Reality check: A bridge between systems thinking and system dynamics

As a consequence of the consensus that projects are growing in complexity from ever ambitious goals there is a perpetual search for methods aimed at pinpointing and describing the source of complexity with the objective of subsequently reducing uncertainty, managing risk and improving project performance. An area of study that has engaged enquiring minds for over fifty years but has not yet been accepted into mainstream project management is the study and application of systems thinking and system dynamics. The purpose of this chapter is to promulgate the view that the mapping of projects as systems should be re-examined as a means of articulating and responding to complexity. The chapter examines general systems theory, systems thinking and systems dynamics with examples of causal loop diagrams as an aid to describe and respond to risk exposure. It includes simple causal loop diagrams as a means of illustrating how risks may be identified and addressed. The emphasis is on seeing the ‘big picture' to avoid gaps and omissions in the management of risk and uncertainty.

Download Full-text

Podstawy budowy modelu dynamiki systemu zarządzania oraz jego symulacja w organizacji gospodarczej (na podstawie metodologii dynamiki systemów J.W. Forrestera)

Przedsiębiorczość - Edukacja ◽

10.24917/20833296.8.24 ◽

2012 ◽

Vol 8 ◽

pp. 331-347

Author(s):

Paweł Żukowski

Keyword(s):

System Dynamics ◽

Mental Models ◽

Dynamic Behavior ◽

Systems Thinking ◽

Mathematical Description ◽

System Thinking ◽

Economic Organization ◽

Organization Management ◽

Manufacturing Operations ◽

Letter Size

In the work chapter, after discussing issues related to systems thinking, mental models, system dynamics and procedure of modeling, presents the socio-mathematical description of the dynamics of economic organization management system based on system dynamics methodology developed by Jay W. Forrester, as a creative concept used for researching system thinking. The purpose of this description is to illustrate the methodology and characteristics the construction this type of that models. This description is a simply way represent any economic organization (production), which show the organizational units (departments and production department), the flows of orders, the streams of information about materials and prefabricates, final products and their storage and sales. Built model of system dynamics allow management to analyze the causes of fluctuations In the processes of economic organization changes observed at the urgen changes to take new orders for final products. The simulation made on the basic experimentally constructed model revealed certain properties characteristic of the dynamic behavior of economic organization (formation of the characteristic and interesting letter size) at its manufacturing operations in case of adoption of new orders for final products.

Download Full-text

Embedding Systems Thinking into EWB Project Planning and Development: Assessing the Utility of a Group Model Building Approach

Journal of Humanitarian Engineering ◽

10.36479/jhe.v5i2.85 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 5 (2) ◽

Author(s):

Kimberly Pugel ◽

Jeffrey P Walters

Keyword(s):

Service Learning ◽

System Dynamics ◽

Systems Thinking ◽

Model Building ◽

Project Planning ◽

Evaluation Framework ◽

Added Value ◽

Group Model ◽

Group Model Building ◽

Engineering Project

Amongst growing sociotechnical efforts, engineering students and professionals both in the international development sector and industry are challenged to approach projects more holistically to achieve project goals. Engineering service learning organizations must similarly adapt their technological projects to consider varying cultural and economic structures, ensuring more resilient social progress within development efforts. In practice, systems thinking approaches can be utilized to model the social, economic, political, and technological implications that influence the sustainability of an engineering project. This research assesses the utility of integrating systems thinking into Engineers Without Borders (EWB) project planning and development, thereby improving project impact and more effectively engaging members. At a workshop held at an EWB-USA 2016 Regional Conference, the authors presented a planning and evaluation framework that applies group model building with system dynamics to foster systems thinking through factor diagramming and analysis. To assess the added value of the framework for EWB project planning and development, extensive participant feedback was gathered and evaluated during the workshop and through an optional post-workshop survey. Supported by thoughtful observations and feedback provided by the EWB members, the model building workshop appeared to help participants reveal and consider project complexities by both visually and quantitatively identifying key non-technical and technical factors that influence project sustainability. Therefore, system dynamics applied in a group model building workshop offers a powerful supplement to traditional EWB project planning and assessment activities, providing a systems-based tool for EWB teams and partner communities to build capacity and create lasting change.

Download Full-text