REPLY Society Strategy Development (SD7199)

[SDMAIL Dr John P Weldon]

Posted by  Dr John P Weldon <corp_dyn at iimetro.com.au>

In late 2007 I submitted to the academically-controlled SDS specific proposals
about several specific professional SD applications, under the heading of
developing the international influence and coverage of SD. I noted that gains in
SD's position, from the existing parlous situation, must come mainly from the
professional side. The applications concerned could deliver significant, even
spectacular, gains in  SD's position and prospects.

Ensuing SDS unresponsiveness to these proposals calls to mind the contemptuous
manner in which SD itself has been excluded from international economic policy
by
the macro-econometric orthodoxy for the past half century. Ending that situation
was one of my proposals.

Academics currently controlling the SDS have been and remain uninterested in,
and
indifferent to, needs and opportunities on the professional side of SD. This is
in marked contrast to what happened in the econometrics community. It has been
very successful in melding the aspirations and needs of its academic and
professional cohorts. (I also suggested that the SDS should research how the
econometrics community was so successful, and emulate that success. My
suggestion
was ignored).

I am in little doubt that nothing is likely to be achieved under existing SDS
auspices. If there is positive leadership from the top in regard to what needs
to
be done, I am unaware of it. I also note nascent murmurs in these pages about
forming a breakaway SD association. What about 'The Professional System Dynamics
Association' (PSDA) as a name?

There is a debate in these pages. However, it appears relatively unfocused and
unstructured. Does the movement for promoting professional SD development have
an
agreed and specific set of aims? Or a program? Or a convenor? Or a deadline?
Etc.

It is also often difficult to identify the flecks of gold in postings under the
heading 'Society Strategy Development' from the sheer weight of self-indulgent
(even metaphysical) verbiage. Specific (bulleted) proposals and arguments are
needed, in an atmoshere of professional self-discipline, focus and structure. A
deadline (certainly before the end of 2008) should be agreed. Proposals need to
be collated.

If proposals for professional development are not accepted by the SDS (again by
a
deadline that will need to be agreed), what happens next? Will the initiative
simply fade away, or will specific steps be taken to form a breakaway SD
association? How and when will that be done?

Professionals can be sure that the SDS will remain inactive and unresponsive on
these issues for as long as possible. They are confident in relying on the
initiative to simply fade away. After all, nothing has been done in fifty years.

Sincerely.

John Weldon
Corporate Dynamics
Canberra,  Australian Capital Territory
Posted by  Dr John P Weldon <corp_dyn at iimetro.com.au>
posting date  Sat, 19 Jul 2008 14:01:17 +1000