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Developing a Systems Mindset

A Systems Mindset teaches learners how to interact effectively as service providers, consultants, researchers, developers, or other professionals providing a service or product to a person, group, or community. This course provides the basic foundations for policy makers, real estate developers, consultants, government agencies, engineers, and non-profit organizations the first steps in engaging complex problems where engagement with communities and stakeholders is necessary. Being a successful professional requires creative, innovative, and entrepreneurial thinking, and to continually have a problem-solving mindset. Yes, absolutely! But you also need to be a listener. You need to truly value the community and stakeholders - the ones who have the most to gain and lose from your actions. It is important for you to listen, learn what is important, and then act. This course will highlight the urgency for you to have a systems mindset to engage complex problems for a systems perspective, meaning that you have approach problems from different angles, scales and perspectives. This class is the first step in creating that mindset and for you to effectively engage – from receiving the “ask” for “assistance”, to orienting yourself to the issue, understanding the community, and developing a project plan. Students will learn how to use a systems mindset to understand scaled systems, nested hierarchies, and the interactions between social and environmental systems. Students will also learn practical skills and techniques that build rapport, trust, and buy-in.

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What's inside

Syllabus

Introduction to Systems

Operationalize Systems Thinking

Understanding a Community

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Teaches a set of core frameworks that every professional should know

Helps learners build a strong foundation for engaging with complex problems and stakeholders

Introduces core concepts in systems thinking, allowing learners to approach problems from multiple perspectives

Provides practical skills and techniques for building rapport, trust, and buy-in

Covers the basics of understanding scaled systems, nested hierarchies, and the interactions between social and environmental systems

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Reviews summary

Relevant concepts in project management

Learners say that this engaging course on systems thinking is especially relevant for project managers, community development workers, and consultants. They remark that the course is well organized with clear and useful readings, simple and practical examples, and interactive quizzes. However, some learners are frustrated by the grading, complaining that it is confusing, obscure, and unfair.

Course is highly relevant for those in project management.

"Must for community development worker"

"Good course on leadership and how to build your own brand."

"The course really identifies factors that need to be considered in carrying out projects in the community."

Course provides useful concepts that are explained well.

"The content was very very useful and provided sufficient grounding to understand the concept of systems thinking through examples."

"The format of delivery is great - it includes simple, practical examples which are explained well."

"Really the course in itself was very informative and you get to learn many thing that you are unaware about your system mindsets."

Course organization can be improved and more engaging.

"There should be a greater variation in the format so that it is not exclusively videos with the same teacher."

"The content is good, but the instructor doesn't seem very engaging."

"Moreover, while the material of the first week is relevant, the issues covered during the second week are issues that did not need a whole week dedicated to them."

"The timing of the quizzes, a great feature overall, is also off in cases, layered on top of the video as an afterthought in cases."

Course has a faulty and confusing grading system.

"The grading system is a bit confusing, several people enrolled have faced the issue of not being able to grade the projects properly."

"The lecturer is hard to follow, he does not present organized arguments."

"The grading system seems to be faulty."

"While the content has been positive, my experience with peer grading has not been great."

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 Developing a Systems Mindset with these activities:

Review systems concepts

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Review the core principles and concepts of systems thinking to build a foundational understanding.

Browse courses on Systems Thinking

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Read introductory chapters of a systems thinking textbook
Summarize the fundamental concepts of systems thinking

Review Systems Engineering

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Review the basics of systems engineering to ensure a solid foundation for the course.

Browse courses on Systems Engineering

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Read a textbook on systems engineering
Take an online course on systems engineering
Attend a workshop on systems engineering
Complete a project that involves systems engineering

Learn about Systems Thinking

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Explore online tutorials and resources to expand your knowledge of systems thinking and its applications.

Browse courses on Systems Thinking

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Search for online tutorials and resources on systems thinking
Watch videos and read articles about systems thinking
Take online quizzes and exercises on systems thinking
Participate in online discussions about systems thinking

Seven other activities

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Show all ten activities

Read Thinking in Systems

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This book provides a comprehensive overview of systems thinking and its applications to a wide range of fields.

View Thinking in Systems on Amazon

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Read the book
Take notes on the key concepts
Answer the questions at the end of each chapter
Discuss the book with other students or colleagues

Explore systems thinking tools

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Explore and practice different tools and techniques used in systems thinking, such as causal diagrams and system dynamics.

