The expression "modus operandi" is periodically found in various kinds of scientific literature, but much more often it can be found in various detective and adventure works, both literary and cinematic. Far from all think about what this expression specifically means. Meanwhile, the term "modus operandi" in some areas of professional activity is the key. Therefore, there is reason to take a closer look at it.
The origin and meaning of the concept
Like many fundamental scientific terms, the phrase modus operandi is of Latin origin. In a literal translation from an ancient language, it means "a course of action." In practice, it means a certain set of behavioral habits characteristic of a particular person. In a broader interpretation, the term “modus operandi” is also often applied to entire groups of individuals who are characterized by certain behavioral stereotypes in different situations.
Areas of use
There are areas of human activity in which a correct understanding of what the modus operandi is critical to success. First of all, it is forensics, as well as administrative and technical management. Moreover, management should be understood as the management of various kinds of teams or business structures, as well as engineering activities aimed at the creation and operation of complex technical systems. There are developed methods and technologies for selecting personnel for each of the indicated areas of activity. They are based on precisely the modus operandi of a particular candidate for a place in a particular administrative or technical system. They allow you to determine the degree of conformity of a person to the place that he intends to occupy in the existing hierarchy.
In forensics
The whole complex system of combating criminal manifestations that exists in any state is largely based on the similarity of the circumstances of the criminal acts. In criminology, the modus operandi is nothing but one of the keys to solving crimes. It helps to compile the psychological profile of the offender and understand the motivation of his actions. This allows you to disclose not only the crimes committed, but also to prevent impending criminal acts. The technology of this has been described many times in detective literature, starting with "The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes" by Arthur Conan Doyle. Currently, everything connected with the modus operandi is studied in detail at special courses of police academies around the world. A simple public has an idea about this from television series and detective literature.
In management
According to one historical figure, cadres decide everything. Despite the banality of this thought, no one has yet refuted it. It is the arrangement of the right people in key places in the business or administrative field that can ensure the fulfillment of the tasks that specific structures face. And without a proper understanding of the modus operandi of each person, it is impossible to assess the degree of his compliance with the place. This is especially true for structures that solve complex and non-standard tasks. Their possible success or failure in the strongest degree depends on the business and volitional qualities of the leader. This primarily refers to the commanders of military units and special forces. There are special training techniques for managers who are able to occupy leadership positions in crisis situations. It is important to understand the initial potential of a person - is there any point in investing money and effort in preparing it?
In the field of technology management
Competent management of human potential is no less important in the field of complex technical systems. Here, an employee who does not correspond to his position is capable of providing a grandiose technological disaster. It is enough to recall the accident at the Chernobyl nuclear power plant in 1986. And the latest vivid example of the modus operandi mismatch is the plane crash that happened in the fall of 2013 (flight Moscow - Kazan). Then the pilot of the Boeing could not make a decision on leaving for the second round in a situation far from critical. A reverse example is the incident in July 2014, when a pilot of a Russian aircraft showed professionalism in an extreme situation and managed to avoid a collision with an Argentinean airbus that prematurely pulled into the airport landing strip in Barcelona. For the management of modern technology and complex infrastructure facilities, proper training and selection of personnel are of paramount importance. And the modus operandi of those who intend to work in this area should be taken into account even at the first stages of training.