This module can  be taken as a Short Course for Credit.
Please go to the 'Upgrade to a professional qualification' section for more information.
 

Applicants must have completed 60 credits worth of study from the Systems Thinking Practice MSc before undertaking this course 


    Fundamental to enterprise resilience and sustainability are their inherent governance and structures. These will vary according to the enterprise; its strategy, culture, scale and governance structure (commercial, Not-for-profit, government, etc.).

    Not only does an enterprise require a relevant and effective method of governance, an appropriate variety of process, procedures, skills and competences are also essential.

    This module introduces additional ways of thinking together with the application of selected methods and tools relevant to enterprise organization..

     

    At a glance

    • Dates
      • 16 Oct 2023 - 19 Jan 2024
    • LocationOnline
    • Cost£1,490 - Short Course for Credit Fee

    What you will learn

    On successful completion of this module you should be able to:

    • Develop the relationship between an organisation and its environment
    • Examine the levels of development and learning within an organisation with regard to its environment, including its hierarchy of purpose and decision-making 
    • Critically assess various systems thinking methodologies and approaches from the perspective of understanding, knowledge and viewpoints, relating them to philosophical concepts such as ontology and epistemology.
    • Identify the inter-relationships between systems thinking approaches and justify them from a foundational perspective..

    Core content

    This module focuses on the application of systems thinking in the context of organisational development. It incorporates the following topics:

  • Systems thinking as a foundation for developing resilient and sustainable enterprises;
  • Cybernetics and Requisite Variety in the context of organisational development;
  • The relationship between systems thinking and organisational development;
  • Theories and practices of Organisational Development;
  • Power and politics in organisations;
  • Organisational agility and resilience;
  • Hierarchies of purpose and span of decision-making related to the organisations environment.
  • Methods and approaches practised on a case study include Morgan's Images of Organization, and Emery and Trist's Causal texture as well as the application of Soft Systems Methodology and the Viable Systems Model in organisational design and development.

    • Upgrade to a professional qualification

    When taken as a Short Course for Credit, 10 credit points can be put towards the Systems Thinking Practice MSc

    Find out more about short course credit points.

    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.

    How to apply

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

    Apply now

    Read our Professional development (CPD) booking conditions.