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Introduction to Systems Thinking

Введение в системное мышление

Course Content

300 text pages, including 12 Chapters, homework assignments, comprehension questions, and additional materials' references

Chapter 1. What is systems thinking and why does it matter to modern man?
Not the systems approach
Systems thinking is a part of thinking mastery
How to become a highly demanded high-class specialist
Intellect-stack
What is "systems thinking"?
Systems thinking and labor outlook
Model/theory/discipline as a definition of reality
The language of systems thinking is transdisciplinary
What does it mean to “apply systems thinking”?
Classic definition of “system”
Modern understanding of “system”
Looking “outside” vs. looking “inside” the system
Chapter 1 Conclusions
Questions for discussion and thinking by writing
Homework #1.1
Homework #1.2
Chapter 2. Roles and a successful system
Theatrical metaphor
Roles and actors
“Role” as a model of thinking
Project roles
Project role and role concern
Successful system
Role performers: agent and his intention, strategy and plans
How to built a successful system
Physical and functional objects
Role and Practice
Role, practices, position, successful system and intelligence
Chapter 2 Conclusions
Questions for discussion and thinking by writing
Homework #2.1
Homework #2.2
Chapter 3. Realization and definition of the system
Physical world and mental space
Definition and realization of the system
Description and definition of the system
Is description a system? Is the work product a system?
Function
Role performer, role, function and system names
Composition ratio
Complex systems
Chapter 3 Conclusions
Questions for discussion and thinking by writing
Homework #3.1
Homework #3.2
Chapter 4. Types of systems: system of interest, suprasystem, enabling and other systems
Three systems
Types of systems
System of interest and collective systems thinking
Our system (system-in-hand)
Suprasystem, system levels and recursion
Example: suprasystem for a man and a woman
Enabling systems
The essence of systems thinking
Function and Service
Service example - “haircut”
Chapter 4 Conclusions
Questions for discussion and thinking by writing
Homework #4.1
Homework #4.2
Chapter 5. System levels, creation chains, areas of concern
Three main systems and three areas of concern
Areas of concern for entrepreneur, engineer and manager
Systems breakdown
Meta-system transition and emergence
Enabling systems chain
Chain of Enabling Diagram
Needs and requirements
An example of system requirements as a “black box”
System definition: Needs, Requirements, and Constraints
Problems and dissatisfaction of the target audience, needs of external project roles (stakeholders)
Chapter 5 Conclusions
Questions for discussion and thinking by writing
Homework #5.1
Homework #5.2
Chapter 6. How to describe systems
Three main views of the system as a “transparent box”
Three views of the system on the example of a watch and a car
Architecture, requirements, system function
Functional and modular architecture of the scissors system
Example of functional parts
Project system diagram or 7 alpha diagram
Project roles and system descriptions
Chapter 6 Conclusions
Questions for discussion and thinking by writing
Homework #6.1
Homework #6.2
Chapter 7 Systems Modeling
How to think about systems?
“System definition” and Concern
Role description and model example
System definition requires the viewpoint
Connection of the viewpoint with the concern, project roles and the system
Models, Meta Models, Multi Models, Mega Models
Configuration
Enterprise Engineering
How the enterprise develops
Chapter 7 Conclusions
Questions for discussion and thinking by writing
Homework #7.1
Homework #7.2
Chapter 8 Requirements and Architecture
Once again about the “requirements”: what to look for
Stages of system definition
Alpha “System definition” and its sub-alphas
Alpha “System definition” and its work products (artifacts)
Requirements engineering
How to formulate requirements
Requirements engineer
Verification and validation
Architecture: modular, functional, and others
Architectural and non-architectural decisions
Chapter 8 Conclusions
Questions for discussion and thinking by writing
Homework #8.1
Homework #8.2
Chapter 9 Life Cycle 2.0
Nor a life, not a cycle
Life cycle 1.0 as works that change the system of interest
Works
Organization links, services
A variety of typical life cycles: different systems and its life cycle stages
Issues with Life Cycle 1.0
Life cycle 2.0: content and organization
Work and practice
Comparison of Life Cycle 1.0 and 2.0
Two views on the enabling system
Example: stages and practices of the life of an actor
Chapter 9 Conclusions
Questions for discussion and thinking by writing
Homework #9.1
Homework #9.2
Chapter 10 Life Cycle View and Practices
The concept of “practice”
Practice is discipline and technology
Roles, stages of the life cycle of the system, practices
Two kinds of life cycle
Examples of lifecycle types
Example: Life Cycle V-Chart
V-diagram of the life cycle and project stages
Work management and life cycle management
Work Management Practices
Stages of the project and stages of the life cycle of the system
Chapter 10 Conclusions
Homework #10.1
Homework #10.2
Chapter 11 Project System Diagram
V-diagram and project system diagram
What are we discussing according to the system scheme of the project
Each alpha is tracked by the team
Project stages and states of 7 alphas
Alpha state example
States of 7 alphas and work products
Alpha “Opportunities”
Alpha “External Project Roles”
Alpha “System Definition”
Alpha “System Realization”
Alpha “Team”
Alpha “Method”
Alpha “Works”
Chapter 11 Conclusions
Questions for discussion and thinking by writing
Homework #11.1
Homework #11.2
Chapter 12 Final Essay
What we did on the course
Test your knowledge of systems thinking concepts
Course artifacts examples
What is a final system essay?
What's next?
Additional materials
Gallery
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