Russell Ackoff was a pioneering systems thinker and management theorist known for his work in organisational theory, operations research, and systems thinking. He believed that problems are best solved by understanding the whole system rather than individual parts. Ackoff’s approach emphasised creativity, holistic analysis, and the importance of human factors in decision-making and problem-solving.
The "New New Product Development Game" by Hirotaka Takeuchi and Ikujiro Nonaka introduced the concept of a faster, flexible approach to product development. Emphasising teamwork, self-organisation, and overlapping phases, it likens the process to a rugby match, where teams pass the ball seamlessly. This method, foundational to Agile, encourages innovation and adaptability in competitive markets.