The increasing complexity of problems has necessitated new approaches to problem solving. As such, industries that have been using traditional problem-solving structures such as those in the engineering, building, and construction have had no choice but to review their working practices. Elliman and Orange (2000, p.345-360) suggested that systems methodology is the viable approach to facilitation of effective changes and improvement of work practices given that soft systems methodology can be used to stimulate debate and factor in the input of future participants. However, Green (1999, p.329-340) argued that the potential of soft systems to succeed depends on how early it is introduced in to the project. Problem solving can be done at individual or as a team. But how can we make teams work best? Such questions have attracted the interest of many scholars in various fields and so much has been invested in studying creativity, innovation, motivation, intelligence, and accelerated learning.
2.0. Systems approach and systems thinking
A system has been described a set of linked components and interacting together to fulfill a common purpose. Although not all parts of a system may be working well, they can be engineered to work as desired through various interventions. Systems thinking can be applied to create sustainable solutions. Building a common purpose is a social process done by people for people which start by building shared mental models probably through accelerated learning. Learning how people thinks is very important so that appropriate learning process can be developed to suit them (Covington, 1998, p.2). Traditional approaches to problem solving are no longer valid. As such, this has called for new approaches. People...
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...r propagating soft methodologies in value management practice. Construction Management and Economics, 17(3), pp.329-340.
Goleman, D., 2005. Emotional Intelligence: Why It Can Matter More Than IQ. London: Bloomsbury Publishing.
Kirk, D., 1995. Hard and soft systems: a common paradigm for operations management. International Journal of Contemporary Hospitality Management, 7(5), pp.13 – 16
SEBok, 2013. Systems Approach Applied to Engineered Systems. [online] Available at: http://www.sebokwiki.org/wiki/Systems_Approach_Applied_to_Engineered_Systems [Accessed 7 April 2014]
Maqsood, T., Finegan, A.D., and Walker, D.H., 2001. Five case studies applying soft systems methodology to knowledge management. [online] Available at: http://eprints.qut.edu.au/27456/ [Accessed 8 April 2014]
Smith, A., 2001. Accelerated Learning in the Classroom. London: Network Education Press
Our learning team realized that proper analysis, and framing the problem correctly, is the basis for the model. Without an initial proper analysis of the problem, implementation for an effective working solution is impossible. We found the initial step of the model most effective when we identified the facts without trying to reach a solution within a group atmosphere. Due to the different perspectives of various team members, the team identified different aspects of the problem, which in turn, helped to later identify alternative solutions to the problem.
In closing, we have reflected upon on our current systems and our leadership role within those systems. We have both found this project to be very beneficial as it has given us a better understanding of systems thinking.
Stewart, Jenny & Ayres, R. (2001). Systems theory and policy practice: An exploration. Policy Sciences,34(1), 79-94
Many aspects of a systems thinking approach can be applied to the process to evoke change. The most important part of systems thinking approach is viewing the system as a whole and not each part of the process individually in order to be successful. The results should be measured over time so that dependencies can be discovered, and feedback loops should constantly be addressed. The system thinking process can be visualized by a model (Figure 1), with the hopes to simplify and restructure the process in the most efficient
The current technological advances that are apparent today are of paramount importance to the study of Systems Engineering. Systems engineering has redefined the traditional view of what makes up an entire unit of a machine. Its influence has also permeated into such areas as manufacturing processes and the management of people, tools and capital in the process of manufacturing. To understand the focal point or basic idea of this discipline, one should look at the definition of a “system”. A system is an entire unit that is made of parts or other systems, which work in concert to achieve a desired output. Systems that are units of an entire system are termed as sub-systems. One should not view a system only in terms of hardware or in a machine design aspect, but should also know that also entail the aspect of human labour in relation to the economic output of a society, nation, firm or industry (Department of Defence, 3).
Peter Senge’s book, “The Fifth Discipline” is one of the most important resources that will give one a better understanding of a learning organization. The book focuses on five disciplines; systems thinking, personal mastery, mental model, shared vision, and team learning. “Personal mastery is the discipline of continually clarifying and deepening our personal vision, of focusing our energies, of developing patience, and of seeing reality objectively," (Senge, 7). Mental models “are deeply ingrained assumptions, gener...
