Harnessing the Power of Failure: Using Storytelling and Systems Engineering to Enhance Organizational Learning

Failure is the best indicator of whats working and whats not in any complex system or enterprise. Newman and Wander employ a unique system failure case study (SFCS) paradigm to explore a vast array of failure events in multiple sectors and provide insights to manage risk in high-consequence, high-risk activities.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 248 pages
Publication date: 26 August 2021
Publisher: Emerald Publishing Limited

Failure is a valuable teacher, providing more comprehensive and accurate insights than success. In the intricate realm of complex systems and enterprises, failure serves as a compass, illuminating the areas that require improvement. It uncovers hidden defects and failure modes, often buried within the people, processes, materials, design, manufacturing, and management that comprise these systems. By adopting a new framework developed by former NASA aerospace professionals, Newman and Wander introduce a unique system failure case study (SFCS) paradigm. This paradigm combines storytelling and systems engineering to stimulate systems thinking and promote lessons learning within organizations.

Through their comprehensive exploration of failure events across various sectors, including transportation, industry, aerospace, construction, and critical infrastructure, the authors offer an Integrated Analysis. This analysis seeks to identify trends, patterns, and universally applicable insights that readers can use to assess their own activities for potential vulnerabilities.

Furthermore, the authors provide actionable recommendations for enterprise leaders, project managers, process owners, and operators. By leveraging their expertise, they outline specific actions that can be taken to manage risk in high-consequence, high-risk activities, ensuring the safety and resilience of these critical systems.

In conclusion, failure is not a setback but a catalyst for growth and improvement. By embracing failure as a teacher, we can gain a deeper understanding of complex systems and develop strategies to mitigate risk and enhance performance. The insights provided by Newman and Wander in their book offer valuable guidance for anyone seeking to optimize their operations and achieve success in the face of adversity.

Weight: 364g
Dimension: 151 x 229 x 22 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781787542020