Peter Checkland | Solving Problems with Soft Systems Methodology
Have you ever tried to solve a problem at work or school, but realized that everyone involved had a different idea of what the "problem"…
Russell Ackoff | Systems Approach to Modern Management
Many leaders try to fix their companies by looking at the pieces. They think that if they make the marketing department perfect and the accounting…
Posted inSoft and Critical Systems
West Churchman | Learn about his Systems Approach
Have you ever tried to fix a problem, only to realize you made ten more problems in the process? This happens because we often look…
Posted inSoft and Critical Systems
Soft and Critical Systems | Solving Human Mess
If you want to build a bridge, you use math. You calculate the weight, the wind, and the strength of the steel. This is a…
Posted inSystem Dynamics
Donella Meadows Leverage Points | Place to Intervene in Complex Systems
"Give me a lever long enough and a fulcrum on which to place it, and I shall move the world." — Archimedes We all want…
Posted inSystem Dynamics
Understanding Trap of Policy Resistance in System Dynamics
In colonial India, the British government faced a problem: there were too many cobras in Delhi. To solve this, they created a perfectly logical policy:…
Posted inSystem Dynamics
Understanding Path Dependence and Lock-In Effect in Systems Dynamics
Look down at your computer keyboard or phone. Why are the keys arranged in that weird "QWERTY" order? Is it because it is the most…
Posted inSystem Dynamics
Understanding S-Curve in Systems Dynamics
In the early days of a startup, or the beginning of a viral trend, everything looks like a rocket ship. Sales double every month. Users…
Posted inSystem Dynamics
Understanding Oscillation in Systems Dynamics
We see it everywhere. The economy booms, then crashes. A store has empty shelves one week, then overflowing clearance bins the next. Wildlife populations explode,…
Posted inSystem Dynamics
What is Loop Dominance ? Identifying Which Feedback Loop is in Control
Have you ever watched a viral video take off? At first, the view count explodes. It doubles every hour. It feels like it will go…