A Dynamic Systems Approach to Development explores the value of dynamical systems principles for solving the enduring puzzles of development, including the ultimate source of change, the problems of continuity and discontinuities, and nonlinear outcomes and individual differences. What do laser lights, crystals, walking, reaching, and concepts have in common? All are complex dynamic systems. Over the last decade, the burgeoning fields of synergetics and nonlinear dynamics have shown in mathematically precise ways how such complex systems can produce emergent order from the cooperation of many simpler elements. A Dynamic Systems Approach to Development explores the value of dynamical systems principles for solving the enduring puzzles of development, including the ultimate source of change, the problems of continuity and discontinuities, and nonlinear outcomes and individual differences. This companion volume to the forthcoming A Dynamic Systems Approach to the Development of Cognition and Action shows how the ideas of dynamic systems may form the basis for a new theory of human development. The problems considered include areas of motor development, perceptual and cognitive development, and social development. The use of dynamic systems ranges from the metaphorical to the rigorously mathematical, but in all cases the contributions present a step forward in developmental theory.

One semester, Jr/Sr/Grad course in systems analysis and design, or capstone course in MIS departments where students work on a project or extensive case. McLeod and Jordan's text is ideal for courses where student teams develop and implement software systems in real organizations, or where students develop software to solve problems in written cases. The text is organized into nine chapters and eight supporting technical modules: the chapters provide a unique, thorough coverage of the entire system development life cycle (SDLC), and a strong foundation in systems concepts and systems methodologies, while the technical modules provide the tools students need to implement and apply the concepts. The goal of the text is to provide a strong foundation of the concepts, with emphasis on the later phases of actual implementation and design, providing the methodologies and tools necessary to complete a systems project in a real organization, including installation of operational software. It has been successfully class-tested by over 400 students.

Systems Approach for Development presents articles in such topics as methodology, management and planning, education and transfer of technology, industrial application, energy, power systems, transportation and communication systems, urban systems and housing, and water resource systems. A sample of article in methodology is a simplified model approach in the hierarchical control systems. The book discusses such topics as dynamic economic models, creation of an optimum technology for olive oil production, systems prospective, types of technological forecasting techniques, and the use of a learning automata model in resource allocation problems. The optimal rate of transfer of technology is briefly analyzed and a systems approach to technological education is covered. An essay in the development of operator interface techniques is given. A section of the text provides the requirements of an ideal teaching system for microcomputers. The book will provide useful information to engineers, sociologists, economists, computer programmers, students and researchers in the field of science.

Dynamic systems models are rapidly advancing the field of developmental psychology, in particular adolescence, by examining the processes of development alongside how adolescents change. This book covers both the theoretical and technical principles for applying dynamic systems.

Over recent years, it has become clear that group-based approaches cannot directly be used to understand individual adolescent development. For that reason, interest in dynamic systems theory, or DST, has increased rapidly. Psychosocial Development in Adolescence: Insights from the Dynamic Systems Approach covers state-of-the-art insights into adolescent development that have resulted from adopting a dynamic systems approach. The first chapter of the book provides a basic introduction into dynamic systems principles and explains their consequences for the study of psychosocial development in adolescence. Subsequently, different experts discuss why and how we should apply a dynamic systems approach to the study of the adolescent transition period and psychological interventions. Various examples of the application of a dynamic systems approach are showcased, ranging from basic to more advanced techniques, as well as the insights they have generated. These applications cover a variety of fundamental topics in adolescent development, ranging from the development of identity, morality, sexuality, and peer networks, to more applied topics such as psychological interventions, educational dropout, and talent development. This book will be invaluable to both beginner and expert-level students and researchers interested in a dynamic systems approach and in the insights that it has yielded for adolescent development.

Children are the foundation of the United States, and supporting them is a key component of building a successful future. However, millions of children face health inequities that compromise their development, well-being, and long-term outcomes, despite substantial scientific evidence about how those adversities contribute to poor health. Advancements in neurobiological and socio-behavioral science show that critical biological systems develop in the prenatal through early childhood periods, and neurobiological development is extremely responsive to environmental influences during these stages. Consequently, social, economic, cultural, and environmental factors significantly affect a child's health ecosystem and ability to thrive throughout adulthood. Vibrant and Healthy Kids: Aligning Science, Practice, and Policy to Advance Health Equity builds upon and updates research from Communities in Action: Pathways to Health Equity (2017) and From Neurons to Neighborhoods: The Science of Early Childhood Development (2000). This report provides a brief overview of stressors that affect childhood development and health, a framework for applying current brain and development science to the real world, a roadmap for implementing tailored interventions, and recommendations about improving systems to better align with our understanding of the significant impact of health equity.

The question of sustainability affects most areas of human activity. It is intrinsically complex and multi-disciplinary. Sustainable policies have to adapt to new knowledge and changing circumstances. Understanding sustainability and ways of achieving it have to involve an understanding of complex adaptive systems and general systems theory - a rapidly developing new branch of social studies.;This book provides an introduction and thorough explanation of this field, and shows its application in the social and economic management of sustainability. It is written for readers at an undergraduate level and should be useful for a wide range of undergraduate courses.