For the last 10 years I have been examining how complexity can induce failure. My aim is to find more effective ways to make sense of complex situations and then manage them. The business context that interests me most is how these failures lead to crises and so how we can prepare ourselves to handle such events.The framework for my thinking is provided by Turner’s Disaster Incubation Theory and the lens I see the world through focuses on complexity and chaos. My research contrasts the use of the Perfect World Paradigm (based on linear, Newtonian principles) and Normal Chaos (based on non-linear, systems thinking.) My current work is designed to help executives and non-scientists develop a clear understanding of where the much used mathematical models can be most effectively employed. To do this I am currently mapping the concepts within complexity and chaos studies to everyday situations. This is to show how these ideas may be used as a catalyst to richer thinking.From an academic perspective I am trying to move on from just using these ideas to describe and explain what has happened to enhancing our ability to predict more effectively what might happen: that is, to enhance our foresight.From a management perspective, my interest is to see how these ideas might affect the way strategy is set, contingency plans are written, the way routines (procedures and processes) are devised and finally, the way performance management and governance is conducted.Happy to have a conversation with any interested parties.