Blog Archives

The AI take a deep dive into “The systems thinker’s toolbox”, a book that offers over eighty tools and methodologies for managing complexity. These tools encompass various approaches, including Checkland’s Soft Systems Methodology (SSM), the Concept of Operations (CONOPS) document, and mathematical techniques. The materials also explore paradigms for handling complexity, contrasting non-systems and systems approaches, and provide templates for document creation, idea generation, and problem formulation. Finally, the text presents the “Zone of Ambiguity,” a novel … Continue reading →

The AI team take a deep dive into Barry Richmond’s The ‘Thinking’ in Systems Thinking which introduces seven essential skills for effective systems thinking. The text explains these skills—Dynamic Thinking, System-as-Cause Thinking, Forest Thinking, Operational Thinking, Closed-Loop Thinking, Quantitative Thinking, and Scientific Thinking—providing detailed definitions and examples of each. It emphasizes the interconnectedness of these skills and their application in building and using models to understand complex systems. The book advocates for a holistic approach, moving beyond simplistic cause-and-effect thinking to … Continue reading →

The AI team take a deep dive into a webinar in which Dr Joseph Kasser, outlines the top five reasons for difficulties in writing good requirements and proposes solutions. It highlights innovations in systems engineering, project management, and postgraduate education developed by the author. Kasser introduces unique learning programs utilizing the “Evercourse” lifelong learning format to address these challenges. The webinar emphasizes practical knowledge and experience, offering affordable membership for professionals seeking to improve their skills. Ultimately, it serves as an invitation to … Continue reading →

Our AI team takes a deep dive into Dr Kasser’s video discussing the two most common mistakes students make on essay exams: [1] failing to fully answer the questions asked and [2] including irrelevant information. The video proposes using three tools to avoid these errors: (1) the STALL method (carefully reading the question), (2) a compliance matrix (a table to track answered question parts), and (3) an answer template (structured response based on the question’s format). The video uses a sample … Continue reading →

The AI team take a deep dive into Donella H. Meadows’ Thinking in Systems: A Primer. This is a posthumously published book that introduces systems thinking concepts to a broad audience. The book uses clear language and diagrams to explain system dynamics, including feedback loops, stocks and flows, and delays. It explores common system structures and behaviors, such as growth limits and policy resistance, offering insights into how to manage and redesign systems effectively. Meadows emphasizes … Continue reading →