Complex Problem Structuring: a Socio-Technical Perspective from edX

Successful problem solving requires finding the right solution to the right problem. But how do you structure complex or wicked problems? Analysts confronted with complex situations must first actively explore the problem and its context to formulate an approach.

In this MOOC, you will learn how to go from a ‘poor’ to a ‘rich’ problem description. You will use tools and approaches of problem structuring, that help you create a clear picture of complex situations and to support, policy, regulatory and governance decisions.

You will focus on instruments such as problem demarcation, multi-actor analysis (including a values perspective), system analysis and ways to identify and to deal with deep uncertainty. You will also learn why an iterative process is always necessary.

The focus in this MOOC is on so-called ‘socio-technical systems’. It means that both social and technical complexity have to be considered and that these are interdependent. Just think about energy transition, climate change, covid pandemic, the health sector, water governance, or sustainable cities. In all these cases, multiple actors with conflicting interests and values have to be considered (and add views that change over time), including fast technical developments, institutional fragmentation and uncertainties.

Warning: after this course you will embrace complexity!

What's inside

Learning objectives

Identify the characteristics of complex problems and socio-technical systems (multiple stakeholders, technical complexity, interdependencies, emergent behaviour tipping point, etc.)
Structure such problems in an iterative way by means of different instruments and approaches (problem demarcation, actor analysis, means-end analysis, systems diagrams)
Analyze uncertainty and include this in the problem structuring process

Apply complex problem structuring to a variety of case studies
By the end of this course, you should be able to:

Identify the characteristics of complex problems and socio-technical systems (multiple stakeholders, technical complexity, interdependencies, emergent behaviour tipping point, etc.)
Structure such problems in an iterative way by means of different instruments and approaches (problem demarcation, actor analysis, means-end analysis, systems diagrams)
Analyze uncertainty and include this in the problem structuring process
Apply complex problem structuring to a variety of case studies
By the end of this course, you should be able to:

Syllabus

Module 1: Understanding complex socio-technical problems and the implications for problem structuring

Module 2: Problem structuring and means-end analysis

Module 3: Multi-actor analysis

Module 4: Systems diagrams and boundaries

Module 5: Unlocking the future: identifying and managing uncertainty

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Teaches problem structuring, which is used to address complex problems in various fields

Explores socio-technical systems, which are gaining prominence in fields like energy transition, climate change, and sustainable cities

Uses interactive instruments and approaches to enhance understanding and application of problem structuring

Taught by Jazmin Zatarain Salazar and Christopher Adlung, experienced instructors in problem structuring and socio-technical systems

Includes case studies to demonstrate the practical application of problem structuring in real-world situations

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Complex Problem Structuring: a Socio-Technical Perspective with these activities:

Review course materials on problem structuring

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To ensure a strong foundation, it is important to refresh your knowledge on problem structuring before starting this course.

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Review the course syllabus.
Skim through the first few chapters of the assigned textbook.

Review 'Systems Analysis: A Practical Approach' by Richards, Jonathan & Michael, Margaret

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Review this book to strengthen your foundational understanding of system analysis, a topic central to this course.

View Social Progress in Britain on Amazon

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Read chapter 1 and 2 of 'Systems Analysis: A Practical Approach' to familiar yourself with the basic concepts and terminology of system analysis.
Summarize the key takeaways from each chapter in your own words.
Create a concept map to visualize the relationships between the concepts you've learned.

Complete the 'Introduction to Problem Structuring' tutorial on Coursera

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This tutorial provides a comprehensive overview of the problem structuring process, which is essential for analyzing and solving complex socio-technical problems.

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Watch the video lectures and complete the accompanying quizzes.
Apply the problem structuring techniques you've learned to a real-world problem.

Five other activities

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Develop a problem statement for a complex socio-technical problem

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Creating a well-defined problem statement is crucial for effectively structuring and solving complex problems. This activity will help you practice this skill.

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Identify a complex socio-technical problem that you're interested in.
Research the problem to gather background information.
Define the problem scope and boundaries.
Write a concise and clear problem statement that includes the problem context, stakeholders, and desired outcomes.

Participate in a peer discussion on stakeholder analysis

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Stakeholder analysis is a critical aspect of problem structuring. This activity will allow you to discuss and learn from others about different stakeholder analysis techniques and their application.

Browse courses on Stakeholder Analysis

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Prepare by reading materials on stakeholder analysis.
Join a peer discussion group and share your insights.
Listen to and learn from others' perspectives.

Complete a set of practice problems on problem structuring

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Practice is essential for mastering any skill. These practice problems will help you reinforce the problem structuring concepts you've learned.

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Attempt the practice problems.
Review your answers and identify areas for improvement.

Volunteer with an organization that works on complex socio-technical problems

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Hands-on experience is invaluable. Volunteering will allow you to apply the problem structuring skills you've learned to real-world problems and gain valuable insights from practitioners.

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Identify organizations that align with your interests.
Research their mission and projects.
Contact the organization to inquire about volunteer opportunities.

Attend a workshop on problem structuring for complex systems

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Workshops are a great way to learn from experts and network with other professionals in the field. Attending a workshop on problem structuring will provide you with additional knowledge and skills.

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Research and identify relevant workshops.
Register for the workshop.
Attend the workshop and actively participate in discussions.

Career center

Learners who complete Complex Problem Structuring: a Socio-Technical Perspective will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Risk Analyst

Risk Analysts identify, assess, and manage risks. This course provides a strong foundation for risk analysis roles by teaching you how to structure complex problems, analyze data, and develop risk mitigation strategies. You'll also learn how to work with stakeholders, manage uncertainty, and communicate your findings effectively. This course is particularly relevant for those interested in risk analysis, as it will help them develop the skills and knowledge necessary for success in this field.

