomenological  (Perceptual)
Shape Identical/Similar/Dissimilar
Regular/Irregular
Symmetrical/Asymmetrical
Size Large - Medium - Small

 

 


Meanings  (^)

Definition
Meanings derive/originate from the attribution of specific significance and signification to Modules.

Analysis of Definition
- Significance = importance, relevance
- Signification = import, sense
- Modules = nodes, paths, nets

 

 


Modules : overview  (^)

Modules are entities to be taken into account in the process of Problem Dealing.

For analytical reasons Modules are classified as:
- Situations : Nodes
- Operations : Paths
- Combinations : Nets

The Problem Dealer acts and interacts with Modules (that is with situations, operations, combinations) in order to produce Patterns.

 

 

Patterns  (^)

Patterns : requirements

Patterns : overview

 

 

Patterns  (^)

Definition
Patterns emerge from the compositions of Modules (nodes, paths, nets) under the influence of Landmarks (needs, values, norms).

Patterns are referred to as:

Systems
Structures
Schemata

 

 


Systems  (^)

Definition
Systems are Patterns made by Relations (internal and external) of Modules.

Analysis of Definition
- Internal Relations = relations amongst modules inside the system
- External Relations = relations between modules inside the system and modules outside in the environment
- Modules = nodes, paths, nets

Classification
Systems can be classified with reference to:

Category
Qualifications
Condition static - dynamic
Process deterministic - probabilistic
Components hard (e.g. mechanical) - soft (e.g. social)
Interactions simple - complex
Environment open system - closed system

Function
The function of Systems is to produce internal/external Relations amongst Modules working for the achievement of Ends.

Remark
A System is also a theoretical tool, the function of which is to portray relations amongst Modules in order to explain the working of a specific reality.

 

 


Structures  (^)

Definition
Structures are Patterns of Forms emerging from the composition of Modules.

Analysis of Definition
- Forms = configuration and organization of modules
- Modules = nodes, paths, nets

Classification
Structures can be classified according to:

Category
Qualifications
Type biological (e.g. organism)
social (e.g. community)
technical (e.g. building)
Condition static - dynamic
Size molecular (small) - molar (large)

Function
The function of Structures is to
- express (e.g. biological structure)
- organize (e.g. social structure)
- support ( e.g. architectural structure)
Forms arising out of the composition of Modules.

 

 


Schemata  (^)

Definition
Schemata are Patterns of Meanings emerging from the composition of Modules.

Analysis of Definition
- Meanings = significance and signification of modules
- Modules = nodes, paths, nets

Classification
Schemata have been variously classified/characterized as, for instance:

Co-ordinate System (Albert Einstein)
Construct (John Kelly)
Frame (Marvin Minsky)
Image (Kenneth Boulding)
Paradigm (Thomas S. Kuhn)
Perspective (Karl Mannheim)
Scheme (Jean Piaget, Frederic C. Bartlett)
Worldview (Robert Redfield)

Function
The function of Schemata is to detect and capture Meanings arising out of the composition of Modules.

 

 

Patterns : requirements (^)

 

 

Patterns : requirements  (^)

Patterns should present/possess some requirements summarized as:

Balance (rightful) stress on relations
Harmony (beautiful) stress on forms
Scope (fruitful) stress on meanings

 

 


Balance  (^)

Definition
Balance is the equilibration of Modules (and associated factors) aimed at achieving rightful Patterns  (stress on Relations).

Analysis of Definition
- Equilibration = dynamic balancing
- Rightful = appropriate, fair
- Factors : the specific elements (isolated) and components (interrelated) that make up modules

 

 


Harmony  (^)

Definition
Harmony is the integration of Modules (and associated factors) aimed at achieving beautiful Patterns  (stress on Forms).

Analysis of Definition
- Integration = joining of varieties into unities
- Beautiful = possessing rhythm and scale
- Factors : the specific elements (isolated) and components (interrelated) that make up modules

 

 


Scope  (^)

Definition
Scope is the finalization of Modules (and associated factors) aimed at achieving fruitful Patterns (stress on Meanings).

Analysis of Definition
- Finalization = productive tension and intention
- Fruitful = suitable (apt) and reliable (fit)
- Factors : the specific elements (isolated) and components (interrelated) that make up modules

 

 


Patterns : overview  (^)

Patterns are the product of the interplay of Modules under the influence of Landmarks.
Patterns are referred to as:

Systems
Structures
Schemata

Patterns should emanate/result from a combination of Modules and should present/possess:

Balance
Harmony
Scope

 

 

Framework : summing up  (^)

The process of Problem Dealing takes place within the general reference aspects of the Framework, namely:

- Landmarks: act as lighthouses in order to focus and highlight Modules of Problem Dealing

- Modules: are the entities which are to be acted upon during the various stages of Problem Dealing

- Patterns: are the product of the composition of Modules, hence the result of the process of Problem Dealing

Having established the Framework of the Problem, the process of Problem Dealing can get under way with the phase of Research.

 

 

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