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Systems Thinking Analysis

INTRODUCTION
Systems Thinking were developed in the ‘50s & ‘60s by the then largest UK Company ICI.  Academic rigour was then assured by The Open University and Lancaster University amongst others.  There is a worldwide community of practitioners through LinkinED.

It is useful when systems with both social and technical aspects are causing problems.  Proposed amendments to existing policies or strategies and also be examined to avoid unintended consequences.

It has marked advantages over any other analysis method where there is complexity and interconnectedness of the systems involved.

This course’s programme covers many of the techniques and tools and a flexible methodology.  The techniques are normally applied to:

  • Identify the human and technical  issues in complex interconnected situations
  • Focus on the key system in a potential solution
  • Examine the possible solutions which benefit of the majority of stakeholders
  • Evaluate the best course of action.

The programme covers the essential skills needed to explore a problem as a sole investigator, fitting you to be the coordinator of a study group.  Techniques will be introduced and their use on problems explored and then expanded to cover a wider evaluation of typical problems.  

The programme will concentrate on the skills required to deploy systems thinking effectively and maximise its benefit of as a problem solving tool and thus deliver business benefits.  

Participants will return to their organisations able to progress their understanding of systems thinking.

WHO SHOULD ATTEND?
This programme will help anyone who wishes to think about issues their organisation faces, in an open and comprehensive way. 

  • Senior personnel
  • Any professional seeking to influence the outlook of those he/she reports to
  • Any professional seeking to change the method of working of those reporting to him/her
  • Those specifying complex solutions with many human interfaces
  • Personnel seeking to enhance their analysis skills
  • IT Project Management professionals

Full benefit will be achieved if you begin to use in your own environment some of the concepts and techniques which the course explores.  Where your work requires you to be innovative and persuasive some will become second nature to you.

PROGRAMME OBJECTIVES
In this programme you will learn to:-

  • Understand the language of Systems Thinking
  • Look at problems from the perspectives of multiple stakeholders
  • Explore some analytical tools and techniques
  • Learn how to use one methodology of approach
  • Practice techniques that are used in this methodology
  • Be able to judge which tools may be of most use in specific circumstances
  • Participate in groups exploring familiar and new problems
  • Evaluate potential actions against organisational requirements
  • Encourage organisational learning to develop process improvement


TRAINING METHODOLOGY
Participants will learn systems thinking and other problem solving techniques by individual practice and by participation in groups during the sessions.  The exercises will allow a “hands on” approach to learning.  Exercises will be set on topics, where participants can be expected to have a general understanding of the issues involved.

PROGRAMME OUTLINE

INTRODUCTION

  • What is a system
  • The Power of Diagrams
  • Introduction to Systems Thinking

THE PREREQUISITES

  • Worldview and Perspectives
  • Stakeholder analysis
  • The Language of Systems Thinking
  • Hard & Soft Complexity
  • Introduction to a Methodology

DIAGRAMMING PRACTICE - SENSING

  • Spray Diagram
  • Rich Picture
  • Systems Diagrams
  • Introduction to a Methodology

DIAGRAMMING PRACTICE - UNDERSTANDING

  • Deciding upon a System of Interest
  • Systems Diagrams
  • Challenging the Objectives set
  • Causal Diagrams
  • Drawing Sign Graphs
  • Interpreting Sign Graphs
  • The concept of Feedback
  • Criteria and Indicators
  • Key Performance Indicators

TOOLS IN DECISION MAKING

  • Multiple Criteria Analysis
  • 5 Ws & 1 H
  • Overview of Modelling
  • SWOT
  • STEP
  • Reality Checks for Practicality

GROUP PROJECT

  • Group Worked Problem
  • Presentations
  • Evaluation and discussion

COURSE HANDOUTS
Course participants are provided with a 100+ page manual and a copy of the slides on a 3 per page notes format.