Systems Thinking Methodologies
I refer you to the About the Author page where I emphasis the involvement in and responsibility for many aspects of computer based strategy in blue chip employers and clients.
Also over 20 years as a systems thinking tutor has meant the regular review and assessment of often quite major reports from talented students over an enormous variety of issues.
An “historical review” traces the evolution of analytical techniques from Work Study in the mould of scientific management to the holistic approach of systems thinkers. The field is rife with acronyms – CIBP* = Complex Issues from a Broad Perspective, being most descriptive and SUDA = Sensing, Understanding, Deciding, Acting following one particular and useful methodology.
My most advanced 3 day course on methodologies is Advanced Systems Thinking Practice.
If you need further information to envisage how the technique might help your bottom line, then please contact us.
* American Industrialist, Henry Clay Frick of the late 19th century is reputed to have excelled and built his fortune on this skill.
More Acronyms in this field
SWOT= Strengths, Weaknesses Opportunities & Threats
MCA = Multiple Criteria Analysis
5Ps = Perfect Preparation Prevents Poor Performance
4Ws & an H = Why What Who Where & How
The Open University has prepared reference book of dozens of techniques employed in Systems Thinking and Analytical Management Techniques in general.
STRATEGY DEVELOPMENT - METHODOLOGIES
We now go on to outline some of methods that can be applied.
What are the Objectives of the Initiative?
Initiative means “policy” or “strategy”.
Test the Objectives
Are the Objectives Market Aware or Market Driven (Catch-up)
Review of the Issues
Draw a Spray Diagram to catalogue the issues and get the first pass at the systems involved
Draw a Rich Picture to portray the impacts with emotion
Draw a Systems Map to make sense of the structure of problems
Stakeholder matrix
Determine the System(s) of Interest
Re-test the Objectives
Analysis of the Issues
Draw a Systems Map to assess current organisation
Review System(s) of Interest
Draw an Influence Diagram
Review
Draw a Multiple Cause Diagram
Review
Explore the Issues
Consider a Sign Graph
Consider 2x2 matrix analysis
Re-test the Objectives
Consider a Model?
Decide on the target KPIs
Deciding on Actions
List possible remedial actions
Select the criteria against which the actions are judged
Check they relate to the target KPIs
Consider a Multiple Criteria Analysis (MCA), or SWOT or STEP analysis
The 2Ws an H can help – How, Why, What, When & Where
Do a reality check, is it practical?
Recommend the best choice(s)
Agree an Action Plan
Look at soft issues
Look at hard issues
Implement the project/strategy and phasing leading to project initiation