This module is not currently running in 2021 to 2022.
The world in which we live is becoming increasingly complex. This is manifest in both in the speed of change that we face, and in the increasing inter-connectedness of areas that we manage. A further facet of this complexity is the plurality of viewpoints and values with which we have to deal.
One particular discipline - the systems approach - has developed explicitly in response to the complexity of the world. It leads us to view the world systemically or holistically rather than linearly. It is not purely academic, but a very practically oriented discipline which has developed a number of different methodologies that aim to help managers improve the problematic situations with which they have to deal.
This module covers basic systems concepts, a range of practical methodologies, and some of the process skills necessary for their use.
100 Coursework comprising 2 components: a group project and presentation (20%) and an individual written report of 3000 words (80%).
Key Text: Rosenhead, J. and Mingers, J. (ed) (2001), Rational Analysis for a Problematic World Revisited, Wiley.
Also a good introduction to systems thinking is: Capra, F. (1997). The Web of Life. A New Synthesis of Mind and Matter, London, Flamingo Q175.
Bryson, J., F. Ackerman, C. Eden, C. Finn (2004) Visible Thinking: Unlocking Causal Mapping for Practical Business Results, Chichester, Wiley.
Checkland, P. (1999) Systems Thinking, Systems Practice: Includes a 30-Year Retrospective. Chichester, Wiley Q295.
Checkland, P. and J. Scholes (1990) Soft Systems Methodology in Action. Chichester, Wiley Q295.
Checkland, P. and J. Poulter (2006) Learning for Action: A Short Definitive Account of SSM and its use for Practitioners, Teachers and Students. Chichester, Wiley.
See the library reading list for this module (Canterbury)
On successful completion of the course, participants should:
• Have gained a general understanding of basic systems concepts, particularly the distinctions between hard systems and soft systems approaches.
• Be familiar with Soft Systems Methodology (SSM) and several other systems approaches.
• Understand ways in which methodologies can be combined for greater effectiveness.
• Have a critical awareness of the different circumstances in which these methodologies may be applicable in practice.
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