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BACK COVER

Innovative managers from around the world are discovering the benefits and the power of systems thinking. By understanding how systems work, we gain valuable new perspectives on our most persistent organizational problems. Thinking systemically helps you to:

§ Understand the structures that really shape your organization
§ Recognize key patterns of behavior over time
§ Address problems with greater insight
§ Anticipate trends, delays, and the consequences of your decisions
§ Reduce the elements of risk
§ Design high-leverage interventions to improve performance

Systems Thinking Basics: From Concepts to Causal Loops introduces the power of systems thinking tools—clearly and concisely—fully engaging you in a step-by-step process of introduction, practice, and reinforcement.

Ideal for self-study or group practice, this comprehensive resource offers rich learning experiences using a hands-on approach—complete with diagrams and a wealth of activities to help you develop and apply systems thinking skills in your organization.

Begin by learning the basic characteristics of systems and the importance of systems thinking in organizational life. Create your own causal loop diagrams, based upon the real-life business cases provided. A "palette" of systems thinking tools, the eight systems archetypes (the "classic stories" of systems behavior), suggested activity responses, and a glossary of terms complement your learning experience.

Take your first step toward becoming a life-long systems thinker with Systems Thinking Basics.

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