Systems Thinking Research Articles

Application of Complexity Theory and Systems Thinking to Leadership and Governance Issues in Ghana

Purpose: The aim of the study was to investigate the application of complexity theory and systems thinking to leadership and governance issues in Ghana.
 Methodology: This study adopted a desk methodology. A desk study research design is commonly known as secondary data collection. This is basically collecting data from existing resources preferably because of its low cost advantage as compared to a field research. Our current study looked into already published studies and reports as the data was easily accessed through online journals and libraries.
 Findings: In Ghana, the application of complexity theory and systems thinking to leadership and governance has shown promise in addressing the country's multifaceted challenges. By embracing decentralized decision-making and recognizing the interconnectedness of various societal factors, leaders have fostered more adaptive governance structures. This approach has led to improved responsiveness to emerging issues, enhanced stakeholder engagement, and a more holistic understanding of governance dynamics. Overall, the integration of complexity theory and systems thinking has contributed to more effective and resilient leadership and governance practices in Ghana.
 Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice and Policy: Complexity theory, systems thinking & adaptive leadership theory may be used to anchor future studies on the application of complexity theory and systems thinking to leadership and governance issues in Ghana. Integrate complexity theory and systems thinking principles into leadership development programs across various sectors. Advocate for the adoption of adaptive governance structures that are responsive to changing environmental conditions and stakeholder needs.

Holism in Dealing with Global Problems

To the extent that we humans believe that we can solve our species-level problems with technology, we remain on the path to self-destruction. But there is an alternative; we can see other species like ours as empirical examples of how to be a species—how to participate in ultimate reality. This article exemplifies how holistic information provided systemically by other species can be used. Such information reveals the magnitude of humanity’s challenges and what is needed to address the myriad interrelated global problems, including climate change. Such systemic thinking involves a shift from conceptually extracting things from their context to seeing everything embedded in its context.Seeing other species as role models for how to participate in ecosystems requires a paradigm different from that prevailing in today’s world. Words often attributed to Albert Einstein put it succinctly: “We can’t solve problems by using the same kind of thinking we used when we created them.” Following the leads of Gregory Bateson, Thomas Berry, Fritjof Capra, and Albert Einstein, this article implements systemic thinking by using other species as role models. Replacing conventional thinking with systemic thinking leads to holistic approaches to global problems. The solutions to many of these problems, however, may very well have to be accomplished by the forces of nature; such solutions would be both natural and normal.

DECISION-MAKING PROCESS BY USING THE FORMALIZED METHODS IN THE CONDITIONS OF RISKS AND UNCERTAINTIES

In this article is discussed management of solving problems and realization of algorithm in MS-Excel in the conditions of risk and uncertainty. Problems of getting settlement in the condition of risks and uncertainty can be defined as a game of two players who gets a settlement (or solve problems) and the other is “nature.” The first player takes some steps, selects alternatives; The second player- “nature” is indifferent towards the first player’s actions but can be one of the players among several situations. The first player must choose alternatives in such a way that increases his reimburse which is generally two changeable function of uncertainty, getting decision bases on the fact, that is unknown probability of different scenery. In the condition of risk getting solution bases on fact, that every situation of events, development can be a giver probability of its realization. This allows you to weigh each meaning of effectiveness and choose a situation for realization with the lowest level. In modern condition it is possible to emphasize that management problem is central as economic as well as from the management point of view. However, trainers of pivotal questions are focused on management phenomenon. It should be remarked that this subject is developed and has accumulated various empirical materials on the bases of which, can be issued for each level of the leaders the recommendations for optimization of management. Some of them work effectively, practically in any situations, but others mainly in definite socio-cultural spheres. In this article based on analyses of motivational and psychological theories there are highlighted the most important principles in management. Also there is noted that the executives should be more communicative. As for management decisions, it may be personality’s cognitive features such are: proffesionalism, characteristics of the situations, systematic thinking, methods of making decisions and also methods of the control and corrections. Keywords : management, solving, uncertainty, risk, realization.

THEORETICAL AND METHODOLOGICAL ASPECTS OF ADOPTION OF THE MECHANISM OF MANAGEMENT DECISIONS

In modern condition it is possible emphasized that management problem is central as economic as well as from management point of view. It must be remarked that this subject is developed and accumulated variety empirical materials on the bases of which, can be issued for each level of the leaders’ recommendations for optimization of management. Some of them work effectively, practically in any situations, but others mainly in definite socio-cultural spheres. In this article based on analyses of motivational and psychological theories are transferred the most important principles of management. Also is noted that controlled executive, perceptional, mental and communicative. As concerns accessories of management decisions, it may be personality’s cognitive features: proffesionalism, characteristics of the situations, systematic thinking, methods of making decisions and also methods of control and corrections. Keywords: socio-cultural sphere, vertical integration of management, stages of management, vertical integration, decision theories of management, motivational theories, horizontal coordination, empiricism, principles of management.

