Beyond a system of systems methodologies

This paper describes a research programme which used the idea that there is a ‘system of systems methodologies’ to analyse the relationship between Operational Research OR and other systems-based, problem-solving approaches, and to relate different systems methodologies to appropriate problem-contexts. The results are promising for those who wish to broaden the theoretical basis of Operational Research OR in order to extend its domain of effective application. Further progress, however, depends upon reconstituting the research programme on surer theoretical foundations. Unless this is done, both the potential of the original work and its initial intent risk being lost. It is now necessary to go beyond ‘a system of systems methodologies’ and to embed that work in an explicit proposal for a critical management science.