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Introduction
In order to translate Flexible Systems Management into action, SAP-LAP framework is developed
In order to deal with complexity, chaos and contradictions of fast changing business reality, flexibility is becoming a key attribute of the evolving futuristic enterprises. The aspects of flexibility and freedom have been given due consideration in the evolving paradigm of Flexible Systems Management. Flexible Systems Management paradigm takes 'systemic flexibility' as the base which has been discussed in the Learning Lesson Ll in Vol.1 No.1. In order to translate this paradigm of management into action, a methodological construct is provided in the form of SAP-LAP (Situation Actor Process-Learning Action Performance) framework in this learning lesson. An outline of the framework is provided, supported by an application in case analysis.
SAP-LAP
In order to implement the Flexible Systems Management paradigm, a holistic framework is developed that contains the basic entities in any management context and their associated managerial functions and attributes. Basically, any managerial context consists of a "situation" to be managed, an "actor" or a group of actors to deal with the situation and a "process" or a set of processes that respond to the situation and recreate it.
Situation, Actor, Process and their interplay comprise of SAP framework
The "situation", "actor" and "process" and their interplay comprise of the SAP framework where the freedom of choice lies with the actor as shown in Figure 1. If the actors have more freedom, the processes will become flexible and adaptive to cope with the changing situation. Lack of freedom of choice to the actors will restrict their options, ultimately making the process rigid and static and thereby failing to cope with the turbulence in the situation.
"Situation" is external and internal environment of the organization and its performance
The "situation" is the external and internal environment of the organization and its performance. For example,...