At the British Academy for Training and Development, we offer the Systems Thinking in Analysing Problems Course. This makes it possible to improve one's skills in identifying, analysing and solving complex problems within a variety of contexts including organisational and operational settings.

Essentials include Introduction to Systems Thinking, which builds on understanding systems of complexity and their relationships with each other. Systemic Structures and Behaviour: Looks at how different elements in a system affect each other and derive results from that. The course also includes Mental Models and Systems Mapping to unearth mental models behind the assumptions and inherent structures providing the supporting frameworks for decision-making.

Course also delves into Feedback Loops and Causation, which are foundational in understanding change systems over time and feedback as crucial in altering the output. Major part of the course is spent explaining problem structuring methods that break down complex problems into manageable components. It deals with Soft System Methodology modelling, which is used to deal with vague problems for the support of decision-making processes.

At the close of the course, attendees should effectively employ System Dynamics Modelling and appreciate leverage points in meeting systemic challenges. Systemic Interventions will also be learned, thus equipping attendees with practical approaches for instituting effective change processes within organisations.

This course fits professionals who would like to use systems thought in improving their problem-solving skills in rapidly changing complex environments.

Objective:

The objective of system thinking training course are:

To enhance attendees' capacity to solve multidimensional system problems through Systems Thinking.To enable attendees to see interconnections and feedback loops in a system that feed into effective outcomes.To teach problem structuring techniques that decompose complex issues into manageable form.Provide tools to map, model and intervene into systems to improve decisions and performances.To give hands-on exposure through case studies and field applications.Who should attend?

This course is ideal for:

Managers and decision makers interested in enhancing their problem-solving capabilities.Professionals engaged in change within organisations, process improvement, or system analysis.Consultants and analysts in need of effective methodologies to tackle complex challenges.Anyone interested in developing a Systems Thinking approach and enhancing their strategic and operational effectiveness.How will attendees benefit?

Attendees Will Benefit from the Systems Thinking in Analysing Problems Course:

Enhanced Problem-Solving Skills: Attendees will learn to use Systems Thinking throughout encounters with problems. This will enable them to more holistically and strategically approach root cause identification and solution development, thereby preventing superficial solutions that yield disruptions but not sustainable outcomes.More Effective Decision-Making: Mapping systems and recognising feedback loops and causal relationships will be among the techniques taught to the attendees for making decisions based on such a way as to include both short-term and long-term outcomes in an informed manner. Greater Efficiency in Complicated Environments: It will be trained that courses among few will be taught for problem structuring processes which will help reduce problems to parts and thus make decisions quickly. Practical Application of Tools in Systems Thinking: These activities will involve developing a participant-designed system map and implementing Soft Systems Methodology (SSM) applications in real-world problems, equipping persons and preparing them with the practical skills needed to be able to use immediately within their work environment. Deeper Understanding of System Dynamics: They will learn how to use system dynamics modeling to simulate and predict system behavior, granting them a valuable tool for anticipating potential problems and optimising performance. Identification of Leverage Points: They will be able to identify and use leverage points in a system and enable effective intervention by comparatively small effort generating great improvement. Benefits Strategic and Organisational: With learning systemic interventionist behavior, the student is driving relevant change in their organisation, thereby innovating and improving performance across the organisation.

Introduction to Systems Thinking

• Definition and key principles of Systems Thinking

• Historical evolution and significance in problem-solving

• Benefits of adopting a Systems Thinking approach in various fields

Systemic Structures and Behaviour

• Identifying the elements of a system (components, boundaries, and interconnections)

• Understanding system behaviour and its evolution over time

• The role of system dynamics in analysing problems

Mental Models and Systems Mapping

• Exploring how mental models influence perception and decision-making

• Introduction to systems mapping techniques (e.g., causal loop diagrams, stock-and-flow diagrams)

• Practical exercises in creating systems maps

Feedback Loops and Causality

• Understanding feedback loops (positive and negative feedback)

• The role of feedback in shaping system behaviour and outcomes

• Causal relationships and their impact on problem analysis

Problem Structuring Methods

• Techniques for breaking down complex problems into smaller, manageable components

• Tools for framing and analysing ill-structured problems

• Case studies to practice problem structuring

Soft Systems Methodology (SSM)

• Introduction to SSM and its application in solving complex, ill-defined problems

• Steps of Soft Systems Methodology

• Real-world examples of using SSM for organisational problem-solving

System Dynamics Modelling

• Basics of system dynamics and simulation modelling

• Developing models to predict system behaviour

• Analysing model results and applying insights to decision-making

Leverage Points and Systemic Interventions

• Identifying leverage points within a system for maximum impact

• Designing effective systemic interventions to address root causes

• Implementing changes in organisational settings

Case Studies and Practical Application

• Real-world case studies to demonstrate the application of Systems Thinking

• Group discussions and exercises to apply learned concepts in real scenarios

• Final project to analyse a complex problem using Systems Thinking tools