This intensive course covers a set of practical tools and methods to work through complex decisions with clarity and confidence, resulting in improved outcomes.

The course has a running case study, which serves as a practical 'hand-rail' to guide students through the application of systems thinking methods and provides a 'tool-box' of approaches and methods that take a more holistic approach to problem structuring, requirements capture and definition; appreciating multiple viewpoints and addressing different perspectives.

At a glance

  • Duration5 days
  • LocationCranfield campus
  • Cost£1,925

Course structure

Lectures and practical sessions throughout the five days on relevant case studies; in particular using students’ own problems on Day 3 of the course.

What you will learn

The course will equip students to see problems ‘as a whole’ and appreciate different viewpoints, aiding their ability to draw out the key factors of any problematic situation, the form and structure of systems and to represent the systems’ dynamics.

The course will develop the broad range of critical and reflective thinking skills to develop ways of dealing with multiple stakeholder perspectives, leverage points, new disciplines and to work through influence activities required to achieve desired outcomes. In particular, the appreciative inquiry-based approaches will help to question and challenge what appears to be a ‘given’ constraint or policy-based limitation, identifying and challenging any assumptions.

Core content

Approaches covered include:

  • Use of Rich Pictures
  • Methods for Multi-perspective views
  • System mapping
  • Soft Systems methods
  • Dependency Modelling
  • Metaphors for organisation
  • Methods for Assumption surfacing and checking
  • Scenario Planning for plausible futures
  • Systems diagnostics tools (e.g. Viable Systems Model)
  • Systems Dynamics Influence and Causal Loop diagrams.

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Who should attend

The course is aimed at:

  • Systems Analysts and Engineers of all disciplines
  • Managers/decision makers/policy makers
  • Individuals who need critical thinking skills to achieve successful outcomes in a complex working environment.

Location and travel

Situated close to Milton Keynes and Bedford, the Cranfield campus is situated in Wharley End, very close to Cranfield village, and is about 10 minutes from the M1 motorway.  There is rail and road access to most major airports as well as coach and train stations. Cranfield campus also has its own airport for private executive business travel.

Download a visitor guide including map, directions and health and safety information.

Campus address

College Road
Cranfield
Bedfordshire
MK43 0AL

How to apply

To apply for this course please use the online application form.

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