Fostering a Whole-Institution Approach to Sustainability through Systems Thinking: An Analysis of the State-of-the-Art in Sustainability Integration in Higher Education Institutions

Policy initiatives from the United Nations and EU institutions have emphasized the need for higher education institutions (HEIs) to fulfil a significant role in green transitioning. However, they tend to fall short of the achievement of this objective. Multiple studies indicate that HEIs assign high importance to the integration of environmental sustainability on a strategic level but generally lack dedicated policies of integration in operational aspects. This paper’s research aim is to provide a meta-study that reviews, analyzes, and assesses the state of the art on research on HEI sustainability. The paper also contributes to the state-of-the-art by mapping institutional sustainability self-assessment models, tools, and guidelines in four prominent research areas: (1) sustainability integration in educational activities, pedagogical perspectives, and systemic transformations; (2) benchmarking sustainability of organizational transformation and operational optimization, and links between developmental priorities and educational settings; (3) whole-system approaches focusing on the design and implementation of whole-institution sustainability plans; and (4) HEI sustainability culture and operations. The paper’s final contribution is the presentation of best practices and emerging trends in the literature. These practices were selected on the following qualitative methodological criteria based on the systems-thinking approach to whole-institution assessment: (1) the effectiveness of self-assessment models, tools, and guidelines in each respective research area; (2) the degree of integration of systems thinking and/or modeling; and (3) the incorporation of qualitative indicators for stakeholder engagement.

Systems Thinking and Models in Public Health

In responding to population health challenges, epidemiologists want to identify causal associations between an exposure (e [...]

Co-creation of socio-ecological systems knowledge to adopt an Ecosystem-based Approach and Land-Sea Interactions in maritime spatial planning

The European Union (EU) Directive on maritime spatial planning (MSP) (2014/89/EU) requires EU coastal states to design maritime spatial plans to coordinate maritime actions in a sustainable manner. In Finland, MSP is the joint responsibility of authorities at the regional level with differing development visions and operating environments. To support the adoptation of the planning concepts of an Ecosystem-based Approach (EBA) and Land-Sea Interactions (LSI) in MSP, they have been embedded into planning work through adopting the social-ecological systems (SES) approach in a co-creation process, which has been open to anyone interested, including sectoral representatives as well as experts at all national to local levels. This research examines the co-creation of shared knowledge among MSP authorities and stakeholders, as well as the ways in which the utilized SES approach has helped to generate consensus on the sustainable use of natural resources. We examined the co-creation of systemic thinking among four maritime sectors: fishing, fish farming, offshore wind energy, and tourism. Results indicate that the co-creation process helped evolve shared knowledge and deeper systemic understanding on the direct and indirect links between the good state of the marine environment and human wellbeing, as well as which actions support sustainable development and sustainable blue economy at the local and regional levels. However, the level of advancement varies among sectors. Nonetheless, evolved systemic thinking has supported the adoptation of the concepts of EBA and LSI in the bottom-up MSP approach and resilient adaptive governance in MSP.

Development of a circularity design methodology for urban factories based on systemic thinking and stakeholders engagement

To provide factories with a sustainable model to manufacture inside urban areas, the concept of urban factories has been proposed as a solution that utilizes proximity throughout the value chain. To leverage this proximity, and re-conceptualize the highly available urban waste, circular strategies have been deployed. This has allowed urban factories to contribute to a sustainable consumption and production (SDG 12). To develop a circularity design methodology for urban factories, a design thinking approach has been used in 5 steps in which (1) a need has been formalized from a systematic literature review, (2) a prototype has been proposed using the principles of systemic design, (3) workshops have been organized with key users to test the proposal, (4) feedbacks have been collected, and (5) the proposal has been improved accordingly through an iteration to the second step. The cycle has been repeated 4 times in 4 different workshops, which has resulted in the development of the latest version of the circularity design methodology presented in this paper. The proposed methodology is structured in 3 phases. First, the exploratory phase in which sustainability objectives are formalized and the scope of action is identified accordingly using an impact assessment method. Second, the formative phase in which new sustainable business models are designed using circular strategies and local stakeholder's engagement practices. Finally, the evaluative phase in which the designed models are evaluated. To illustrate the application of the proposed methodology, a case study on an arcade machines urban factory has been presented in this paper. In total, 8 circular models have been designed to mitigate the climate change and resources damages associated with the life cycle of the arcade machines. The proposed circularity design methodology could be adapted for other structures to improve their sustainability and other dimensions linked to their activities.

