MBE7212 - Systems thinking approaches and modelling

Objectives:

On successful completion of the module, students will be able to:

Critically examine systems modelling approaches.

Critique systems methodologies including the benefits and limits of each system approach in different situations.

Critically examine complexity within different situations and assess the appropriateness in different systems modelling methods and methodologies.

Content:

The aim of this module is to introduce the apprentice to systems thinking approaches and modelling. Apprentices will learn how systems are constructed, how they operate and how, where and when to intervene. Apprentices will examine systems concepts and approaches. They will learn systems modelling analysis and how this could be implemented as an intervention.

Approaches include:
Introduction to Systems
Complexity concepts
Ways of thinking
Systems Thinking Methods
Synthesising perspectives
Scenario Thinking

Modelling methods include:
Soft Systems Methodology (SSM)
Diagrammatic Methods (Causal loop diagrams, cause and effect, rich pictures, behaviour over time graph)
Viable Systems Modelling (VSM)
Critical Systems Heuristics (CSH)
System Dynamics (SD)

Systems and Complexity in Organisations (SCIO) Professional Standard Framework.
Systems Knowledge and Skills
Bubble Strategy
Confrontation Analysis (CONAN)
Critical System Heuristics (CSH: Ulrich/Reynolds)
INFORMED Group Dynamics (Marguet)
Interactive Management (Warfield & Christakis)
Interactive planning (Ackoff)
Mosaic Transformation (Hoverstadt)
Multi-methodology (incl. SOSM)
Patterns of Strategy (Hoverstadt/Loh)
Socio-Technical Systems
Soft Systems Methodology (SSM)
Syntegration/SyntegrityTM
System Dynamics (Forrester)
Viable System Model (VSM)

Systems Thinking Knowledge and Skills
Systemic thinking & systems concepts
Systems Laws
Transposing Theory (YoYo model)

Intervention Knowledge and Skills
Action learning
Action research
Agile (project management)
Appreciative Enquiry (Vickers), incl. Appreciative
Inquiry 4D model (Cooperrider)
Coaching
Constellations (Systemic)
Conversation mapping

KSBs from the apprenticeship standard covered in this module include;

K2: Systems approaches • Has a sound working knowledge of at least three modelling approaches, as defined in the Systems and Complexity in Organisations (SCiO) professional standard framework, including at least two of the widely-used systems methodologies or approaches: Critical Systems Heuristics, Soft Systems Methodology, System Dynamics, Viable Systems Model. • Understands the applicability, benefits and limits of each systems approach for each situation, and how to integrate them into a broader methodological design. • Understands relevance of, and knows methods for, determining appropriate scope, scale and systemic levels, for understanding, diagnosing and modelling situations, or for system design.

S2: Approach designs • Recognises the nature of complexity most relevant to the situation of interest, and selects one or more appropriate approaches from the range of systems methods or methodologies. Undertakes these across a variety of domains or sectors. • Defines the system of interest, its boundaries, stakeholders and context. Recognises the benefits or limitations of an approach; combines or adapts approaches where needed

S3: Systems modelling • Develops conceptual models of a variety of systems, real world situations and scenarios to provide insights into current or future challenges. • Uses a range of systems models to: explore boundaries and cause and effect, map interconnections and feedback loops, distinguish between differing worldviews or perspectives, and identify patterns, anomalies and emergent properties. Switches between these skills to achieve insight. • Uses models to explore, develop and test a range of possible interventions relevant to the situation of interest, to establish both short and long-term consequences of potential actions, and to reduce unintended consequences

Learning and Teaching Information:

The sessions will be organised in teaching blocks. Lectures will deliver core theoretical frameworks, followed by tutorials and personal exercises for reflection and development. Tutorials will be designed to support learners to be self-directed in additional research and with particular emphasis on research within their own employing organisation.
The module will present apprentices with selected scenarios for basic analysis in order to develop both analytical competence and the ability to identify and apply appropriate techniques in a range of typical situations.
The module will make use of case studies and developing business trends and so the nature of the topics and exercises will vary. Apprentices will be provided with, and/or directed to, relevant reading and additional questions/ exercises to support their progress through the module material.

Typically delivered on a blended learning basis with a combination of workshops and on-line support the learning and teaching will include a range of methods such as lectures, seminars, workshops and tutorials, with emphasis on real life work experience and both team and peer support. There will be large and small group discussions, problem-solving activities and individual and paired working.

Apprentices may be expected to draw on a range of theoretical/academic, personal and work-based resources. Course documentation, support materials and web-based materials will be available on the VLE as appropriate.

Implementation of study skills will be supported and in particular teamwork, and the capacity to develop written argument will be developed. During the course of sessions, and subsequently through the contractual apprenticeship progress reviews there will be opportunities for tutor/learner interaction to meet individual needs and to help develop skills, confidence, competence, knowledge and understanding relating to the aims and objectives of the module and more widely meeting the overall Knowledge, Skills and Behaviours (KSBs) of the Senior Leader apprenticeship standard. Accessing library resources and help with coursework study skills will be available from services across the University.

Apprentices would be expected to prepare for the sessions by reading set texts and completion of tasks set in class or via the VLE and will be expected to take part in a wide range of learning activities.

Apprentices will maintain their Personal e-portfolio during this module and on-going self-evaluation will be part of the apprentices’ identification of needs.

Lectures
Hours: 24
Intended group size: Cohort

Guided independent study
Hours: 176

Further details relating to assessment
Students will be offered formative feedback throughout the module in order to help them to achieve successful coverage of the apprenticeship standard’s KSBs in conjunction with the modules aims and outcomes. This will be done via formal sessions and also via online interactions on the Moodle platform and the use of tools such as email and Microsoft Teams.

Assessment:

Fact File

Module Coordinator - PRS_CODE=
Level - 7
Credit Value - 20
Pre-Requisites - NONE
Semester(s) Offered -

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