Browse courses on Systems Analysis

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Identify a systems thinking tool or technique
Complete online tutorials or workshops on the selected tool
Apply the tool to a practical problem

Participate in online discussion forums

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Engage in discussions with peers to exchange ideas, ask questions, and deepen understanding of course concepts.

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Join class discussion forums
Read posts regularly and actively participate in discussions

Practice Systems Thinking

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Practice applying systems thinking to different situations to improve your understanding and skills.

Browse courses on Systems Thinking

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Identify a problem or challenge that you are facing
Define the system that is involved in the problem or challenge
Identify the stakeholders involved in the system
Analyze the interactions between the different elements of the system
Develop a solution to the problem or challenge that takes into account the systems perspective

Join a Systems Thinking Study Group

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Connect with other learners to discuss systems thinking concepts and work on projects together.

Browse courses on Systems Thinking

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Find a study group or start your own
Meet regularly to discuss systems thinking concepts
Work on projects together that apply systems thinking to real-world problems
Share ideas and resources with each other

Develop a community engagement plan

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Create a plan that outlines strategies for engaging with communities and stakeholders in a project or initiative.

Browse courses on Community Engagement

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Identify project goals and objectives
Conduct stakeholder analysis
Develop engagement strategies for different stakeholder groups
Create a communication strategy
Outline evaluation methods to track progress

Systems Thinking Project

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Develop a project that demonstrates your understanding of systems thinking and its application to a real-world problem.

Browse courses on Systems Thinking

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Identify a problem or challenge that you want to address
Define the system that is involved in the problem or challenge
Identify the stakeholders involved in the system
Analyze the interactions between the different elements of the system
Develop a solution to the problem or challenge that takes into account the systems perspective
Implement the solution and evaluate its effectiveness

Career center

Learners who complete Developing a Systems Mindset will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Community Development Specialist

A Community Development Specialist works with communities to improve their quality of life. This often involves working with residents to identify and address issues such as poverty, crime, and lack of affordable housing. This course can help Community Development Specialists develop the systems mindset needed to work effectively with communities. The course will teach students how to understand scaled systems, nested hierarchies, and the interactions between social and environmental systems. This knowledge will help Community Development Specialists develop strategies that are tailored to the specific needs of the community.

See salaries and explore the career path for Community Development Specialist

Policy Analyst

A Policy Analyst researches and analyzes public policy issues. This research can be used to develop policies that address social and economic problems. This course can help Policy Analysts develop the systems mindset needed to understand the complex factors that influence public policy. The course will teach students how to understand scaled systems, nested hierarchies, and the interactions between social and environmental systems. This knowledge will help Policy Analysts develop policies that are effective and sustainable.

See salaries and explore the career path for Policy Analyst

Environmental Scientist

An Environmental Scientist studies the environment and its interactions with human activities. This research can be used to develop policies and regulations that protect the environment and human health. This course can help Environmental Scientists develop the systems mindset needed to understand the complex interactions between the environment and human activities. The course will teach students how to understand scaled systems, nested hierarchies, and the interactions between social and environmental systems. This knowledge will help Environmental Scientists develop policies and regulations that are effective and sustainable.

See salaries and explore the career path for Environmental Scientist

Sustainability Manager

A Sustainability Manager develops and implements sustainability programs for organizations. This can include programs that address a wide range of sustainability issues, such as climate change, energy efficiency, and waste reduction. This course can help Sustainability Managers develop the systems mindset needed to lead sustainability programs effectively. The course will teach students how to understand scaled systems, nested hierarchies, and the interactions between social and environmental systems. This knowledge will help Sustainability Managers make informed decisions about the development and implementation of sustainability programs.

See salaries and explore the career path for Sustainability Manager

Social Worker

A Social Worker helps people cope with social and economic problems. This can include providing counseling, support, and resources. This course can help Social Workers develop the systems mindset needed to work effectively with clients. The course will teach students how to understand scaled systems, nested hierarchies, and the interactions between social and environmental systems. This knowledge will help Social Workers understand the root causes of social problems and develop strategies to address them.

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Public Health Administrator

A Public Health Administrator oversees the implementation of public health programs. This can include programs that address a wide range of health issues, such as chronic diseases, infectious diseases, and environmental health. This course can help Public Health Administrators develop the systems mindset needed to lead public health programs effectively. The course will teach students how to understand scaled systems, nested hierarchies, and the interactions between social and environmental systems. This knowledge will help Public Health Administrators make informed decisions about the implementation of public health programs.