Sustainable Business Practices and the Role of Digital Technologies: A Cross-Regional Analysis

This study examines the relationship between digital transformation and sustainable practices within enterprises against the backdrop of global transformative forces framed within the holistic paradigm of systems thinking. It examines the extent to which digital advances either facilitate or impede the sustainable development of companies, while also considering the systemic impact of demographic variables (such as gender, age, education), national income levels, and geographical regions on business sustainability. Using data from the Global Entrepreneurship Monitor (GEM), which encompasses 26,790 entrepreneurs in 47 countries, this research uses multinomial regression to assess how these factors influence companies’ commitment to social and environmental goals. A key finding is that the strategic use of digital technologies in sales processes significantly increases the likelihood that entrepreneurs will integrate social and environmental considerations into their decision-making. Notably, this conscientious approach to business is most prevalent among entrepreneurs in Latin America and the Caribbean. Our findings underscore the central role of digital technologies in driving sustainable business transformation while also highlighting the significant influence of regional socio-environmental contexts on business sustainability orientations.

Building a Systems Map: Applying Systems Thinking to Unhealthy Commodity Industry Influence on Public Health Policy.

Unhealthy commodity industries (UCIs) engage in political practices to influence public health policy, which poses barriers to protecting and promoting public health. Such influence exhibits characteristics of a complex system. Systems thinking would therefore appear to be a useful lens through which to study this phenomenon, potentially deepening our understanding of how UCI influence are interconnected with one another through their underlying political, economic and social structures. As such this study developed a qualitative systems map to depict the complex pathways through which UCIs influence public health policy and how they are interconnected with underlying structures. Online participatory systems mapping workshops were conducted between November 2021 and February 2022. As a starting point for the workshops, a preliminary systems map was developed based on recent research. Twenty-three online workshops were conducted with 52 geographically diverse stakeholders representing academia, civil society (CS), public office, and global governance organisations (CGO). Analysis of workshop data in NVivo and feedback from participants resulted in a final systems map. The preliminary systems map consisted of 40 elements across six interdependent themes. The final systems map consisted of 64 elements across five interdependent themes, representing key pathways through which UCIs impact health policy-making: (1) direct access to public sector decision-makers; (2) creation of confusion and doubt about policy decisions; (3) corporate prioritisation of commercial profits and growth; (4) industry leveraging the legal and dispute settlement processes; and (5) industry leveraging policy-making, norms, rules, and processes. UCI influence on public health policy is highly complex, involves interlinked practices, and is not reducible to a single point within the system. Instead, pathways to UCI influence emerge from the complex interactions between disparate national and global political, economic and social structures. These pathways provide numerous avenues for UCIs to influence public health policy, which poses challenges to formulating a singular intervention or limited set of interventions capable of effectively countering such influence. Using participatory methods, we made transparent the interconnections that could help identify interventions in future work.

Enhancing big data analytics deployment: uncovering stakeholder dynamics and balancing salience in project roles

Deployment constitutes a pivotal aspect of data science projects, such as big data analytics (BDA). A comprehensive definition of successful deployment necessitates the integration of perspectives from both the project stakeholders and the end-users. However, adequate consideration of project stakeholders remains notably absent within the broader view of project deployment. This paper investigates the role of stakeholders in the deployment of BDA projects by applying an ethnographic research design throughout a 12-month period within a large multinational organization. The study employs critical systems heuristics concepts to identify stakeholder roles, which are subsequently classified and analyzed according to the salience model. The empirical findings point towards the missing link between the technical and the business aspects of a BDA project. The organizational function and product management, (capable of comprehending both the technical and business dimensions) must undertake a highly salient stakeholder role to effectively guide the project toward the successful deployment. Additionally, this role will be able to identify the exact beneficiaries, thus enabling them to increase their salience and their interests to resonate across the spectrum of project stakeholders. This study advances the knowledge and understanding of BDA deployment through the lens of a stakeholder perspective and systems thinking. It uncovers the necessary resources by mapping the social roles of a project and assessing their salience. Balancing role-based salience contributes to successful BDA project deployment.

