You are here: Home > Methods & Techniques > Viable Systems Model Background The Viable Systems Model was developed in the early 1980's, mainly by Stafford Beer, a leading advocate of cybernetics. It has been used in many types of company, both nationally and globally. When To Use the VSM Use of the VSM provides a way of analysing and designing organisational structures. It can be used to investigate and improve an existing organisation structure or to design a new organisation structure. What's Involved in Using the VSM A VSM contains three main areas: Operations, Management and Environment. The analogy of a human body to these areas (that is muscles and organs, brain and nervous system, and the external environment) is used to gain insight into the way in which the areas should, or could, interact. The Operations and Management parts are then further sub-divided into five systems, which are used by the VSM practitioner as the basis for their work. Production of a VSM involves a five-stage process, starting with investigation followed by a series of modelling activities. The resulting VSM is then used to diagnose difficulties with an existing structure, or as the basis for designing a new, ideal, structure for a particular purpose. More Information Check out the following site: Wikipedia definition of VSM (includes details of its components and rules) Or talk to Miriona! Privacy Statement © 2007-8 Miriona All rights reserved. Website owned by Jacquie Wakeford trading as Miriona 2nd Floor, 139 Percheron Drive, Knaphill, Surrey GU21 2QZ