Systems Thinking for a Complex World

Building problem-solving skills

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Duration

3 months access

Delivery mode

Self-paced, online

Location

Online via the OpenLearning platform

Standard price

$650

Accelerate your career, learn new skills, and expand your knowledge.

First in Australia for research excellence and impact.

Top 50 in the world. 2020 QS World University Rankings.

Overview

Discover state-of-the-art concepts and tools of Systems Thinking (ST), their applications to complex decision making and problem-solving across a range of fields.

This course will help you develop skills for managing complex problems by understanding the behaviour of systems.

The course modules provide modelling strategies and present applications from the field of complex system modelling. This qualitative modelling tool focuses on how to tackle complex problems using ST and build problem-solving skills for a complex world.

On completion of the course you will be able to appreciate and internalise that a “system is not the sum of its parts – it is the product of their interactions.” That is, the interactions among the parts of all systems determine their behaviour over time.

This is a self-paced course delivered entirely online. The course consists of 7 modules including pre-recorded video lessons and supplementary resources. You can register at any time and will receive three months access to complete the course.  

Course content

This course covers the following topics:

Module 1: Systems Theory and Complexity Science

  1. What is a System?
  2. Two worldviews: Holism and Reductionism
  3. Types of Systems - Static vs. Dynamic
  4. Unintended Consequences & Policy Resistance

Module 2: What is Systems Thinking?

  1. Systems Thinking: A Different Way of Thinking about the World:
  2. Systems Theory and Systems Thinking
  3. Tools and Technique
  4. Feedback Loops

Module 3: Systems Thinking Iceberg

  1. Introducing the Systems Thinking Iceberg model, highlighting different levels of analysis:
  2. Case: Pentagon Wars

Module 4: Causal Loop Diagrams

  1. Introduction to causal loop diagrams (CLDs):
  2. Visual representations of feedback loops within a system
  3. Understanding the symbols used in CLDs (polarities, balancing/reinforcing loops)
  4. Re-examining positive and negative feedback loops in detail.
  5. Introducing balancing and reinforcing loops and their impact on a system's dynamics.
  6. Creating Causal Loop Diagrams:
  7. Case: Pentagon Wars

Module 5 & 6: System Archetypes

  1. Introducing system archetypes 
  2. Benefits of understanding archetypes
  3. Common Systems Thinking archetypes
  4. Systems Thinking archetypes family
  5. Case: Pentagon Wars

Module 7: Leverage Points and Wrap Up

  1. Defining leverage points - key places within a system to influence its behaviour.
  2. Leverage points through iceberg insights
  3. Exploring different leverage points for intervention
  4. Case: Pentagon Wars
  5. Course wrap-up

Learning outcomes

By completing this course, you will be able to:

• Understand the fundamental concepts and principles of Systems Thinking.

• Analyse complex systems and identify their interdependencies and feedback loops.

• Apply Systems Thinking tools and techniques to solve problems and make decisions in various domains.

• Develop a holistic perspective and recognise the potential unintended consequences of actions taken within a system.

• Communicate effectively with stakeholders and facilitate collaboration in systems-oriented projects.

Who should attend

This course is designed to accommodate a diverse audience, including:

  • Decision makers such as government agencies and industry managers/practitioners to help identify problem intervention and new areas of investment.
  • Researchers and academics who are seeking a new research tool.
  • Students studying across defence, business, public health and engineering might find these courses complement or connecting the key ideas learnt from other courses.

Prerequisites: 

There are no prerequisites for this course. 

Facilitators

Dr Sondoss El Sawah

Sondoss is an Associate Professor of Systems and Computing, and the Director of the Capability Systems Centre at University of New South Wales. Sondoss led the systems engineering discipline at UNSW Canberra. Her research program focuses on understanding the behaviour of large complex problems and systemic risks that arise from the interactions between social, technological, and environmental systems. She is an expert on the application of systems methodologies to support design, decision making and education. She has published widely including journal articles, conference papers, book chapters, and technical reports. Building on her academic achievements, Sondoss been recognized as a thought leader in her scientific fields in Australia and internationally. For example, she is elected as a Distinguished Fellow of the Modelling and Simulation Society of Australia and New Zealand (MSSANZ). Sondoss is a Senior Editor of the Journal of Environmental Modelling and Software (A*) and the Journal of Group Decision and Negotiation (A*).

Dr Ebrahim Aly

Ebrahim, a Research Associate at the UNSW Canberra, brings a blend of theoretical and practical expertise to his work in complex systems modeling. His research into resilience and sustainability of such systems employs a diverse range of methodologies including causal inference, Bayesian methods, and system dynamics. Beyond his research, Ebrahim applies his knowledge to nurture the development of crucial thinking techniques and mental modeling skills in professionals. His expertise in utilising models to solve intricate problems lays a solid foundation for this endeavour. Key principles guiding his research, such as causality, uncertainty, and dynamism, mirror the core tenets of critical thinking. Ebrahim’s work illuminates how the tools and methods of complex systems modeling can be leveraged to enrich and deepen understanding, empowering professionals to navigate and shape their fields with greater acuity.

Cancellation policy

Courses will be held subject to sufficient registrations. UNSW Canberra reserves the right to cancel a course up to five working days prior to commencement of the course. If a course is cancelled, you will have the opportunity to transfer your registration or be issued a full refund. If registrant cancels within 10 days of course commencement, a 50% registration fee will apply. UNSW Canberra is a registered ACT provider under ESOS Act 2000-CRICOS provider Code 00098G.