Systems Thinking

In a previous article 'problem-solving techniques' I discussed the use of Systems Thinking for solving the third type of problem - problems of organised complexity.

But systems thinking is not taught at university. I first stumbled across this topic at the European Young Engineers Dublin conference [1], which was introduced at the time through the beer distribution game - a role-play based simulation game that shows the co-ordination problems involved in supply chains where information and collaboration do not exist [2]. After this I started googling... I found that some of the fundamentals were very similar process control theory a subject taught during my chemical engineering degree.

The best book I've found that clearly explains this topic is Thinking in systems - a primer by Donella Meadows [3]. There's an excellent free online course on the topic on the Acumen website - Systems Practice [4]. For more detailed modelling aspects there's also the Vensim PLE software [5] (free to use non-commercially), and a chapter on System Dynamics in Systems approaches to making change - a practical guide [5].

I think there's a lack of familiarity with these techniques - this makes it more difficult for myself and others to engage with this type of thinking. I encourage others to learn more about this topic. Additionally we're often too busy tackling the first two types of problems to dedicate time to thinking using a systems approach. However thinking in systems has great potential to clarify priorities and reduce the work associated with solving the first two types of problem, so we should make the time for it.

If you've read or tried any of the above resources then please let me know what you think. Have you any other systems thinking resources or tools you can share?

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1. EYE, 2020. European Young Engineers. Accessed: 10-Aug-20. Available at: https://eyengineers.eu/
2. Beer Game, 2020. The home of beer game. Accessed: 10-Aug-20. Available at: beergame.org
3. Meadows, D., 2009. Thinking in Systems: A Primer. ISBN: 978-1-84407-726-7. EarthScan. Available to purchase from: amazon.co.uk/Thinking-Systems-Primer-Donella-Meadows/dp/1603580557
4. Acumen, 2020. Systems Practice - Learn to use a systems thinking approach to move from “impossible” to impact. Accessed: 10-Aug-2020. Available at: acumenacademy.org/course/systems-practice
5. Ventana Systems, 2020. Vensim. Accessed: 10-Aug-20. Available at: vensim.com
6. Morecroft, J., 2010. Systems approaches to making change - a practical guide. Chapter 2 - System Dynamics. Pages 34 - 94. ISBN: 978-1-84882-808-7. Available at: kenniscentrumtoerisme.nl/images/2/25/Systems-Approaches-to-Managing-Change.pdf. Available to purchase from: amazon.co.uk/Systems-Approaches-Making-Change-Practical/dp/1447174712