What is Systems Thinking? Definition
Systems Thinking is an approach for studying and managing complex feedback
systems, such as one finds in corporations and other social systems. In fact
it has been used to describe practically every sort of feedback system.
System Dynamics is more or less the same as Systems Thinking, but emphasizes
the usage of computer-simulation tools.
The term System means an interdependent group of things forming a unified
pattern. Feedback refers to the situation of X affecting Y, and Y in turn
affecting X. Perhaps through a chain of causes and effects. One cannot study
the link between X and Y and, independently, the link between Y and X and
predict how the system will behave. Only the study of the whole feedback system
will lead to correct results.
What is System Dynamics?
System Dynamics is based on Systems Thinking, but takes the additional
steps of constructing and testing a computer simulation model. The System
Dynamics field developed initially from the book "Industrial Dynamics" of
Jay W. Forrester.
Steps in the System Dynamics methodology
- Identify a problem,
- Develop a dynamic hypothesis explaining the cause of the problem,
- Build a computer simulation model of the system at the root of the problem,
- Test the model to be certain that it reproduces the behavior seen in
the real world,
- Devise and test in the model alternative policies that alleviate the
problem,
- Implement the solution.
Often these steps have to be reviewed and refined, going back towards an
earlier step. For instance, the first problem identified may be only a symptom
of a still greater problem.
Typical applications of System Dynamics
- strategy and corporate planning
- business process development
- public management and policy
- biological and medical modeling
- energy and the environment
- theory development in the natural and social sciences
- dynamic decision making
- complex nonlinear dynamics
Book: John Sterman
- Business Dynamics: Systems Thinking..
Forum discussions about System Dynamics & Systems Thinking.
|
Complexity in Systems Approach
Complexity exists due to a multitude of worldviews held by organisational members and external stakeholders and the cultural influences, individual experiences and organisational makeup i.e. rituals, ...
18
6 comments
|
|
Soft, Hard and Viable Systems
Three systems methods are normally used:
1. Soft systems method - complex messy situations
2. Hard systems method- difficulties where we know the cause and desire endstate
3. Viable systems method ...
12
1 comments
|
|
Systems Approach and Digitalization
The line between "online" and "offline" sales channels has gradually blurred over the past years. The digital economy has already seriously changed the approach to doing business, as well as the requi...
5
1 comments
|
|
|
Courses about System Dynamics & Systems Thinking.
Beginners Course
|
Advanced Course
|
Course for Experts
|
|
|
The best, top-rated topics about System Dynamics & Systems Thinking. Here you will find the most valuable ideas and practical suggestions.
🥇
|
System Archetypes Overview
Systems archetypes are models that describe patterns of organization that keep recurring. They are helpful to show, explain and gain deeper insights into certain patterns of behavior of a system under...
14
2 comments
|
🥉
|
Systems Thinking Schools and Approaches
- PLANNING SCHOOL - systems thinking is a holistic approach to planning complex systems. Pioneers of this approach include C. W. Churchman and russ ackoff.
- SYSTEM DYNAMICS SCHOOL - Systems thinking...
10
3 comments
|
|
Nonlinear Dynamical Systems
Nonlinear dynamical systems can be linearized, if the relationship between elements of this is information.
To formalize the interaction between elements of the system it is important to know the nat...
5
7 comments
|
|
|
Advanced insights about System Dynamics & Systems Thinking. Here you will find professional advices by experts.
Consultancy Tips
|
Teaching Tips
|
Practical Implementation Tips
|
|
|
|
|
Various sources of information regarding System Dynamics & Systems Thinking. Here you will find powerpoints, videos, news, etc. to use in your own lectures and workshops.
|
Systems, Systems Thinking and Soft System Methodology (SSM) Systems Thinking, Soft System Methodology, SSM, Checkland Presentation that provides well structured information about what are Systems, System Thinking and Soft Systems Methodol...
|
|
Are you Facing Complexity? Systems Thinking 101 Systems Thinking, Dealing with Complexity, Strategic Complexity Video clearly explains System Thinking, using an example in the health industry.
Systems Thinkers believe that doing a ...
|
|
Systems Thinking for Leaders Systems Thinking, Leadership, Gestalt Theory, Complexity Presentation about systems thinking leadership, including the following sections:
1. What is systems thinking?
2. What...
|
|
Introduction Into Systems Thinking Systems Thinking, Communication Presentation that introduces the concept of Systems Thinking. The presentation includes the following sections:
1. Key ...
|
|
Simple, Complicated, Complex and Chaotic Decision Making Contexts Decision Making, Situations, Context, Types, Complex Circumstances, Chaos, Crisis Management Dave Snowden explains the Cynefin Framework, which shows that different circumstances require different ways of decision...
|
|
Efficiency of Mass Communication Retail Communication The $ystem-oriented Management of Efficiency of Mass Communication in Retail.
How to forecast growth of knowledge of t...
|
|
|
Useful tools regarding System Dynamics & Systems Thinking.
News
|
Videos
|
Presentations
|
|
Books
|
Academic
|
More
|
|
|
|
Compare with System Dynamics: Gestalt
Theory | Strategy
Dynamics |
Soft Systems Methodology
| Scenario Planning
| Analogical
Strategic Reasoning |
Five Disciplines |
OODA loop |
Game Theory |
Spiral Dynamics |
Simulation |
Quality Function Deployment
Return to Management Hub: Change & Organization | Decision-making & Valuation | Ethics & Responsibility | Human
Resources | Knowledge & Intangibles | Leadership
| Strategy & Innovation
More Management Methods, Models and Theory
|
|
|