The scope of emotional intelligence includes the verbal and nonverbal appraisal and expression of emotion, the regulation of emotion in the self and others, and the utilization of emotional content in problem solving. (pp. 433)
A major component of Data science is working with statistical models, such as machine learning algorithms in order to transform the data into useful information. The systems thinking the approach will improve machine learning models, and expand applications for big data. A primary example of how this is being implemented in a real-world situation is the deer population in Yellowstone. Park rangers collect were able to collect detailed data about the development of the ecosystem by analyzing the history of the park. Park rangers noticed that the grassland in the park was being destroyed, due to a growing deer population. Therefore by using the data collected and applying a systems thinking approach, they were able to come up with a strategy of introducing wolves into the park to tackle to solve this problem. Ultimately, the introduction of the wolves was able to save the grassland in the park. Systems thinking can be used in various industries, such as having engineers use systems thinking to make improvements, such as analyzing and finding the most efficient ratio between fuel input and output motion. System thinking can be one of the essential tools for various
According to Heighten and Joslyn, (1992), system theory is a trans disciplinary study of the abstract organization of phenomena independent of their substance and their scale of exist-ence. The theory was originally proposed by biologist Ludwig on Bertalaffy in 1928 and has been adapted in various systems or organizations. Von Bertalaffy (1956) defines a system as elements that interact with the external environment of the organization. Von Bertalanffy fos-ters system thinking in all disciplines in order to find general principles valid to all systems. It introduces ‘system’ as a new scientific paradigm contrasting the analytical mechanical para-digm, characterizing classical science (von Bertalaffy, 1950). A fundamental
I enjoyed the topic as it provided a logical way of thinking and going about doing things. Sometimes it can be easy to make quick judgements and try to change things but looking deeper into the system and at the big picture can help us better understand the situation.
The philosophy of marketing concept and marketing management in service organizations are merely outward manifestations of a basic and important development in marketing. In the past decade, marketing executives in service organizations have adopted a new perspective. Embracing a systems perspective, they tend to see marketing operations as complete systems. Marketing management in service organizations is responsible for designing and directing a total system of marketing action to achieve predetermined objectives. The systems approach is essential for effective decision making, for the utilization of models in marketing, and for the application of computer technology. Systems analysis is a managerial breakthrough, somewhat akin to breakthroughs in various sciences, and has given rise to powerful concepts and tools of analysis. The systems approach is based on the work of Von Bertalanffy, who is credited with coining the phrase "general systems theory." He conceived of a set of objects, their interrelationships, and their attributes as systems. The objects were merely components of a system. Therefore, any groups of marketing activities and elements that can be delineated physically or conceptually constitute a system. Marketing systems in service organizations are collections of entities that form coherent groups. The fact that entities or activities are capable of being understood as a coherent group, rather than as a collection of parts, makes them a system. This conceptual insight has led to the development of new disciplines such as industrial dynamics and systems engineering (1). In marketing, the systems approach turns on the central theme that marketing reality occurs in systems. A service organization, part of it, or...
Graham Parker’s Structured Problem Solving Guide describes the problem solving process in four phases, one of which is Developing and Selecting Solutions (Phase 4). The other phases are not summarized here, however, it is noteworthy to mention that Phase 4 is the entering into solution development, whereas during the first three Phases of the process, specific problems of study have already been defined, a selection process is undertaken to decide which problems to address, and finally the problem to be studied is characterized by the collection and analysis of the data to be studied. We then pick up the process of developing solutions for addressing the problems identified in the previous phases, as we enter Phase 4.
Systems are related to each other, and they themselves contain subsystems. For definition, a system consists of a set of inputs, a set of outputs and a set of processes which transform inputs into outputs. All activities involved in the system is defined as system boundary, for example a payroll system might include all the activities in the payment of staff in a business. Others systems outside but relate to it are considered as the environment. System thinking is the interactions between the system and its environment.
Emotional Intelligence (EQ) remains a widely debated topic despite its growing importance and the positive impact it has had in the workplace (Goleman, 2014; Ugoani, Amu & Kalu 2015). Yet many scholars continue to discount its validity relying solely upon research methodologies and data analysis as a basis for decision-making as opposed to utilizing, and even combining the emotional aspect of intelligence into work life where it is often needed. Research has shown having a high IQ is a predictor of job success. However, in the article It’s Not IQ Versus Emotional Intelligence, Goleman (2014) states, “The more your success on the job depends on relating to people — whether in sales, as a team member, or as a leader — the
First, the emotional intelligence is the factor that most contribute to student success. Salovey and Mayer, those who introduced the concept of emotional intelligence(EI), refers to EI as the capacity to perceive, use, understand and manage emotions (2). Master emotions it is important in every area of life, everyone knows how a strong emotion, if it is not controlled, can affect the ability to think clearly, and consequently it leads to take wrong decisions. In this regard, Goleman evidenced as the emotional intelligence has a major role on student success, and as the cognitive intelligence (IQ) impacts no more than 20% (34). A successful student knows his limits, as well as he is able to ask for help to overcome