Program Overview

Program Overview

The MGT-505 Systems Thinking course is designed to equip students with the skills to analyze and solve complex problems across various domains. This hands-on course covers the main systems concepts and tools, applied to multiple real-life problems involving individuals, communities, local governments, and companies.

Course Details

• Course Name: MGT-505 Systems Thinking
• Credits: 4 credits
• Teacher: Nick Sascha
• Language: English

Summary

The course aims to provide students with the ability to analyze and solve complex problems by introducing them to systems thinking, complexity, and wicked problems. It covers systems archetypes and dynamics, feedback loops, causal loop diagrams, stock and flow diagrams, system dynamics modeling, leverage points in systems, mental models, learning organizations, complex adaptive systems, and the application of systems thinking in public policy and business management.

Content

The course content includes:

• Introduction to Systems Thinking, Complexity, Wicked Problems
• Systems Archetypes and Dynamics
• Feedback Loops and Causal Loop Diagrams
• Stock and Flow Diagrams
• System Dynamics Modeling
• Leverage Points in Systems
• Mental Models and Learning Organizations
• Complex Adaptive Systems
• Systems Thinking in Public Policy
• Systems Thinking in Business and Management
• Sustainability and Systems Thinking

Transversal Skills

Participants will develop the following transversal skills:

1. Critical Thinking
2. Complex Problem-Solving
3. Effective Teamwork
4. Communicate complex ideas
5. Ethical Reasoning

Keywords

Systems Thinking, Complex Adaptive Systems, Feedback Loops, Causal Loop Diagrams, Stock and Flow Diagrams, System Dynamics, Leverage Points, Mental Models, Learning Organizations, Sustainability

Learning Outcomes

By the end of the course, students must be able to:

• Explain fundamental concepts and principles of systems thinking.
• Identify and model feedback loops and causal relationships in complex systems.
• Construct and analyze stock and flow diagrams to understand system behavior.
• Identify leverage points for effective intervention in systems.
• Apply systems thinking to address real-world problems in various domains.
• Assess/Evaluate and challenge mental models and their impact on decision-making.

Teaching Methods

The course will employ the following teaching methods:

1. Lectures: flipped classroom with preparatory readings
2. Case Studies
3. Hands-on Workshops
4. Group Discussions
5. Project-Based Learning

Expected Student Activities

Students are expected to engage in the following activities:

1. Reading assignments for each class
2. Class participation
3. Weekly assignments
4. Midterm project: develop a systems model and analysis of a selected problem.
5. Final project: design and present a systems solution to a complex problem

Assessment Methods

The assessment will be based on:

• 20% Weekly assignments: reading, writing, presenting or discussing in class
• 40% Midterm project and presentation: relevance and insightfulness of the systems model and analysis, as well as the quality of the presentation.
• 40% Final project and presentation: validity, creativity, and effectiveness of the proposed solution, as well as the quality of the presentation.

Programs

This course is part of the following programs:

• Sustainable Management and Technology, Master semester 2
  • Semester: Spring
  • Exam form: During the semester (summer session)
  • Subject examined: Systems thinking
  • Courses: 3 Hour(s) per week x 14 weeks
  • Project: 1 Hour(s) per week x 14 weeks
  • Type: mandatory
• Minor in Engineering for Sustainability, Spring semester
  • Semester: Spring
  • Exam form: During the semester (summer session)
  • Subject examined: Systems thinking
  • Courses: 3 Hour(s) per week x 14 weeks
  • Project: 1 Hour(s) per week x 14 weeks
  • Type: optional

Bibliography

• Meadows, D.H., 2008. Thinking in systems: A primer. Chelsea Green Publishing.
• Senge, P.M., 2006. The fifth discipline: The art and practice of the learning organization. Broadway Business.