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ORGANIZATION & WORK FLOW DESIGN
The performance of an organization depends on many factors – social, physical, and information systems, all interacting to create a dynamic environment. It is not surprising that attempts to solve organizational problems by simplistic means – such as management heuristics or “cookie cutter” solutions – often do not work and can actually make performance problems worse.
Designing an effective organization requires a multi-dimensional approach that synthesizes theory and data. Aptima uses formal quantitative models to understand the complex system that underlies an organization. We then apply a variety of technology-based methods, combined with our professional expertise, to design organization and work flow solutions that optimize team and organizational behavior.
Solutions based on human behavior and systems. An important advantage of our models is their ability to fully represent human interactions in a structural context, making it possible to quantitatively evaluate the social aspects of an organization. The design that results from these models guides both the structure and the strategy of the organization, and clearly defines the roles of the people within it:
- which members own various resources
- who takes certain actions
- who uses or needs information
- what coordination and communication is required
- what overall work strategies are best
Aptima’s scientific approach to human interactions is why our organization and workflow solutions produce effective, long-term results.
Aptima in action. Aptima has a proven record of applying innovative tools and methods to solve real-world problems in operational, commercial, and system acquisition environments. Our primary focus is on large-scale sociotechnical systems. We apply award-winning methods – that are automated, traceable, and repeatable – to assess and design optimal organizations. We test our results through rigorous experimentation. And our multi-disciplinary staff provides the expertise to select the best approaches from:
- Discrete Event Simulation

- Dynamic Bayesian Networks

- Markov Decision Processes, POMDP

- Genetic algorithms
and other optimization routines
- Agent-Based Modeling

- System Dynamics simulation

- Linear Programming, Dynamic Programming

PREDICTIVE SOCIAL DYNAMICS
In today’s fluid competitive environment, the ability to anticipate, adapt, and exploit change can be the critical factor in organizational effectiveness. Failure to plan for change or respond appropriately can undermine even the most successful enterprises. On the other hand, exploiting the dynamics of change can provide an advantage against competitors and adversaries.
Yet understanding and coping with change is one of the most difficult problems an organization can face. Change is inherently complex, whether it involves small organizations, global enterprises or entire societies. Change is also unpredictable, and events that seem small can have large effects.
What are the transformative forces? To help organizations succeed in a dynamic world, Aptima draws on deep scientific understanding of the social and organizational forces that drive change, coupled with innovative quantitative methods for modeling these forces and forecasting their consequences.
Our Predictive Social Dynamics services and decision support systems deliver results grounded in social and organizational science. We employ the following model-based technologies and methodologies:
- Social network analysis

- Dynamic network analysis

- Agent-Based Modeling

- System dynamics

- Bayesian belief networks

- Stochastic processes

- Decision analysis

- Game theory

- Knowledge-based systems

Aptima in action. One use of predictive social dynamics is for military analysis. For example, Aptima provides a predictive system for Army intelligence analysts that evaluates how a dynamic event, such as a car bombing, would effect hostility and threat levels in nearby populations.
We validate our models with empirical data, ranging from quantitative observables to more unstructured factors such as beliefs, intent, and culture. Our unique capabilities enable our customers to:
- Ensure the success of organizational change initiatives
- Anticipate and rapidly adapt to change in the environment
- Detect the early warning signs of change
- Diagnose and remediate dysfunctional processes and practices
- Forecast and counteract future moves by competitors or adversaries
- Project the direct and indirect effects of potential strategies
CULTURAL ASSESSMENT & PREDICTION
Commercial and military leaders alike realize that cultural understanding and insight are crucial to success. To succeed globally, leaders must be effective locally.
For example, the US military is currently engaged in a war of ideas in which creating the right message for diverse populations, as well as understanding the cultural impact of military actions, are of strategic importance. US military forces typically operate as part of a multinational coalition which must be supported by a high level of interaction and coordination between US forces, non-government organizations, and local populations and authorities. Military leaders need training to manage these cross-cultural interactions and relationships successfully.
Culture is just as important for successful commercial operations. Today’s economic networks and labor markets extend around the world, into many different countries. Business leaders must routinely work with foreign suppliers, customers and employees, and tailor corporate communications for different cultures.
A four-pronged approach to cultural assessment. Aptima provides Cultural Assessment and Prediction services to create winning cross-cultural messages, anticipate the cultural effects of actions, manage an organization’s culture, and train leaders to successfully navigate multicultural work environments. Our unique approach blends four key pillars:
- Cultural and organizational development theory that provides a solid scientific foundation
- Scenario-based instruction that goes beyond the “travelogue” style of cultural training. We identify the key aspects of culture that apply to specific workplace problems and enable employees to rehearse specific skills related to their job responsibilities
- Formal modeling techniques to quantify difficult aspects of culture, design effective multicultural organizational structures, and forecast the cultural consequences of actions
- Cultural data collection and analysis, including internationally-recognized partners that provide in-country presence and expertise
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