The 6 Fundamental Concepts of Systems Thinking PDF

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KKB285 Creative Enterprise Studio 2 Prescribed Texts #1 Tools for Systems Thinkers: The 6 Fundamental Concepts of Systems Thinking Key insights and tools needed to develop and advance a systems mindset for dealing with complex problem solving and transitioning to the Circular Economy

1. Interconnectedness - Requires a shift in mindset, away from linear to circular – everything is interconnected - Defining a fundamental principle of life - Shift the way we see the world from linear, structured “mechanical worldview’ to a dynamic, chaotic, interconnected array of relationships and feedback loops. - A systems thinker uses this mindset to untangle and work within the complexity of life on Earth “A system is a set of related components that work together in a particular environment to perform whatever functions are required to achieve the systems objective.” – Donella Medows 2. Synthesis - Synthesis refers to the combining of two or more things to create something new - The goal is synthesis, as opposed to analysis o Analysis (dissection of complexity into manageable components) fits into the mechanical and reductionist worldview, where the world is broken down into parts - All systems are dynamic and often complex – need a more holistic approach to understanding phenomena - Understanding the whole and the parts simultaneously, along with the relationships and connections that make up the dynamic of the whole

3. Emergence - Larger things emerge from smaller parts, emergence is the natural outcome of things coming together - Abstract concept; emergence describes the universal concept of how life emerges from individual biological elements in diverse and unique ways - Emergence is the outcome of the synergies of the parts; non-linearity and selforganization interacting together results in the term emergence. - Often from emergent outcomes from the disparate and odd things you encounter in the world 4. Feedback Loops - There are constant feedback loops and flows between elements of a system - Observe, understand and intervene in feedback loops once we understand their type and dynamics - Two main types of feedback loops; reinforcing and balancing - Reinforcing feedback loops is typically not a good thing: elements reinforce more of the same thing (e.g. population growth) o An abundance of one element can continually refine itself and take over - Balancing feedback loop is where the system balances things out (e.g. ecosystem creating more prey if there is not enough predators)

5. Causality - One thing results in another thing in a dynami and constantly evolving system - Cause and effect - Causality is being able to decipher the way things influence each other in a system - Understanding causality leads to a deeper perspective on agency, feedback loops, connections and relationships 6. Systems Mapping - The fundamental principles and practices of system mapping are universal - Identify and map elements to understand how they interconnect, relate and act in a complex system

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Unique insights and discoveries can be used to develop interventions, shifts, or policy decisions that will dramatically change the system in the most effective way

Summary These six key concepts are critical building blocks for developing a detailed perspective of how the world works from a systems perspective and will enhance the ability to think divergently and creatively for a positive impact...