Research Objectives, Methodology and Layout

Abstract

The research project is undertaken to contribute to the comprehension of system change and its process. This field of analysis is wide in nature and a definition of the research project is achieved by aiming to investigate the economic system within a societal framework. This definition necessitates the analysis of the place of the economic system within the societal system as well as the derivation of elements and structures to classify economic systems. Economic transformation is conceived as the change of system structures and it is intended to establish a framework to provide a method of distinguishing its features. Any analysis of change, however, needs to go beyond the classification of structural changes and has to focus on the process of change. This process of change is described by the term “transformation” and is juxtaposed to the term “evolution”. Both forms of change are based on human action and a humanistic view is thereby accepted. The objective is to extend a system-theoretical static approach, focus on human action within a framework and establish some fundamental features about human behaviour. Questions are raised with regard to why system changes happen, how they materialise and why the term “adjustment” is factually relevant.