See salaries and explore the career path for Risk Analyst

Operations Research Analyst

Operations Research Analysts use mathematical and analytical techniques to improve the efficiency of systems. This course provides a strong foundation for operations research roles by teaching you how to structure complex problems, analyze data, and develop optimization models. You'll also learn how to work with stakeholders, manage uncertainty, and communicate your findings effectively. This course is particularly relevant for those interested in operations research, as it will help them develop the skills and knowledge necessary for success in this field.

See salaries and explore the career path for Operations Research Analyst

Systems Engineer

Systems Engineers design and implement complex systems. This course provides a strong foundation for systems engineering roles by teaching you how to understand complex problems, analyze systems, and develop innovative solutions. You'll also learn how to work with stakeholders, manage uncertainty, and ensure that systems meet their requirements. This course is particularly relevant for those interested in systems engineering, as it will help them develop the skills and knowledge necessary for success in this field.

See salaries and explore the career path for Systems Engineer

Public Health Analyst

Public Health Analysts analyze and interpret public health data. This course provides a strong foundation for public health roles by teaching you how to structure complex problems, analyze data, and develop public health interventions. You'll also learn how to work with stakeholders, manage uncertainty, and communicate your findings effectively. This course is particularly relevant for those interested in public health, as it will help them develop the skills and knowledge necessary for success in this field.

See salaries and explore the career path for Public Health Analyst

Data Scientist

Data Scientists use data to solve problems. This course provides a foundation for data science roles by teaching you how to structure complex problems, analyze data, and develop predictive models. You'll also learn how to work with stakeholders, manage uncertainty, and communicate your findings effectively. This course is particularly relevant for those interested in data science, as it will help them develop the skills and knowledge necessary for success in this field.

See salaries and explore the career path for Data Scientist

Epidemiologist

Epidemiologists investigate the causes and spread of diseases. This course provides a strong foundation for epidemiology roles by teaching you how to structure complex problems, analyze data, and develop public health interventions. You'll also learn how to work with stakeholders, manage uncertainty, and communicate your findings effectively. This course is particularly relevant for those interested in epidemiology, as it will help them develop the skills and knowledge necessary for success in this field.

See salaries and explore the career path for Epidemiologist

Policy Analyst

Policy Analysts propose, evaluate, and implement public policies. This course helps build a foundation for policy roles by providing tools and approaches for complex problem structuring. You'll learn to analyze problems, understand the systems in which they exist, and develop solutions that are both effective and equitable. This course is particularly relevant for those interested in policy analysis, as it will help them develop the critical thinking and problem-solving skills necessary for success in this field.

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Regulatory Analyst

Regulatory Analysts analyze and interpret regulations. This course provides a strong foundation for regulatory roles by teaching you how to structure complex problems, analyze legal documents, and develop regulatory compliance strategies. You'll also learn how to work with stakeholders, manage uncertainty, and communicate your findings effectively. This course is particularly relevant for those interested in regulatory roles, as it will help them develop the skills and knowledge necessary for success in this field.

See salaries and explore the career path for Regulatory Analyst

Cybersecurity Analyst

Cybersecurity Analysts protect computer systems and networks from cyberattacks. This course provides a strong foundation for cybersecurity roles by teaching you how to structure complex problems, analyze data, and develop cybersecurity solutions. You'll also learn how to work with stakeholders, manage uncertainty, and communicate your findings effectively. This course is particularly relevant for those interested in cybersecurity, as it will help them develop the skills and knowledge necessary for success in this field.

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Environmental Scientist

Environmental Scientists study the environment and its interactions with humans. This course provides a strong foundation for environmental science roles by teaching you how to structure complex problems, analyze data, and develop sustainable solutions. You'll also learn how to work with stakeholders, manage uncertainty, and communicate your findings effectively. This course is particularly relevant for those interested in environmental science, as it will help them develop the skills and knowledge necessary for success in this field.

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Nonprofit Manager

Nonprofit Managers lead and manage nonprofit organizations. This course provides a strong foundation for nonprofit management roles by teaching you how to structure complex problems, analyze data, and develop sustainable solutions. You'll also learn how to work with stakeholders, manage uncertainty, and communicate your findings effectively. This course is particularly relevant for those interested in nonprofit management, as it will help them develop the skills and knowledge necessary for success in this field.

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Urban Planner

Urban Planners develop plans for the use of land and resources in cities and towns. This course provides a strong foundation for urban planning roles by teaching you how to structure complex problems, analyze data, and develop sustainable solutions. You'll also learn how to work with stakeholders, manage uncertainty, and communicate your findings effectively. This course is particularly relevant for those interested in urban planning, as it will help them develop the skills and knowledge necessary for success in this field.

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Social Worker

Social Workers help people cope with problems and improve their lives. This course provides a strong foundation for social work roles by teaching you how to structure complex problems, analyze social and economic data, and develop interventions. You'll also learn how to work with clients, manage uncertainty, and communicate your findings effectively. This course is particularly relevant for those interested in social work, as it will help them develop the skills and knowledge necessary for success in this field.

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Management Consultant

Management Consultants help organizations improve their performance. This course provides a strong foundation for consulting roles by teaching you how to structure complex problems, analyze systems, and develop innovative solutions. You'll also learn how to work with stakeholders, manage uncertainty, and communicate effectively. This course is particularly relevant for those interested in management consulting, as it will help them develop the skills and knowledge necessary for success in this field.

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Product Manager

Product Managers develop and manage products. This course provides a foundation for product management roles by teaching you how to understand complex problems, analyze users, and develop innovative solutions. You'll also learn how to work with stakeholders, manage uncertainty, and bring products to market. This course is particularly relevant for those interested in product management, as it will help them develop the skills and knowledge necessary for success in this field.

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