Authorised by Academic Registrar, April 1996
Objectives On completion of this subject students will be able to appreciate the importance of using systemic frameworks when communicating ideas and when defining and analysing problems; demonstrate a basic level of competence in the application of systems thinking tools including systemic approaches to problem formulation, establishing system boundaries at various levels of aggregation of systems, and developing both causal diagrams and structural diagrams for systems; develop simulation models of simple feedback structures and investigate their dynamics; interpret prepared simulation models and use them to analyse policy options.
Synopsis With the increasing complexity of organisations and social systems the traditional methods of problem-solving are no longer effective. Corporate and public managers increasingly find that the application of conventional mechanistic thinking to complex problems causes unforeseen and unintended side effects. Effective solutions to complex problems must be found by looking beyond the immediate problem into the interactions of the overall system of which the problem is a part. Systems thinking is the development of tools and concepts to enable managers to arrive at enduring solutions to these complex problems within their broader systems context.
Assessment Two minor assignments (each 750 words): 15% + Group case study (2500 words): 40% + Individual major assignment (1750 words): 30%