Systems thinking involves the use of various techniques to study systems of many kinds. It includes studying things in a holistic way, rather than purely reductionist techniques. It aims to gain insights into the whole by understanding the linkages, interactions and processes between the elements that comprise the whole "system".
Systems thinkers consider that:
- a "system" is a dynamic and complex whole, interacting as a structured functional unit in equilibrium
- information flows between the different elements that compose the system
- a system is a community situated within an environment
- information flows from and to the surrounding environment via semi-permeable membranes or boundaries
Table of contents |
2 What is a system? 3 Methodologies 4 Applications 5 See also 6 Bibliography 7 External links |
Why use systems thinking techniques?
Systems thinkers are particularly interested in studying systems because changing a system frequently leads to counterintuitive system responses. For example feedback loops may operate to either keep the organization in check or unbalance it.What is a system?
Systems thinking techniques may be used to study any kind of system -- natural, scientific, human, or conceptual.Examples
Systems thinking often involves considering a "system" in different ways:
Methodologies
Systems thinking uses a variety of techniques that may be divided into:
Applications
Systems thinking is increasingly being used to tackle a wide variety of subjects in fields such as management, computing, and the environment.
See also
Bibliography
External links