Fuzziness and Bureaucracy

Article Abstract:

What legislators intend and what bureaucrats do are often the result of fuzzy mandates. The author uses the mathematical concept of fuzzy sets to define the categories essential to bureaucracies. A well-defined set of elements (people, services, roles) is 'crisp'; ambiguous, ill- defined, or impossible to clearly delineate elements are 'fuzzy'. Organizations will exhibit different structure, behavior and outcomes based on whether they receive fuzzy or crisp charges. Some of the various mis-matches, mis- perceptions, and mishaps of fuzzy/crisp management are discussed. Recommendations for coping with fuzziness are offered: increase communications, be careful of 'groupthink', work shorter, closer cycles for better control.

Management, Bureaucracy, Dosage and administration, Urban policy

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Marrying an alien

Article Abstract:

Several dozen companies are for sale in South Korea as a result of corporate restructuring encouraged by the government. The total value of deals could reach $15 billion in 1999, and mainly foreign companies are involved. There are still barriers for foreign investors such as a view that pay should be according to seniority rather than performance, and accounting rules that do not follow US standards. Accounting problems can affect the success of mergers and acquisitions.

South Korea, Foreign investments, Acquisitions and mergers

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On the shoulders of Atlas

Article Abstract:

General Dynamics' Atlas space launch vehicles have served the space industry for over 30 years and will continue to do so beyond 2005, despite failures of and rumors of discontinuance. Atlases have served as launch vehicles for several NASA projects since the first Atlas ICBM test launch in Dec 1957.

Aircraft, Ship building and repairing, Product information, History, Aerospace industry, General Dynamics Corp., Space vehicles industry, Atlas-Centaur (Rocket)

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