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Nonprofit Manager

A Nonprofit Manager oversees the operations of a nonprofit organization. This can include managing staff, fundraising, and developing programs. This course can help Nonprofit Managers develop the systems mindset needed to lead a nonprofit organization effectively. The course will teach students how to understand scaled systems, nested hierarchies, and the interactions between social and environmental systems. This knowledge will help Nonprofit Managers make informed decisions about the operations of their organization.

See salaries and explore the career path for Nonprofit Manager

Project Manager

A Project Manager plans and executes projects. This can include projects of all sizes, from small projects to large-scale infrastructure projects. This course can help Project Managers develop the systems mindset needed to manage projects effectively. The course will teach students how to understand scaled systems, nested hierarchies, and the interactions between social and environmental systems. This knowledge will help Project Managers make informed decisions about the planning and execution of projects.

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Consultant

A Consultant provides advice and guidance to businesses and organizations. This advice can cover a wide range of topics, such as marketing, finance, and operations. This course can help Consultants develop the systems mindset needed to provide effective advice to their clients. The course will teach students how to understand scaled systems, nested hierarchies, and the interactions between social and environmental systems. This knowledge will help Consultants identify and address the root causes of problems and develop solutions that are sustainable.

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Health Educator

A Health Educator develops and implements programs that promote healthy behaviors. This can include teaching people about nutrition, exercise, and disease prevention. This course can help Health Educators develop the systems mindset needed to understand the factors that influence health behavior. The course will teach students how to understand scaled systems, nested hierarchies, and the interactions between social and environmental systems. This knowledge will help Health Educators develop programs that are tailored to the specific needs of the community.

See salaries and explore the career path for Health Educator

Landscape Architect

A Landscape Architect designs outdoor spaces, such as parks, gardens, and playgrounds. These spaces can have a significant impact on the quality of life for people who live in and visit them. This course can help Landscape Architects develop the systems mindset needed to design outdoor spaces that are sustainable and meet the needs of the community. The course will teach students how to understand scaled systems, nested hierarchies, and the interactions between social and environmental systems. This knowledge will help Landscape Architects create outdoor spaces that are beautiful, functional, and environmentally friendly.

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Data Scientist

A Data Scientist uses data to solve problems and make decisions. This data can come from a variety of sources, such as surveys, experiments, and social media. This course can help Data Scientists develop the systems mindset needed to make sense of large and complex data sets. The course will teach students how to understand scaled systems, nested hierarchies, and the interactions between social and environmental systems. This knowledge will help Data Scientists develop models and algorithms that can be used to solve problems and make informed decisions.

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Researcher

A Researcher conducts research in a particular field of study. This research can be used to advance knowledge and develop new products and services. This course can help Researchers develop the systems mindset needed to conduct research effectively. The course will teach students how to understand scaled systems, nested hierarchies, and the interactions between social and environmental systems. This knowledge will help Researchers design and conduct research studies that are rigorous and relevant.

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Agricultural and Food Scientist

An Agricultural and Food Scientist uses scientific research to help farmers and food producers increase productivity and profitability. One of the key challenges facing these industries is the need to produce more food with fewer resources. This course can help Agricultural and Food Scientists develop the systems mindset needed to address this challenge. The course will teach students how to understand scaled systems, nested hierarchies, and the interactions between social and environmental systems. This knowledge will help Agricultural and Food Scientists develop innovative solutions that can help farmers and food producers meet the challenges of the 21st century.

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Civil Engineer

A Civil Engineer designs and builds infrastructure projects such as roads, bridges, and buildings. These projects often have a significant impact on the communities they serve. This course can help Civil Engineers develop the systems mindset needed to design and build projects that are sustainable and meet the needs of the community. The course will teach students how to understand scaled systems, nested hierarchies, and the interactions between social and environmental systems. This knowledge will help Civil Engineers make informed decisions about the design and construction of infrastructure projects.

See salaries and explore the career path for Civil Engineer

Reading list

We've selected 14 books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Developing a Systems Mindset.

Thinking in Systems

Save

This foundational text provides a comprehensive introduction to systems thinking, covering key concepts, tools, and applications. It emphasizes the interconnectedness of systems and the importance of considering multiple perspectives.

Developing a Systems Mindset

What's inside

Syllabus

Good to know

Save this course

Reviews summary

Relevant concepts in project management

Activities

Career center

Reading list

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