Systemic thinking : building maps of worlds of systems / John Boardman, Brian Sauser.

Format:

Book

Author/Creator:

Boardman, John, 1946- author.

Contributor:

Sauser, Brian.

ebrary, Inc.

Language:

English

Subjects (All):

Systems engineering.

System theory.

Problem solving.

Physical Description:

1 online resource (xviii, 243 pages)) : illustrations

Place of Publication:

Hoboken, N.J. : Wiley, [2013]

System Details:

text file

Summary:

"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. Book jacket.

Contents:

Journey I Systemic Failure 1

1 Where we Start From 3

2 Systemic Introduction 6

3 Raining on My Cascade 11

4 It's the Whole, Stupid! 16

5 The Answer is ... Pioneer Acorn Pancakes? 23

Journey II Systemic Ideas: The Conceptagon 29

6 Frameworks 31

7 The Conceptagon 35

8 Boundaries, Interiors, and Exteriors 38

9 Parts, Relationships, and Wholes 46

10 Inputs, Outputs, and Transformations 57

11 Control, Command, and Communication 62

12 Structure, Process, and Function 76

13 Variety, Parsimony, and Harmony 86

14 Openness, Hierarchy, and Emergence 93

Journey III Systemic Maps: Systemigrams 99

15 What...? 101

16 Why...? 120

17 When...? 140

18 How...? 158

19 Who...? 183

20 Where...? 204

21 To Arrive Where We Started 233.

Notes:

Includes bibliographical references and index.

Electronic reproduction. Palo Alto, Calif. : ebrary, 2013. Available via World Wide Web. Access may be limited to ebrary affiliated libraries.

Description based on online resource; title from title page (ebrary, viewed July 26, 2013).

OCLC:

857076582

Access Restriction:

Restricted for use by site license.