Simplexity

Abstract: Crystallization is viewed as a kinetic process, the relative "ease" of which is influenced by details of the structures involved The word "simplexity" is used as a measure of structural complexity In general, high "simplexity" is synonymous with disorder, or structural simplicity, or high entropy Nucleation and growth of phases with high simplexity are favored-in many cases over more stable compounds of lower simplexity The aluminosilicate minerals are examined from this point of view Available information on laboratory syntheses is used as some measure of "ease" of crystallization The crystal-chemical similarity of $Al^{3+}$ and $Si^{4+}$ and the fact that they may play either equivalent or nonequivalent roles in different structures are related to the development of preferred phases Those compounds with both Al and Si in equivalent 4-co-ordinated positions (high simplexity) are readily synthesized The compounds with Al and Si in ordered 4-co-ordinated positions or those ordered by virtue of havi

Abstract: In this book a noted physiologist and neuroscientist introduces the concept of simplexity, the set of solutions living organisms find that enable them to deal with information and situations, while taking into account past experiences and anticipating future ones. Such solutions are new ways of addressing problems so that actions may be taken more quickly, more elegantly, and more efficiently. In a sense, the history of living organisms may be summed up by their remarkable ability to find solutions that avoid the world's complexity by imposing on it their own rules and functions. Evolution has resolved the problem of complexity not by simplifying but by finding solutions whose processes-though they can sometimes be complex-allow us to act in the midst of complexity and of uncertainty. Nature can inspire us by making us realize that simplification is never simple and requires instead that we choose, refuse, connect, and imagine, in order to act in the best possible manner. Such solutions are already being applied in design and engineering and are significant in biology, medicine, economics, and the behavioral sciences.

Abstract: Strategic activity is often punctuated through the application of strategy tools. Despite widespread use, a lack of understanding exists regarding the impact such tools and their practices have on an organization's strategy process. Of the growing body of research tackling the phenomenon, none appears to extend beyond an intra-organizational setting. Acknowledging the importance of multi-organizational partnerships, particularly in the public sector, in this paper an attempt is made to help fill this void through examining the application and effect of a scenario planning process at an inter-organizational level. Conceptualizing scenario planning as a practice of simplexity, where complexity of thought combines with simplicity of action, an in-depth, longitudinal case study is used to demonstrate the importance and interaction of sensemaking, storytelling and organizing in creating meaning within strategizing activities at the inter-organizational level. However, also demonstrated is the relative weakness of the output of the scenario planning process − the stories − as a boundary object capable of transferring knowledge and meaning to the intra-organizational level. Through empirical and theoretical integration a model is developed presenting the flow of practices and artefacts used in sensemaking within inter- and intra-organizational strategizing.