Traditional problem-solving breaks down an object or problem into smaller components and analyzes each of the parts individually. Consequently this approach to problem-solving can ignore crucial relationships between the studied object and its environment. The elements from the surrounding environment that are connected to and interact with the object in question are known as a system.
Systems thinking on the other hand takes into consideration the surrounding system. By taking into account the dependencies within the system, this approach is able to effectively solve complex problems with a lot of interrelated components.
For effective application of systems thinking, it is important to understand the design of the studied system. A system with defined boundaries is called closed, while one without clear boundaries is called open and is far more common in the real world. Each system will have defined inputs and outputs, along with a process for transforming inputs into outputs. The systems can be further classified based on the techniques used to manage and analyze them.
Attention to feedback is an essential component of systems thinking. For example, in project management, prevailing wisdom may prescribe the addition of workers to a project that is lagging. However, in practice that tactic might have actually slowed development in the past. Attention to that relevant feedback can allow management to look for other solutions rather than wasting resources on an approach that has been demonstrated to be counterproductive.
Systems thinking also uses computer simulation and a variety of diagrams and graphs to model, illustrate and predict system behavior. Among the systems thinking tools are:
- The behavior over time (BOT) graph, which indicates the actions of one or more variables over a period of time.
- The causal loop diagram (CLD), which illustrates the relationships between system elements
- The management flight simulator, which uses an interactive program to simulate the effects of management decisions
- The simulation model, which simulates the interaction of system elements over time.
Systems Thinking Training
Systems Thinking Training by Tonex is a two day course that helps participants develop the necessary skills, which considerably enhance the leaders’ capability to strategically use restricted sources for the best outcome.
Training objectives are many, including:
- Determining repeating patterns, or models, in systems — according to the behavior of the system over time
- Plotting the components in a system and the streams between those components
- Determining causes and effects within a system
- Explaining systems thinking
- Improving comprehending of complicated and changing organizational problems
- Enhancing abilities to model and examine business postulations, problems and decisions
Who Should Attend
This course is especially designed for business leaders, executives, strategic leaders and midlevel and senior managers.
Why Tonex?
–Ratings tabulated from student feedback post-course evaluations show an amazing 98 percent satisfaction score.
–Reasonably priced classes taught by the best trainers is the reason all kinds of organizations from Fortune 500 companies to government’s most important agencies return for updates in courses and hands-on workshops.
For more information, questions, comments, contact us.