Systems Thinking

Systems thinking is an approach that encourages us to view problems as parts of an overall system with interconnected relationships, rather than reacting to specific parts in isolation. In systems thinking, cause and effect is cyclical rather than linear. This framework recognizes that the world is a set of highly interconnected technical and social entities that are hierarchically organized, producing emergent behavior.

In this course, you will learn the basics of systems thinking, a perspective on problem-solving that can help you to operate more effectively and successfully within systems.

Custom Program Benefits

Your team will learn to:

• Apply the language and concepts of systems, systems thinking, and complexity, and understand their implications for systems development
• Identify specific classes of systems and system organization inherent within complex problems
• Relate systems to their environment and other interfacing systems and personnel
• Understand complex problem situations and maximize the outcomes achieved
• Avoid or minimize the impact of unintended consequences
• Employ systems thinking in strategic planning, change management, decision making, and problem-solving
• Align teams, disciplines, specialties, and interest groups against system goals
• Understand the role of performance measurement, and select quantitative and qualitative measures that communicate a historical and forward view of performance

Topics

• Introduction to Systems: Basic Principles
• Types of Systems
• Hierarchy of Complexity
• System Viewpoints
• Synthesis, Analysis, and Inquiry
• Concepts, Principles, Patterns
• Systems Thinking in Product Development

Who should attend

Professionals who design, develop, and maintain complex products and systems, systems engineers, chief engineers, project managers, and program managers.

Instructors

Tony Freeman, PhD; Rick Hefner, PhD; Jim Hines; Rob Renner