Towards sustainable hydrogen production: An integrated approach for Sustainability, Complexity, and Systems Thinking in the energy sector

The energy sector constitutes a dynamic and complex system, indicating that its actions are influenced not just by its individual components but also by the emergent behavior resulting from interactions among them. Moreover, there are crucial limitations of previous approaches for addressing the sustainability challenge of the energy sector. Changing, transforming, and integrating paradigms are the most relevant leverage points for transforming a given system. In other words, nowadays the integration of new predominant paradigms in order to provide a unified framework could aim at this actual transformation looking for a sustainable future. This research aims to develop a new unified framework for the integration of the following three paradigms: (1) Sustainability, (2) Complexity, and (3) Systems Thinking which will be applied to achieving sustainable energy production (using hydrogen production as a case study). The novelty of this work relies on providing a holistic perspective through the integration of the aforementioned paradigms considering the multiple and complex interdependencies among the economy, the environment, and the economy. For this purpose, an integrated seven-stage approach is introduced which explores from the starting point of the integration of paradigms to the application of this integration to sustainable energy production. After applying the Three-Paradigm approach for sustainable hydrogen production as a case study, 216 feedback loops are identified, due to the emerged complexity linked to the analyzed system. Additionally, three system dynamics-based models are developed (by increasing the level of complexity) as part of the application of the Three-Paradigm approach. This research can be of interest to a broad professional audience (e.g. engineers, policymakers) as looks into the sustainability of the energy sector from a holistic perspective, considering a newly developed Three-Paradigm model considering complexity and using a Systems Thinking approach.

Transitioning biomedical research toward human-centric methodologies: systems-based strategies

Human-centric methodologies like microphysiological systems and in silico methods have shown promise in addressing the limitations of animal models in understanding human biology and responding to public health priorities. However, the prevailing paradigm based on animal research persists. The article proposes a systemic thinking approach, endorsed by the OECD and the EU, as a tool to leverage innovation to reframe the issue and achieve transformative policies. By identifying the complex factors shaping method selection in basic and biomedical research, a simplified model is presented to illuminate the systemic nature of this decision-making process. The goal is not to prescribe solutions but to offer policymakers a new framework for more-effective strategies, emphasizing collaboration among stakeholders and the need for robust data.

Reformation of marital laws in Hungary: Early reception of Luther, Calvin and Beza before and until 1667

The main achievements of the huge research on the history of the Hungarian Protestantism show that at the beginning of the Protestantism the local reformers and preachers were interpreting Luther’s ideas, but from the 1550s Calvin’s doctrines became decisive. The reception of the great reformers’ ideas was far from being evident in the practice. It means pastors and preachers in Hungary did not cite directly from the written heritage of Luther (Pelikan Helmut 1955-1986), Calvin (Calvin 1863–1900) or Beza. They used to use the Bible itself. Nevertheless, many new and unknown problems raised, which deserved prompt and clear theological and moral advice. Most of the challenges were related to the burning, everyday questions of sexual sins and of family life. Therefore, it is not surprising that contemporary preachers were trying to commit everything to renew the public morality of people. The article intends to illuminate the evolution of the early Protestant marriage law system and theological thinking in Hungary after the temporary ’collapse’ of the Roman Catholic Church and its canon law in the 1550s. At the same time, it is raising the question, how did the ’great reformers’ influence the early Protestant marriage law system and theological thinking in Hungary.Intradisciplinary and/or interdisciplinary implications: This article is based on the field of systematic theology. The study intends to understand the development of Hungarian Reformed regulations of marriage in the 16th and 17th century from theological, judicial and historical perspectives.

Gestures of neighbor‐love: Literature, philosophy, and givenness

AbstractThis article explores the literary, philosophical, and phenomenological dimensions of neighbor‐love. Phenomenologically speaking, neighborly love must be given, that is, it must be given voluntarily through attitudes, actions, or gestures. But whom do we actually acknowledge as our neighbor, and why? Adopting a comparative literary approach, this paper argues that literature is not philosophy's adversary but its creative interlocutor: Ilse Aichinger's poem “Foundling” transcends anthropocentric perspectives, presenting the Neighbor as a being beyond denomination by translating it from human to animal. Doris Lessing's novel The Diary of a Good Neighbour depicts the unpredictable and accidental nature of encounters with the Neighbor, leaving no room for personal choice. Ultimately, Amélie Nothomb's Les catilinaires illustrates how the Neighbor can be a persistent annoyance that both irritates and resists systematic thinking. These literary works outline a nuanced poetics of neighbor‐love and givenness that extends beyond any anthropological, theological, or religio‐ethical concept.

