INTRODUCTION

Systems Thinking is useful in policy or strategy analysis, in rapidly changing situations, and to ensure as far as possible that the outcomes are as intended. It is a capability and an excellent tool for the analysis of complex socio-technical problems, for foresight and alternative unfolding futures.

This IACT training course shows you how to investigate systemic problems and to facilitate system level solutions, and how to find real, lasting solutions to complex problems. The Systems Thinking training course also covers many of the techniques and tools developed by system analysis practitioners, and provides thorough understanding of a step-by-step methodology for translating complex scenarios into structured practical models. The System Thinking techniques are normally applied to:

• Identify real issues in complex interconnected situations
• Gain increased productivity through business improvements in complex open innovation ecosystems.
• Examine long-term trends and alternative business solutions for harnessing radical innovations
• Focus on the key elements of complex scenarios
• Evaluate the best course of action through strategic problem solving

The Systems Thinking skills learnt in this training course will enable transformational leaders to define and facilitate organisational change, as well as to influence complex alliances, partnerships and other interfirm relationships.

WHO SHOULD ATTEND?

This IACT training course will help professionals who wish to have a comprehensive picture about how present problems translate into future opportunities and how solutions emerge in an open business ecosystem environment. It is also valuable to:

• Senior personnel in technical, HR and operational departments
• Professionals in technology intensive sectors
• Professionals seeking to influence the outlook of those they report to
• Professionals seeking to change the method of working of those reporting to him/her
• Personnel seeking to enhance their analysis skills
• IT Project Management professionals
• Engineers needing to grapple with the complex business context

Full benefits are achieved when participants in the course return to work and apply the concepts and techniques that this programme explores.

PROGRAMME OBJECTIVES

• Understand the language of Systems Thinking
• Look at problems from the perspectives of multiple stakeholders
• Explore powerful analytical tools and techniques that bring together alternative perspectives
• Practice scenario planning
• Be able to judge and select a point of view in complex scenarios that corresponds with the most typical and the most specific circumstances
• Participate in groups exploring familiar and new problems
• Evaluate the long-term drivers for change and the potential actions against organisational requirements

TRAINING METHODOLOGY

Participants will learn systems thinking, scenario planning and other problem solving and foresight techniques by individual practice and participation in groups during the sessions.  The exercises allow a “hands on” approach to learning.  Exercises explore topics where participants can be expected to have a general understanding of the issues involved. In addition, for the scenario planning exercise, participants will be required to undertake further on-line research on the set cases, where access to computers and internet will be required.

PROGRAMME SUMMARY

This IACT training course covers the essential skills needed to explore a complex scenario and a problem issue as a manager and strategic advisor. The programme concentrates on the skills required to deploy systems thinking effectively and maximise its benefit as a problem-solving approach that delivers real business benefits in areas such as:

• Corporate growth, stagnation and decline
• The adoption of new technologies
• Managing business cycles
• Supply chain design
• Product and project development

PROGRAM OUTLINE

Day 1 - Introduction to System Thinking and Foresight

• Introduction to systems thinking
• Complex problems and complex system solutions
• Characteristics of response to escalating scenarios
• The modelling process – from understanding to design
• Systematic and systemic perspectives of resource flow and outcomes

Day 2 - Developing Scenarios and Anticipation Strategies

• Elements of scenario planning
• Scenario design and choices
• Managing complex scenarios
• The learning cycle in strategy development and implementation

Day 3 - Systems Thinking Tools

• Growth vs. sustainability mind-set
• Creative insights
• Structural diagrams and visual thinking
• Mapping actors, stocks and flows
• Multiple cause diagram and soft systems methodology
• Understanding dynamic systems and co-evolutionary changes
• Understanding feedback loops
• Systems thinking and process improvement

Day 4 - Understanding Systems Behaviour

• Analysing data on systems and visual representations
• System archetypes and system thinking strategies
• Modelling structure, decision-making, resource flows and human behaviour
• Developing causal loop diagrams for transformational leadership
• Positive feedback and driving change for sustainable growth

Day 5 - Case Studies – Managing Complex and System Change

• Case 1: The value chain integration
• Case 2: Managing clusters and business ecosystems
• Case 3: Applying systems thinking to your problems
• Evaluation and discussion of results