Systemic thinking : building maps for worlds of systems

"Systemic thinking" is the process of understanding how systems influence one another within a world of systems and has been defined as an approach to problem solving by viewing "problems" as parts of an overall system, rather than reacting to a specific part, outcome, or event.

This book provides a complete overview of systemic thinking, exploring a framework and graphical technique for understanding and identifying new ways to more efficiently solve problems and create solutions. Demystifying the conjunction of systems concepts and systemic diagramming techniques, this comprehensive pocket guide introduces and explains the basis of systemigrams, how to create a systemigram and a SystemiShow, illuminates multiple complex problems, and provides an overview of what purpose they serve for today's industry professionals.

Systemic Thinking: Building Maps for Worlds of Systems:

Includes illustrative systemigrams and case studies Includes the SystemiTool software, developed by the authors Provides an overview of systemic thinking, particularly with regard to systemigrams Incorporates graphical representations of systemigrams Instructs how and when to implement a systemigram when a problem arises

An invaluable book for industry professionals--specifically, technical leaders in industry and business trying to confront complex problems-- Systemic Thinking is also ideal for postgraduate students in engineering and business management.

Author Notes

John Boardman is Principal of John Boardman Associates, a consultancy and training provider specializing in applied systemic thinking. He was formerly Distinguished Service Professor at Stevens Institute of Technology, where he is now Adjunct Professor in the School of Systems and Enterprises.
Brian Sauser is an Associate Professor of Complex Logistics Systems at the University of North Texas. He previously managed an applied research and development laboratory in life sciences and engineering at the NASA Johnson Space Center and was the Program Director of the New Jersey NASA Specialized Center of Research and Training before joining Stevens Institute of Technology. He was also a Project Specialist with ASRC Aerospace.

List of Systemigrams	p. ix
List of Figures	p. xiii
List of Tables	p. xv
Acknowledgments	p. xvii
Journey I Systemic Failure	p. 1
1 Where we Start From	p. 3
2 Systemic Introduction	p. 6
3 Raining on My Cascade	p. 11
4 It's the Whole, Stupid!	p. 16
5 The Answer is ... Pioneer Acorn Pancakes?	p. 23
Journey II Systemic Ideas: The Conceptagon	p. 29
6 Frameworks	p. 31
7 The Conceptagon	p. 35
8 Boundaries, Interiors, and Exteriors	p. 38
9 Parts, Relationships, and Wholes	p. 46
10 Inputs, Outputs, and Transformations	p. 57
11 Control, Command, and Communication	p. 62
12 Structure, Process, and Function	p. 76
13 Variety, Parsimony, and Harmony	p. 86
14 Openness, Hierarchy, and Emergence	p. 93
Journey III Systemic Maps: Systemigrams	p. 99
15 What...?	p. 101
16 Why...?	p. 120
17 When...?	p. 140
18 How...?	p. 158
19 Who...?	p. 183
20 Where...?	p. 204
21 To Arrive Where We Started	p. 233
References	p. 236
Index	p. 238

Available:*

On Order

Summary

Summary

Author Notes

Table of Contents