Barry Clemson. Volume 2. Issue 1. February 12, 2013
Abstract. This paper builds on David Alman’s (2012) STW discussion “How do I figure out which System thinking method or model is appropriate to the situation I’m trying to figure out how to deal with?” In this paper I restrict myself to social systems, e.g. organizations, tribes, grassroots movements and regions such as communities or nations. The problem is reformulated to reflect some fundamental constraints. I then discuss five commonly used approaches to selecting methods: 1. Intuitive, 2. Action Research, 3. Heuristics, 4. Developing Viability, and 5. Rational Decision Framework. read more…
Steven V. Schneider, Ph.D., CSAC, ICS. Volume 2. Issue 1. January 31, 2013
Abstract. Traditionally, the formal education we received did not encourage a wider context and mutual interaction which limited the development of a systemic perspective to solve problems. These are challenges that created barriers to learning the concepts, accepting the foundational basis, and applying system approaches; they are not familiar and requires a new way of thinking. Operationally, a barrier can be anything that interferes with developing a systemic perspective. Using my own journey to become a systems thinker a series of articles on overcoming barriers to understanding systems thinking is offered as a guide that worked for me. The first article introduced Systems Thinking World, Inc.(STW) which is the virtual home I continue to use as my main resource. An important component of STW is discussed here as an effective mutual-support learning tool. The group members helped break down some of the initial barriers that delayed becoming a more proficient systems thinker. It is hoped that this paper will provide a better understanding of how the group can be used in your journey to overcome barriers in learning and applying systems thinking. read more…
Terry Bouricius and David Schecter. Volume 2. Issue 1. January 22, 2013
Abstract. This paper presents an idealized design for a legislative system. The concept of idealized design is explained. The paper critiques two critical (and often taken for granted) features of the legislative branches of most contemporary democratic governments: legislators are chosen by election, and the same bodies perform all legislative and meta-legislative functions, for all laws. Seven problems with these two features are described. A new model of lawmaking is proposed, based on three concepts from ancient Athenian democracy — random selection, dividing legislative functions among multiple bodies, and the use of temporary bodies (like contemporary juries) for final decision making. The benefits of the model are laid out, and likely objections are addressed. read more…
Barry Clemson. Volume 1. Issue 3. October 4, 2012
Abstract: How do we specify a system for study? Science proceeds largely by inventing an increasingly rigorous answer to what is meant by “the system”. In general, we begin by pointing at or naming some natural phenomena, then we define a boundary, and finally we list the variables and relationships that constitute the conceptual system. The result is called a model or a theory. read more…
Gene Bellinger. Volume 1. Issue 3. September 28, 2012.
Abstract: We see that most of the problems we deal with today are the direct result of the solutions we used to solve yesterday’s problems. This article presents a framework of aspects to consider so we can develop strategic approaches that minimize these unintended consequences. read more…
Barry Clemson. Volume 1. Issue 2. July 30, 2012.
Abstract: Societal system means any sort of socio-technical-cultural slice of the world, e.g. a
neighborhood, an organization, an economy, or a government. In order to understand societal
systems, it is useful to ASSUME that all actors are honorably doing what their role directs them
to be doing. Avoiding value judgments during the analysis phase allows agreement on WHAT
the system IS and therefore facilitates a later discussion of desired changes. read more…
Steven V. Schneider. 1(2). July 30, 2012
Abstract. My personal experience in initial attempts to learn Systems Thinking is used to examine the barriers, commonly faced, to becoming a systems thinker. A Systems Approach is suggested as an effective way to learn the concepts used by Systems Thinkers. read more…
Author: James B. Rieley. Volume 1. Issue 1. June 21, 2012.
Abstract: This paper presents a case study on how different beliefs and assumptions produce different interpretations and actions in response to the same situation. Argyris and Schon’s framework for learning and ladders of inference provide the theoretical foundation. read more…
Author: Barry Clemson. Volume 1. Issue 1. June 19, 2012.
Abstract: This paper answers the questions: What sort of critter is systems thinking? What might we expect it to do for us? It distinguishes between Systems Theory (science), Systemic Perspectives (methods) and Systems Thinking (worldview). It articulates the main criteria for assessing each of these three and considers the ethical implications of various worldviews. read more…
Author: Richard Wright. Volume 1. Issue 1. June 18, 2012.
Abstract: This paper traces the rise of “systems” under McNamara at the Department of Defense and its resultant popularity within academia. McNamara’s shallow understanding of “systems” subsequently led to discrediting the entire movement. read more…
Author: James B. Rieley. Volume 1. Issue 1. Article Date: May 21, 2012.
Abstract: There are times when problems seem almost insurmountable. Typically, we believe a problem to be insurmountable for one of several reasons. These reasons include; 1) the belief that the problem is something that has never been experienced before, and therefore, we have no past experience to help us solve it; 2) the belief that the problem is so complex that there is no way that it can be solved; and, 3) the belief that because we have tried to solve the problem previously but it has come back, the problem is impossible to solve. The common element in all of these examples is our “belief” that a problem is insurmountable. There is no doubt that our beliefs are powerful, and there is also no doubt that our beliefs guide our actions. Our beliefs may be the basis for our reality, but they are not necessarily the same. In the case of looking at problems that we believe to be insurmountable, one solution is to change the way we look at the problem. The European Financial Crisis and its impact on local businesses provide a good opportunity to do this. read more…
Author: Gene Bellinger. Volume 1. Issue 1. Article Date: April 26, 2012.
Abstract: This paper shows how to improve your systems thinking immediately … without doing a university course or reading 15 books. read more…