Realizing Complex Policy
Figure 13 shows how the design process goes vertically from concept to detail , that is , from very broad issues such as design philosophy in the concept phase , down to the fine definition of project details . In moving from concept to detailed design , the design process follows a cyclic process , cycling between divergent abstract ideas , then through convergent concrete realization , back through abstract ideas , and so on .
Milestone review points facilitate this divergent and convergent thinking process — divergent thinking focus allows for innovation and creativity , and convergent thinking allows the mind to make and integrate as many connections as possible .
Milestone review points are crucial in managing the design process when there are multiple parties involved . The individual designers are re-benchmarked at each milestone review point , so that all the designers then proceed to the next part of the design from the same position . After the milestone point , the individual designers will again diverge , but will be re-benchmarked again at the next milestone point .
Emergent
Policies that need to bring multiple systems together to deliver a higher order outcome , or that are subject to ongoing frame-breaking change in underpinning aspects , are subject to emergent behavior . Emergent behaviors appear when the components of the policy interact to deliver unpredictable outcomes . These unpredictable outcomes can be both beneficial and detrimental to the policy .
Some complex policies operate as complex adaptive systems that can be pushed out of balance even to the point of collapse through negatively reinforcing emergence . In fact , when an effort is made to influence a complex adaptive system , those seeking to influence become part of that complex adaptive system .
The emergent strategy enables policies to have a broader impact , but , because of their unpredictability , they also restrict the policyowner from establishing high-level outcomes , and to an ongoing re-designing process to deal with emergence .
Emergent strategies are required to : ��
��
�� �� bring together multiple other component polices and systems ( that may not be under the direct control of the policyowner ) to deliver a higher order policy outcome using a systems-of-systems . accommodate change in the component policies and systems — policies that display emergent characteristics need shell designs that can accommodate a plug-and-play approach , with component policies being replaced and new policies being added . use stewardship , as opposed to direct control . use WAVE Planning in lieu of traditional project management planning methodologies .
The emergent strategy is suited to complex policies .
Dealing with Asymmetric Behavior
The detailed design approach of bespoke strategies significantly limits their capability to deal with asymmetric behavior . To be effective , bespoke strategies need to carefully define the policy ’ s language , rules , and regulations so that they cannot be misinterpreted or misapplied .
Evolutionary strategies provide a limited defense against asymmetric behavior through their progressive development ,
35