Identification of Complex Thinking Related Competencies

Complex thinking competency enhances the high cognitive capacities necessary for the future of education. This study aimed to analyze these capacities through its sub-competencies (critical, systemic, and scientific thinking). We worked with the Cross Industry Standard Process for Data Mining methodology, with an original database of class data of 33,319 unique students, 46 different variables, and a random identification number. The variables were sociodemographic information, academic information, subject admission, competencies, and activities. Statistical analyses identified correlations between competency and sub-competencies. The findings show that 1) critical thinking is strategic in the development of complex thinking and its sub-competencies; 2) Development of Critical Thinking skills early in the curriculum can lead to a cascade effect, enhancing competence and sub-competence development; and 3) an overall performance encompasses the semester results. The study is of value to the academic, technological, and social communities to provide opportunities for the design and implementation of challenging scenarios for the future of education.

Identification of Complex Thinking Related Competencies

Complex thinking competency enhances the high cognitive capacities necessary for the future of education. This study aimed to analyze these capacities through its sub-competencies (critical, systemic, and scientific thinking). We worked with the Cross Industry Standard Process for Data Mining methodology, with an original database of class data of 33,319 unique students, 46 different variables, and a random identification number. The variables were sociodemographic information, academic information, subject admission, competencies, and activities. Statistical analyses identified correlations between competency and sub-competencies. The findings show that 1) critical thinking is strategic in the development of complex thinking and its sub-competencies; 2) Development of Critical Thinking skills early in the curriculum can lead to a cascade effect, enhancing competence and sub-competence development; and 3) an overall performance encompasses the semester results. The study is of value to the academic, technological, and social communities to provide opportunities for the design and implementation of challenging scenarios for the future of education.

THE EFFECT OF APPLYING THE “FLIPPED CLASSROOM” STRATEGY ON THE ACHIEVEMENT OF PHYSICS AND SYSTEMIC THINKING AMONG FIRST-YEAR MIDDLE SCHOOL STUDENTS

The research aims to identify the effect of applying the “Flipped Classroom” strategy on the achievement of physics and systemic thinking among first-year middle school students. The researcher chose an experimental design with partial control. The research sample consisted of 62 first-year middle school students at Al-Warkaa Secondary School affiliated with the General Directorate of Education in Baghdad / First Al-Rusafa. The experiment sample was distributed into two groups, the first experimental, who studied according to the flipped classroom strategy, and the second, control, who studied according to the usual method. The researcher made sure of the equality of the research groups in the variables of chronological age in months, IQ, previous achievement, and systemic thinking scale. The researcher prepared a multiple-choice test and applied it to both research groups. He adopted a measure of systemic thinking after verifying its validity and reliability. Using a t-test to determine the results, the researcher concluded that the flipped classroom strategy has an effective effect on systemic thinking for the experimental group compared to the control group. The researcher proposed a number of recommendations and proposals.

LESSONS LEARNED FROM TEACHING SYSTEM THINKING TO ENGINEERING STUDENTS

The primary focus of Engineering Education programs has been to train engineers in various aspects of problem-solving techniques. However, there have been concerns about the types of problems engineering students are exposed to. Most engineering programs train students on solving routine problems, with extension to originative problems in design courses. However, highly complex or “wicked problems” are more rarely explored at the undergraduate level in spite of the fact that they are some of the most important problems faced in society. Systems Thinking has been suggested as a promising approach to addressing wicked problems. We have designed a course in Systems Thinking at the University of Toronto targeted toward students from all disciplines of engineering. The objective of this course is to encourage students to explore the inherent ambiguity of complex problems while introducing them to tools and approaches to visualize their problem space. This paper evaluates the learning experience of students in the first iteration of this course, through a series of analyses performed on their coursework, personal reflections, and interviews. It was hypothesized that teaching Systems Thinking to engineering students would increase their awareness of the problem space, push them to learn about other disciplines outside of engineering, and increase their ability to visualize the elements in the problem. Our results suggest ways in which Systems Thinking has helped engineering students in their problem solving abilities and looks at the specific skills in which engineering students have significantly improved.

Increasing Student Awareness of Complex Problems Through Systems Thinking: How (Re)Framing Can Lead to Identifying the Core Problem

Within global and interconnected societies, engineers need to embrace complexity and understand the importance of awareness of their choices in the problem definition process. In this practice paper, we propose a framework to increase students’ awareness of choices during problem definition, based on the integration of three frameworks: systems mapping, problem framing, and Cynefin framework. Through application of the frameworks students can identify important elements and interconnections within a system and frame the scenario around the core problem. We provide an example from an entrepreneurship course to illustrate how the proposed framework can increase awareness among engineering students and allow them to identify and respond to the core problem effectively. We conclude that this framework can help students broaden their understanding of complex systems and identify alternative core problems. This work also highlights the importance of recognizing that not all problems can be solved through engineering (technical) solutions.