Acknowledgment
A lifetime of teaching and consulting involves indebtedness to innumerable sources of wisdom. I have learned from my students and clients far more than I ever taught them. Looking back, I can hardly even begin to recall the fires by which I was warmed, the lights by which I found my way. And yet there are faces that vividly stand out.
Russel L. Ackoff has been my mentor, business partner, and a great friend. He was there, as always, with his infinite wisdom and uncompromising critique to examine every line and dissect every concept of this manuscript. I welcomed his measured views and took all of his recommendations.
Reza Niazmand was the first who found my strange way of thinking interesting enough to trust me to convert The Industrial ...