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

All applicants must have completed Introduction to Systems Methods before undertaking the this course

We all bring our own biases and perspectives into conversations about systems, and we are often very defensive of our ideas and beliefs. The significant benefit of thinking in systems comes when working collaboratively and being able to actively listen to others and contribute in an open constructive manner.

This course explores the world of bias and reasoning, how they affect decision-making and, through practice, demonstrates the benefit of dialogue and conversation in building consensus. Techniques introduced include World Café, Appreciative Inquiry, and Reflective Practice.

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

  • Dates
    • 08 - 10 Jul 2024
  • Duration3 days
  • LocationCranfield campus
  • Cost£1,490

What you will learn

On successful completion of this course you will be able to:

  • Apply knowledge to determine appropriate scope , scale and levels of recursion for understanding and modelling situation,
  • Discuss the regulatory environments, legal, H&S Health & Safety, and compliance requirements of the sectors the practitioner is working in,
  • Select one or more appropriate approaches from the range of systems methods or methodologies and combine approaches if needed according to the nature of complexity most relevant in the situation of interest and recognise the limitations of an approach and the need to adapt approaches,
  • Develop and present interventions from systems models and language as practical and understandable changes in the real world,
  • Use facilitative processes empathetically, applying a range of questioning and listening techniques, to engage stakeholders in change processes and decision-making; identifying and managing assumptions, and adapts plans in response to new data, perspectives and learning.




Core content

Topics covered include:

  • Select and plan a work-based intervention,
  • Undertake a work-based intervention.

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.

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.

Apply now

Read our Professional development (CPD) booking conditions.