Today, the most important expertise required in the development of software systems is the ability to analyze a problem and work with individuals from different parts of the world to solve it. While many scholars and managers believe that this requirement can be fulfilled using appropriate standards, there are others, like me, who believe that while the implementation of appropriate standards can be extremely useful, it may not fully satisfy that requirement. Adherence to standards, combined with the implementation of appropriate principles, is the required course of action in complex projects. In this book, the author provides wonderful information on the principles required for developing complex systems.

This book consists of eight chapters. The first describes issues related to systemic synthesis, with a few good examples. The author also briefly but effectively discusses selecting the right information and creating the right knowledge. Chapter 2 describes the complexities and methodologies associated with a systems approach. The author presents the complexities involved in human relations and related concepts, and describes soft systems. Chapter 3 considers the integrated systems approach with a good description of intercultural understanding. The fourth chapter addresses issues associated with decision making based on the data collected, and describes mathematical formulas involved in arriving at a decision. Chapter 5 defines knowledge science, with a discussion of knowledge management strategies. The next chapter deals with important aspects of knowledge creation models. I found this chapter less descriptive than the previous ones. Chapters 7 and 8 provide information on knowledge synthesis and justification. These last two chapters include less content than the preceding chapters.

Overall, this is a very good book with good information on the topics included. However, the author could have added more detail. Because it lacks sufficient detail, it may not be a good candidate for a textbook for graduate or undergraduate courses, although it could be used as excellent reference material for such courses. I highly recommend this book for individuals working in the software industry.