Society is now facing challenges for which the traditional management toolbox is increasingly inadequate. Well-grounded theoretical frameworks, such as systems thinking and cybernetics, offer general level interpretation schemes and models that are capable of supporting understanding of complex phenomena and are not impacted by the passage of time. This book serves the knowledge society to address the complexity of decision making and problem solving in the 21st century with contributions from systems and cybernetics. A multi-disciplinary approach has been adopted to support diversity and to develop inter- and trans-disciplinary knowledge within the shared thematic of problem solving and decision making in the 21st century. Its conceptual thread is cyber/systemic thinking, and its realisation is supported by a wide network of scientists on the basis of a highly participative agenda. The book provides a platform of knowledge sharing and conceptual frameworks developed with multi-disciplinary perspectives, which are useful to better understand the fast changing scenario and the complexity of problem solving in the present time.

Organizational Management Sustainability in VUCA Contexts is an insightful and comprehensive book that delves into the complex interplay between sustainability and the challenging landscapes of Volatility, Uncertainty, Complexity, and Ambiguity (VUCA). With a focus on bridging the gap between present and future generations, this book navigates the intricate web of economic success, social development, environmental health, and societal stability. Drawing upon a blend of theoretical foundations and practical examples, this book aims to unravel the phenomenon of sustainability in VUCA contexts by analyzing both exemplary and detrimental management practices across public and private sectors. Through a series of meticulously crafted chapters, the authors assess, treat, communicate, monitor, review, and discuss the methods, best practices, and requisite conditions for fostering sustainable organizations. Targeting a diverse audience of academics, policy makers, and entrepreneurs, this book serves as an invaluable resource for academic institutions, students specializing in business disciplines, and organizations in both public and private spheres. Moreover, anyone with a vested interest in contemporary business issues, prospective strategies, organizational sustainability, and economies in VUCA situations will find this book an indispensable guide.

The North American Mosaic has four overarching features. First, it is, to the extent feasible, based on comparable information on the status and trends of major indicators of the state of the environment in Canada,Mexico, and the United States. Second, the report confirms that these three countries together make up an incredibly complex, dynamic, and interconnected ecosystem in which humans play a dominant and decisive role. Third, the report raises important and sometimes disquieting questions concerning the sustainability of some current trends. Finally, the report is a reminder that our economic, social, and physical well-being are utterly dependent on the life-sustaining services provided by nature. This report emphasizes the importance of developing mutually compatible economic, social, and environmental goals and policies across the three-country region.

This edition of the World Bank has been revised and expanded by the Terminology Unit in the Languages Services Division of the World Bank in collaboration with the English, Spanish, and French Translation Sections. The Glossary is intended to assist the Bank's translators and interpreters, other Bank staff using French and Spanish in their work, and free-lance translator's and interpreters employed by the Bank. For this reason, the Glossary contains not only financial and economic terminology and terms relating to the Bank's procedures and practices, but also terms that frequently occur in Bank documents, and others for which the Bank has a preferred equivalent. Although many of these terms, relating to such fields as agriculture, education, energy, housing, law, technology, and transportation, could be found in other sources, they have been assembled here for ease of reference. A list of acronyms occurring frequently in Bank texts (the terms to which they refer being found in the Glossary) and a list of international, regional, and national organizations will be found at the end of the Glossary.