Uncertainty management at the core of system design

How an organization handles uncertainties stemming from its own production processes and from its environment, is a central characteristic of its functioning. Many organizations, foremost those which have to handle substantial health and safety risks, aim at minimizing uncertainties. This is in contrast with newer organization theory which argues for enabling local competence for coping with uncertainties. Both approaches with their advantages and disadvantages will be discussed and consequences for system design drawn. # 2004 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.