Systems view, emergence and complexity

Purpose - To describe a view of parts of the world as assemblies with emergent properties constructed from related properties or objects, and the modelling of production of emergent properties arising by chance or design. Design/methodology/approach - One and two place sentences of a homogeneous language are combined in a static state to show a variety of possibilities of new structures. Combinations of such sentences in a dynamic state derived from narratives that show how static states are produced. Findings - Using Cartesian products and network theory the kind and number of new structures can be calculated. Semantic diagrams exhibit the propagation of dynamic states leading to the use of predicate logic statements as carriers of properties of objects with uncertainties. Research limitations/implications - The approach is based on linguistic analysis being able to encapsulate linguistic complexities, expressions of feelings, emotions, etc. in homogeneous language. Interpretation of semantics is restricted to human mind. Research may lead to a science and design of complex systems. Practical implications - The method embedded in the approach can be developed into a design aid for managers subject to its passing the test of debate and development of software. Originality/value - The research has led to a more rigorous approach to the analysis and design of scenarios including those with human activities.