Introduction to Systems Thinking for OR Practitioners
Demand for systems thinking approaches is growing as policy makers and managers face important systemic problems. This workshop provides an overview of these approaches and gives direction to practitioners wishing to make use of these approaches.
Description
Since the 1970s there have been a range of systems approaches developed within OR both within Europe and the USA which are appropriate for OR. The approaches have been developed by leading OR researchers such as Ackoff, Churchman, Forrester, Mitroff, Beer, Jackson, Checkland, Midgley and many others. Demand for systems thinking approaches is growing as policy makers and managers face important systemic problems. This workshop provides an overview of these approaches and gives direction to practitioners wishing to make use of these approaches.
2023 Online Platform and Software Requirements
Computer with video camera, speakers and microphone
Stable internet connection
Mains power
Zoom - This course can only be accessed via the desktop version of Zoom, so if necessary please submit a request with your IT team to download Zoom in advance. Alternatively, use a personal computer to attend this course.
2023 Prior knowledge
There are no pre-requisites for this course.
2023 Audience
This course will suit analysts wanting to make use of systems approaches within their OR practice and analysts wanting to participate in strategic projects or projects dealing with complex problem situations. Public sector, private sector and third sector applications are all relevant. Systems approaches are ideal for analysts dealing with complex situations or who want to support strategic thinking.
2023 Course goals and outcomes
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The difference between soft, hard and critical systems thinking
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The history and nature of systems thinking
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How to identify opportunities for systems thinking approaches
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How to design systems thinking interventions
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How to map the strategic situation of an organisation
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How to design and innovate organisational systems
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How to use selected systems tools - including rich pictures, influence diagrams, systems models.
2023 Topics
This course will cover: the history and nature of systems thinking; soft, hard and critical systems thinking; system dynamics; viable systems model (VSM); soft systems methodology;idealised design; SAST; total systems intervention; and critical systems heuristics.
Practical instruction in using some of the key tools will be given to bring the analyses to life; for example, influence diagrams, situation summaries, and systems modelling. Case studies will be used to allow delegates to get a feel for the nature of this type of OR practice and to experience the key elements of selected approaches.
2023 Learning objectives
Managers face important systemic problems this course will help you make use of systems thinking approaches in tackling these problems.