In this ambitious book, the authors challenge mainstream economic theory to present a new theoretical concept on modern economic reality. The book reveals in detail the key notions of the sociodynamic multiplier and the rational behavior of the state.

"Highly recommended. . . . This is an important book in putting the burgeoning field of sociodynamics on a solid footing."—Journal of Artificial Societies and Social Simulation This text deals with general modelling concepts in the social sciences, their applications, and their mathematical methods. The author's well-organized approach offers a clear, coherent introduction to terminology, approaches, and goals in modelling. Appropriate for advanced undergraduates and graduate students, it requires a solid background in algebra and calculus. The three-part treatment begins by addressing general modelling concepts, the second part provides applications, and the third discusses mathematical method. Topics include population dynamics, group interaction, political transitions, evolutionary economics, and urbanization. Guiding students through a series of practical applications that illustrate the methods' potential scope, the text concludes with a detailed look at mathematical methods.

Every day, managers must adapt to rapidly changing markets and situations. This book deals with sensitive or difficult projects, ranging from redundancy programs to disposal of radioactive waste, from the launch of a new product to the introduction of a new computer system. The authors use a revolutionary way to manage sensitive projects--the lateral approach. Derived from twenty years' experience working with managers, the lateral approach is a flexible and non- confrontational method that introduces change through an understanding of how people think and act. While communities and organizations often resist change even though they will benefit from it, this approach shows how projects can be successfully managed.

Quantitative Sociodynamics presents a general strategy for interdisciplinary model building and its application to a quantitative description of behavioural changes based on social interaction processes. Originally, the crucial methods for the modeling of complex systems (stochastic methods and nonlinear dynamics) were developed in physics but they have very often proved their explanatory power in chemistry, biology, economics and the social sciences. Quantitative Sociodynamics provides a unified and comprehensive overview of the different stochastic methods, their interrelations and properties. In addition, it introduces the most important concepts from nonlinear dynamics (synergetics, chaos theory). The applicability of these fascinating concepts to social phenomena is carefully discussed. By incorporating decision-theoretical approaches a very fundamental dynamic model is obtained which seems to open new perspectives in the social sciences. It includes many established models as special cases, e.g. the logistic equation, the gravity model, some diffusion models, the evolutionary game theory and the social field theory, but it also implies numerous new results. Examples concerning opinion formation, migration, social field theory; the self-organization of behavioural conventions as well as the behaviour of customers and voters are presented and illustrated by computer simulations. Quantitative Sociodynamics is relevant both for social scientists and natural scientists who are interested in the application of stochastic and synergetics concepts to interdisciplinary topics.

The purpose of this book is to give a coherent account of the different perspectives on science and technology that are normally studied under various disciplinary heads such as philosophy of science, sociology of science and science policy. It is intended for students embarking on courses in these subjects and assumes no special knowledge of any science. It is written in a direct and simple style, and technical language is introduced very sparingly. As various perspectives are sketched out in this book, the reader moves towards a consistent conception of contemporary science as a rapidly changing social institution that has already grown out of its traditional forms and plays a central role in society at large. It will appeal to students in a wide range of scientific disciplines and complement well Professor Ziman's earlier books.

Internationally recognised practitioners of the psychodramatic method discuss the theory and practice of psychodrama since Moreno's death. Key concepts of group psychotherapy are explained and their development illustrated.

This book will appeal to the lay-reader with an interest in the history of what is today termed ‘Econophysics’, looking at various works throughout the ages that have led to the emergence of this field. It begins with a discussion of the philosophers and scientists who have contributed to this discipline, before moving on to considering the contributions of different institutions, books, journals and conferences in nurturing the subject.