Systems Thinking Basics is a self-study, skill-building resource designed to introduce you to the power of systems thinking tools. With an emphasis on behavior over time graphs and causal loop diagrams, this workbook guides you step by step through:
Recognizing systems and understanding the importance of systems thinking
Interpreting and creating behavior over time graphs and causal loop diagrams
Applying and practicing systems thinking day-to-day
Each of the book’s six main sections contains a wealth of examples from the business world, as well as learning activities that reinforce concepts and provide you with the opportunity and space to practice. An array of appendices offers:
Extra practice activities
A summary of key points and suggested responses to the learning activities
A table showing the "palette" of systems thinking tools available
A glossary of systems thinking terms
A list of additional resources
A summary of the systems archetypes

The many diagrams within the book clarify concepts and visually reinforce key principles. Systems Thinking Basics is ideal for aspiring systems thinkers eager to try their hand at using these powerful tools.


TABLE OF CONTENTS

Section 1 What Are Systems?
What Is a System?
Events, Patterns, Structure
LEARNING ACTIVITIES
1. Identifying Systems
2. Reflecting on System Characteristics
3. Understanding System Feedback

Section 2 What Is Systems Thinking?
The Principles of Systems Thinking
Systems Thinking as a Special Language
LEARNING ACTIVITIES
1. Stretching the Timeline
2. The Shape of the Problem
3. Is Time on Your Side?
4. From Short Term to Long Term
5. In the Midst of a Problem

Section 3 Uncovering Systemic Structures: Drawing Behavior Over Time
Graphs
Formulating a Problem
Identifying Variables
Drawing Behavior Over Time Graphs
LEARNING ACTIVITIES
1. The Problem with Price Promotions
2. The Case of the Energy Drain
3. The Case of the Audio-Electronic Roller Coaster

Section 4 Uncovering Systemic Structures: Building Causal Loop Diagrams
Anatomy of a Causal Loop Diagram
Building a Causal Loop Diagram
About Multiloop Diagrams
LEARNING ACTIVITIES
1. The Case of the Plateauing Profits
2. The Case of the Collapsing Banks
3. The "Organic To Go" Story
4. The Case of the Restricted Revenues
5. The All-for-One Cooperative
6. The Problem with Used CDs

Section 5 Complex Systems
Characteristics of Complex Systems
The Strengths and Weaknesses of Complex Systems
ComputeFast: The Story of a Complex System

Section 6 From Loops to Leverage: Applying and Practicing Systems Thinking
The Do’s and Don’ts of Systems Thinking on the Job
Practicing Life-Long Systems Thinking
The Learning Journey

Appendix A: Additional Learning Activities
Appendix B: Learning Activity Key Points and Suggested Responses
Appendix C: A Palette of Systems Thinking Tools
Appendix D: The Systems Archetypes
Appendix E: A Glossary of Systems Thinking Terms
Appendix F: Additional Resources