Managing Complexity
with the
Viable Systems Model
Theory, Applications and Innovative Research
Sponsored by
Metaphorum and The Centre of Systems Studies, Hull University
It has been more than four decades since Stafford Beer, the father of organizational
cybernetics, created and developed his systemic approach to management. Many of us
understood, when he explained his theory that he was well ahead of his time. Not surprisingly,
it was only recently – in the last decade or so - that we have witnessed an upsurge in interest
in applying, developing and progressing VSM theory.
The Centre of Systems Studies at Hull University Business School has, for the last few
decades, been providing a rich education and research context to develop his original ideas.
The VSM has always been a core aspect of the systemic management module, and other
systems modules at post-graduate and PhD level. There have been many PhD students
exploring VSM theory and applications in the last decades, and the interest and numbers seem
to keep growing.
When Stafford passed away in 2002, a close groups of friends, colleagues and followers met
at Scarborough – at the ‘Staffordian Syntegration’ - to discuss ways to continue his legacy. As
a result Metaphorum – an NGO aiming to keep Stafford’s legacy alive - was created. For about
8 years Metaphorum ran several national and international conferences and published several
special issues in specialized systems journals. Over the last 5 years the conversation has
continued, mostly through the Metaphorum listserve forum.
After a few years without meeting face to face in a conference, we want to revitalise this
community by inviting all the people interested in VSM research and practice, to get together at
a VSM workshop, where practitioners can get to know more about the basic principles of the
theory, and VSM researchers can get to know each other and discuss interesting applications
in organizations of different scales and types. We also want to provide a rich research context
for researchers and PhD students engaged in academic research involving VSM theory or
application, to come and discuss their research projects with their peers and colleagues.
Therefore the event will culminate with a Master Class on Day 3 for such discussions with input
from the key workshop speakers.
A brief description of the topics for each day of the conference follows. Confirmed invited
speakers include Prof Mike Jackson, Prof Alfredo Moscardini, Dr Allenna Leonard, Dr Paul
Stokes, Dr Angela Espinosa and Dr Jon Walker. We’d appreciate if you confirm your interest in
attending the workshop by sending a message to [email protected], c.c.
[email protected] as places are limited. CSS will announce this event on their
webpage later this month. In the meantime if you have any questions regarding the program
please communicate with AE/AL/LS.
Managing Complexity
with the
Viable Systems Model
Theory, Applications and Innovative Research
Sponsored by
Metaphorum and The Centre of Systems Studies, Hull University
DRAFT PROGRAM (The webpage will announce further details as we get more confirmed
speakers).
11th November. Managing complexity with the VSM: Theory and applications


Opening session: Prof. Yasmin Merali
The VSM: Achievements and Issues (Prof M Jackson)

Managing complexity with VSM: Theory and methodologies (A Espinosa)

Systemic Consultancy - international experiences (tbc) (A Moscardini)


Applications. 1. At the level of industry (tbc)
Applications. 2. At the level of government (tbc)
 Applications 3. At the level of social enterprises
12th November - New directions of research Viability and governance
 Associational Democracy for an Associational Society (P Stokes)
 Viability and Self-organisation (J Walker/)
 Viability and political systems (A Leonard)
 Applications 1. In the context of businesses (tbc)
 Applications. 2. At the level of community (tbc)
 Applications 3. At the level of the social economy
13th November - Master Class
 Students’ presentation 1 (tbc)
 Students’ presentation 2 (tbc)
 ….
Reflexions and conclusions
14th November - Metaphorum day


Reflections on the VSM Workshop
Re-organisation of the Metaphorum

Agenda for the next Metaphorum events.
Managing Complexity
with the
Viable Systems Model
Theory, Applications and Innovative Research
Sponsored by
Metaphorum and The Centre of Systems Studies, Hull University
VENUE AND LOGISTICS
The conference venue is Hull University Business School, Cottingham Rod, Hull, East
Yorkshire, England, HU6 7RX (see below for information about accommodation and travel).
The Workshop will start at 9.30 am on Wednesday the 11th November and finish by 4.00 pm on
Friday 13th November. The Metaphorum day will run from 09.30 am to 4.00 pm on Saturday
14th November.
If you would like to participate, please fill in the registration form below and send it to:
[email protected], and cc [email protected]; [email protected]
You will receive a link to conference webpage instructions for payment on registration.
REGISTRATION FEES
Workshop (11th -13th November).
Workshop Fee
Non-student day
rate
Student day rate
For Payments up to
October 2015
For Payments after
October 2015
£70.00/day
£90.00/day
£10.00
£10.00
Note: the day rate includes lunch and refreshments.
Metaphorum Day (Saturday 14th November).
Registration Fee
(non-student)
Registration Fee
(student)
£20.00
£10.00
Note: the day rate includes lunch and
refreshments.
Managing Complexity
with the
Viable Systems Model
Theory, Applications and Innovative Research
Sponsored by
Metaphorum and The Centre of Systems Studies, Hull University
VSM Workshop Registration Form
Name …………………………………………………………………………………………………
Payment amount …………………………………………………………………………………..
 as appropriate
Participant
PhD Student
11th Wed - Workshop day
12th Thurs - Workshop day
13th Fri - Workshop day
14th Sat - Metaphorum day
Conference Fee (Lunch and refreshments included)
Early Bird Non-student rate for payments by 15th October: £70.00 per workshop day. Total for 3
days £210.00.
Non-student rate for payments after 15th October: £90.00 per workshop day. Total for 3 days
£270.00.
Student rate: £10.00. Total for 3 days £30.00
Metaphorum Day (Lunch and refreshments included)
Non-student rate: £20.00
Student rate: £10.00
Work or University Postal Address ……………………………………….…………………….
…………………………………………………………………………………………………………
Email……………………………………………………………………………………………..………
Telephone +…………………………………….. (Please include country code)
Special Dietary Requirements ………………………………………………………………………
Managing Complexity
with the
Viable Systems Model
Theory, Applications and Innovative Research
Sponsored by
Metaphorum and The Centre of Systems Studies, Hull University
We would like to update your Metaphorum membership details using the information you’ve
supplied here. Please let us know if this is not acceptable.

I do not give consent for my contact details to appear on the delegate list.
Managing Complexity
with the
Viable Systems Model
Theory, Applications and Innovative Research
Sponsored by
Metaphorum and The Centre of Systems Studies, Hull University
Supplementary Information: Accommodation & Travel
Accommodation



Old Grey Mare - http://www.laterooms.com/en/hotel-reservations/125070_old-greymare-inn-by-good-night-inns-hull.aspx
Endsleigh Mercy Centre. 481 Beverly Rd, HU6 7LJ, [email protected].
Tel 01482 342779
Hull University Guest Houses. Accommodation Office.
www.hull.ac.uk/accommodation
tel: +44 (0) 1482 466042
fax: +44 (0)1482 466020
Closest Railway:
Hull Paragon Railway Station
Cottingham Railway Station
Closest Airports
Humberside Airport (20 min away from Hull)
Leeds Bradfor Airpot (1:20 min away from Hull)
Manchester Airport (2:45 hrs away from Hull)
London airports (3:15 hrs away from Hull)
Hull University - Business School
https://www.google.com/maps/@53.7713855,-0.3673231,16z