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Special Memorial Article: H. Igor Ansoff and Strategic Management — Reflections from the Philosopher’s Stone

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Strategic Management
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Abstract

Strategic Management is examined in the context of the life and work of its founder, H. Igor Ansoff. His contributions are considered in contrast to postmodern arguments against efforts to acquire systematic, lasting knowledge in the social sciences and to apply systematic practices in the successful management of organizations. It is suggested that such postmodern critiques amount to little more than a reincarnation of philosophical skep-ticism. Finally, it is argued that Strategic Management relies on concepts derived from cybernetics which relate to the successful operation of complex, dynamic systems.

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This article is dedicated to the memory of David Hussey.

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© 2007 Dorothy W. Ansoff, Trustee, Ansoff Family Trust

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Ansoff, R. (2007). Special Memorial Article: H. Igor Ansoff and Strategic Management — Reflections from the Philosopher’s Stone. In: Strategic Management. Palgrave Macmillan, London. https://doi.org/10.1057/9780230590601_1

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