Abstract
An application of Beer's cybernetic model of viable systems for the diagnosis of organizational deficiencies in the trade training network in New Zealand is described. Application of the model shows that none of the levels of recursion are viable: the highest level being the least viable. The model enables the authors to determine the factors preventing viability and to propose solutions. Our intentions in presenting this paper are:
1 to promote greater use of Beer's model,
2 to demonstrate the model's diagnostic capability, and
3 to provide an illustrative case study for potential users.