ESSRG - Systems thinking Series

Systems thinking is vital for solving

Complex problems

Dynamic problems

Multifaceted problems

Not beneficial for solving problems in simple systems since systems thinking is

Time consuming

Requires deliberation

Cannot commit to action in a timely manner

What is a system? - System Triangle (interconnections of their elements)

Elements

Relationships (interrelated and interdependent)

Purpose (designed or evolved over time)

Difficulties making a system by members of the system

Desires

Interests

Objectives

How to start making a system - Part 1?

Vision

Challenge

Guiding question

Boundary

Elements part of the system

Elements part of the environment

Scope of your work

How to start making a system - Part 2?

Event Level - Challenge and symptoms (occurrences that happen in the present)

Patterns & Trends - What has been happening over time? - Make predictions

Systems structure - What are the root causes behind symptoms and patterns?

Systems mapping

Feedback Loops

Mental Model - The way we see the world and our selves (mostly unconscious)

Dominant Paradigm

Assumptions

Beliefs (what beliefs keep the system in place?)

Values

Ideas

How to start making a system - Part 3 - Feedback loops? -Underlining mechanisms - Feedback loops to model mechanisms - (Cause and Effect)

Reinforcing Loops

Action

Effect

Reinforcing relationship (Both are positive + or negative -)

Time delay

Balancing Loops

Action

Effect

Stabilising (one is positive + and the other is negative -)

Balancing feedback

Reversing

Correcting

Stabilising

Time delay