MBE7232 - Systems thinking application in the workplace

Objectives:

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

Use models to develop and test options or to explore the range of possible interventions relevant to the workplace.

Apply knowledge to determine appropriate scope and scale for understanding and modelling interventions in the workplace.

Select and plan a work-based intervention.

Undertake a work-based intervention.

Evaluate a work based intervention.

Content:

This module is designed to enable the apprentices to apply the knowledge learned on the programme to a situation in the workplace.

Apprentices will;

Apply knowledge to determine appropriate scope and scale for an intervention.

Discuss the regulatory environments, legal, H&S Health & Safety, and compliance requirements of the sectors the apprentice works in.

Select one or more appropriate approaches from the range of systems methods or methodologies and combine approaches if needed according to the nature of complexity most relevant in the situation of interest and recognise the limitations of an approach and the need to adapt approaches.

Develop and present interventions from systems models and language as practical and understandable changes in the real world.

Use facilitative processes empathetically, applying a range of questioning and listening techniques, to engage stakeholders in change processes and decision-making; identifying and managing assumptions, and adapting plans in response to new data, perspectives and learning

KSBs from the Systems Thinking Apprenticeship Standard 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.

S1: Applying systems knowledge • Applies systems laws, concepts and systems thinking approaches in real world situations, either applied directly, or to support systems methodologies.

S5: Engagement and collaboration • Applies techniques to identify stakeholders and to build and sustain effective relationships with them. Seeks out and engages with marginalised viewpoints; counters the dynamics of marginalisation. • Collaborates with and influences diverse stakeholders, colleagues and clients, identifying and adapting engagement and communication styles. • Works effectively as part of multi-disciplinary groups which have divergent or conflicting world views. • Designs, builds and manages groups to define the desired outcomes and achieve them. Uses tools and techniques to: maximise effective dialogue, to develop a shared understanding of the problem situation and to make decisions.

S6: Inquiry, information gathering and analysis • Applies a range of inquiry techniques to gather quantitative and qualitative information, including inputs, transformations, outputs and outcomes. Defines and designs hard and soft measures. • Applies a range of questioning and listening techniques to enquire with stakeholders, and to adapt approaches in real time. • Uncovers hidden or unstated assumptions, to evaluate stated assumptions, and to constructively challenge these where appropriate. • Selects, elicits, manages and interprets appropriate types of data, information and statistics for model building, making the trade-off between value, cost and timeliness. • Weighs balance of evidence; identifies gaps, contradictions, uncertainties and anomalies in data, information and any other evidence.

S7: Intervention design • Designs an appropriate intervention strategy for the system of interest, recognising relevant issues.

S8: Change implementation • Plans, designs and leads interventions to achieve benefits and learning, based on sound understanding of a range of change methodologies and techniques. • Uses facilitative processes empathetically to engage stakeholders in change processes and decision-making. • Adapts plans in response to new data and insights, perspectives and learning.

S9: Developing self • Applies techniques for structured personal reflexive practice, to monitor and develop knowledge, skills and self-awareness.

S10: Leading, communicating and influencing • Educates and influences stakeholders to participate effectively in challenging and ambiguous situations, including managing confrontation and conflict constructively. • Creates effective teams. Orients intervention teams to the organisational / social / political and cultural context. Leverages strengths and develops alliances. • Translates systems models and representations into comprehensible language for stakeholders; adapt communication method to audience. • Explains the benefits, principles and skills of systems approaches to stakeholders and participants in an intervention in order to guide them through a systems intervention.

S11: Assessment and evaluation • Develops and implements suitable monitoring and evaluation criteria and mechanisms, aware of the influence that different system methods can have in situations.

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 (Balancing figure)
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.

Students will be required to demonstrate application of a systems thinking intervention in the workplace. The assessment will provide evidence of the systems thinking intervention approach that the student has chosen to apply to a situation in their organisation.

Assessment:

Fact File

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

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