Decades ago, business organizations were forced to the edge of their comfort zone, needing to deal with an increasingly networked world. Since then, scholars and practitioners have worked together to develop approaches to help organizations thrive in such a complex world where decisions are frequently made in uncertain situations. As part of this collective effort, this book provides a managerial approach based on the knowledge about complex adaptive systems. Its five chapters discuss and show how to apply a complex systems approach to planning and management in different business contexts - from the world-class beverage industry and nation-wide lingerie commerce to small businesses guided by the principle of communion. Combining classic bibliography on complexity and systems thinking with original business case studies, we hope to offer a timeless contribution to the management of business organizations.

Marcia Esteves Agostinho has a doctorate in Industrial Engineering from the Federal University of Rio de Janeiro. Before starting her 25-years academic career, she worked for international management consultancy firms. She is also the author of the book "Complexidade e Organizações: Em Busca da Gestão Autônoma." Rio de Janeiro: Atlas, 2003.