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Module 1: Systems Thinking
Last Updated: 2026-02-05 15:40:58
Abstract
This is the first of nine modules for the Certificate of Advanced Studies in Collaborative Decision Making Under Uncertainty. Each module is designed to focus on a particular methodology and a specific theme related to climate risk and sustainable development. Each module is titled after the methodological focus of each module. The focus of this module is systems thinking.
Objective
The focus of this first module is to introduce participants to a fundamental way of tackling complexity and analyzing the world using systems thinking. The learning objectives are to: - Understand and apply systems thinking to strategic decision making scenarios. - Analyze decision making processes within participants’ institutional settings. - Identify common core concepts that connects challenges experienced by each participant’s decision making situation.
Content
Collect decision making challenges within the working context of each participant by applying concepts from systems thinking. The methods that are likely to be used are storytelling, rich picture creation from soft systems methodology, concept mapping, qualitative systems modeling, and peer feedback.
Resources
Literature
Includes selected readings from: Midgley, G. (2000). Systemic intervention. In Systemic Intervention (pp. 113-133). Springer, Boston, MA. Senge, P. M. (2006). The Fifth Discipline (2nd ed.). New York: Random House. Vester, F. (1988). The biocybernetic approach as a basis for planning our environment. Systems Practice, 1(4), 399–413. http://doi.org/10.1007/BF01066582 Additional readings and exercises will be announced in class.
General Information
- Language
- English
- Levels
- WBZ
- Frequency
- Yearly recurring
Examination
- Type
- ungraded semester performance
Registration & Places
Course Components
| Type | Title | Time & Place | Hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| lecture with exercise | Module 1: Systems Thinking |
|
16 h semesterly |