Systems Thinking approach for managing complex systems

This workshop introduces participants to the principles of systems thinking and its application in managing complex systems.  

The workshop is presented in a unique innovative way.  The workshop contains the usual three parts,

(1) A lecture.

(2) A hands-on exercise that allows the participants to practice the knowledge learned.

(3) A walkthrough of the exercise by the instructor commenting on the  content and way the information is presented.

Since the live contact time is limited to 45 minutes, the format of the workshop will be innovative and unique. It will not be a ‘sit back and listen’ type of workshop. It will be a hands-on experience in the Evercourse format pioneered by Dr Kasser. 

  • The lecture will be a pre-recorded video. Registered participants will be given the URL link and are expected to view the video at least a week prior to attending the live session.
  • The participants will then do the exercise which is to create a PowerPoint presentation and email the presentation to the instructor at least two days before the live session. The instructor will then comment on the exercises during the 45-minute live session on a first received, first to comment basis.

Participation in this workshop is limited to allow adequate time for the discussion on each exercise. Participants interested in the instructor performing a deep dive into their exercise may request for one to be performed at a later date.

What you will learn  

  • Why some people can tackle complexity with ease while other struggle. 
  • A little known systemic and systematic approach to tackling complexity. 
  • A little-known tool that helps you formulate the correct problem. The tool will help you overcome one of the major reasons for project failure; solving the wrong problem. 
  • The nature of systems and systems of interest and why understanding that difference is critical to managing complex problems. 
  • The three types of emergent behaviour and how to predict one of them. 
  • The three structures of a problem and why you need to know them. 
  • The six levels of difficulty of problems and why they are important to you. 
  • The difference between research and intervention problems and why you need to understand the difference. 

Who will benefit from attending this workshop  

  • Systems engineers eliciting and elucidating requirements for complex systems 
  • Project managers working on interdisciplinary initiatives 
  • Organizational leaders facing complex, multifaceted challenges 
  • Policy makers and public administrators 
  • Environmental and sustainability professionals 
  • Business analysts and consultants 
  • Healthcare administrators and practitioners 
  • Urban planners and community developers 
  • Educators and instructional designers 
  • Research and development teams 
  • Anyone else seeking to improve their ability to address complex problems 

 

Joe Kasser

Prof Joseph Kasser was a practising systems engineer and manager for 30 years before joining academia. He is:

  • A recipient of NASA’s Manned Space Flight Awareness Award (Silver Snoopy)for quality and technical excellence for performing and directing systems engineering and many other awards and commendations.
  • The author of seven published books on systems engineering and more than 50 peer reviewed journal and conference publications.
  • A Fellow of the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET).
  • A Fellow of the Institution of Engineers Singapore (IES).
  • A Chartered Engineer in the UK and Singapore.
  • A Certified Manager.
  • An INCOSE Fellow.

He holds:

  • A Doctor of Science in Engineering Management from The George Washington University.
  • A Certified Membership of the Association for Learning Technology (CMALT).

 

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