### to whom it may concern. //fw. ------------------------------------------------------ CALL FOR PAPERS
Book Proposal: Complex Decision Making: Theory and Practice 1. Brief Description The increasing complexity of the environments in which we live and work requires us to continue the search for ways, methods, and techniques to improve our ability to make better decisions. Recent developments in the fields of instructional technology, dynamic decision making, theories on learning and managing complexities, system dynamics and agent-based modeling approaches deserve attention and provide impetus for an integrated volume in the service of complex decision making. This book will present a series of chapters written by well-regarded figures in their fields by the common aspiration to draw together to align our best understanding of decision making in complex, dynamic environments.
Co-editors for this volume will be Hassan Qudrat-Ullah (York University, Canada), J. Michael Spector (Florida Sate University, USA), & Paal I. Davidsen (University of Bergen, Norway). Editorial tasks will include: soliciting contributions; reviewing and editing chapters; and, preparing a final copy for the publisher (Springer-Verlag, US). 2. Apparatus There will be contributions from about 20 distinguished researchers who present innovative work in the areas of dynamic decision making and learning in complex systems. When it comes to modeling approaches, contributors will have to drawn on system dynamics and/or agent-based modeling. We will invite someone such as Prof. Forrester to provide a Prologue. Selected chapters will be available online to advertise the volume ahead of its final print publication. 3. Audience The audience for this volume includes professors, students and professional practitioners. Unified by the common goal of making better decisions in complex systems, this book will offer the reader an insightful and critical review of state of the art in the field, with a focus on system dynamics and agent-based modeling approaches to complex decision making. The book could be used as a supplemental textbook for study within University level programs (at late undergraduate and graduate levels) in faculties of Business and Management, Information Systems, Education, Computing, and Instructional Design. The practical orientation of the chapters within each part is intended to suite the practitioners: both managers and policy makers across the domains. 4. Status of the Book The following represents a tentative timeline for completing the volume:
· Letter inviting contributions - 30 July 2005 · Draft chapters due - 31 October 2005 · Chapters returned with editorial comments - 30 November 2005 · Final chapters due - 31 February 2006 · Final edits completed - 30 April 2006 (due date to publisher) · Print publication available - 31 May 2006
Anticipated length is approximately 400 double-spaced pages. 5. Table of Contents
The provisional table of contents is:
Prologue - Professor Jay Forrester (or someone with similar knowledge and reputation)
PART I: Introduction (by Hassan, Mike, and Paal): (1 chapter)
PART II: Theories and Frameworks on Complex Decision Making: (4 chapters) (primarily elaborating on frameworks for dealing with complexities in the decision making environment, and theories on learning and decision making in complex, dynamic environments)
PART III: Tools and Techniques for Decision Making in Complex Systems: (5 chapters) (covering the range of tools, methods, and technologies that support decision making in complex, dynamic environments)
PART IV: System Dynamics and Agent-Based Modeling in Action: (6 chapters) (providing the empirical evidence to the application of both these modeling approaches to variety of complex decision making situations covering both individual and group decision making perspectives)
PART V: Methodological Issues in Research on Complex Decision Making: (3 chapters) (on developing and testing models of complex environments, measuring expertise on complex decision making, and experimental approach on complex decision making)
PART VI: Conclusion (by Hassan, Mike, and Paal): (1 chapter)
Index of authors Index of subjects and topics
Submissions:
By Now: Just say "Yes" or "No" to show your intent via email to me at hassanq@yorku.ca. By August 15, 2005: Submit (1) title of your contribution, (2) describe the fit of your chapter to Part II, III, IV, or V of the book, and (3) one-page summary/abstract that includes the significance of your contribution. Submissions only via e-mail to Hassan at: hassanq@yorku.ca. By August 25, 2005: Receive the notification of acceptance/ rejection
By October 31: If your abstract is accepted, submit the draft chapter.