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Concept Systems Thinking Assignment

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Added on  2019-11-08

Concept Systems Thinking Assignment

   Added on 2019-11-08

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Systems Thinking 1SYSTEMS THINKINGby (Name): Course:Tutor: College: City/State: Date:
Concept Systems Thinking Assignment_1
Systems Thinking 2Systems thinkingIntroductionSystems thinking is a discipline in management that is specifically concerned with theinherent comprehension and examination of connections between components that comprises a particular process. According to Weinberg (2011), systems thinking is an important conceptin project management, quality and portfolio management, improving business processes and ensuring organisational maturity. Besides, Gharajedaghi (2011) defines systems thinking as the inherent ability to develop reliable insinuations about particular actions by establishing a progressively deep understanding of the fundamental structures. Through system thinking, innovative conception of facts can be stimulated opening up new possibilities, help in the identification and management of various risks and enhance communication. Moreover, the research by Leveson (2011) clearly stipulates that system thinking can effectively facilitate faster response to diverse changes during project execution as it can significantly improve organisational leadership skills by raising awareness of various project objectives. Therefore, this research gives coherent exploration of relevant literatures on the concepts of systems thinking and how such relates to project, program and portfolio management. The research further identifies different tools of systems thinking, and will include the management of risks, value and systems engineering. Correspondingly, assorted forms of systems thinking that are important in project and portfolio management are discussed, and include, organizational forms, models, system engineering, and value and risk management. An explanation of the systems thinking approaches and a comparisons with the traditional methods is also given. Significance of systems thinking to a project and an organisationAccording to Flood (2010), the application of systems thinking in project managements is becoming more paramount in most organisations. The research by
Concept Systems Thinking Assignment_2
Systems Thinking 3Gharajedaghi (2011) point at the inherent need for increased transparency and comprehensiveunderstanding of how diverse elements of systems thinking influences project management among other organizational facets. The underlying principles applicable here include the ability to develop quality thinking when solving various problems, increased candidness and identification of defective solutions. According to Weinberg (2011), some of the traditional approaches to project management majorly revolves around defusing complex elements of a project through accurate planning and establishing more control over the associated processes. However, such traditional approaches have limited influence on project management given that there are numerous arising issues that may occasionally necessitate critical thinking. Given the dynamic environments in which modern organizations operates in, project management is increasingly becoming a hard task. As such, by the research by Leveson (2011) perceive systems thinking as the most viable solution to the present and future challenges that relates to project management. To understand the significance of systems thinking, we must first understand the problem-solving processes in the context of project management. In their research, Best and Holmes (2010) further explains that problem-solving in an organization involve the precise identification of challenges that may interfere with the status quo. These challenges must be identified and properly understood by the decision-makers. Once the problems have been identified, systems thinking will enable an organization to adopt a holistic approach to problem solving. Such approaches include the determination of various opinions and techniques of thinking and how the status quo affects project implementation (Flood, 2010). Such holistic approaches include the identification of facts and related events, examining the subtle aspects of the identified challenges and developing instructive and characteristic reactions to the complex project dynamics (Kerzner, 2013).
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Systems Thinking 4Another importance of systems thinking is that it enables an organization to clearly appreciate the cause-and-effect processes that are related to a particular phenomenon. This facilitates the establishment of network of interactions during project implementation based on an understanding of how problems can be connected to become complex organizational issues. According to by Leveson (2011) feedback loops are used in understanding variables that can influence project execution and interactions between such variables. The recapitulating patterns identified in the feedback loop can be used in the documentation of possible reasons for the complex problems. According to Leveson (2011), systems thinking is also instrumental in planning scenarios and modelling actions that simplifies the incorporation of diverse viewpoints. Such an approach to systems thinking majorly assumes that an organization relishes in relevant project information which can be used to solve arising challenges. Correspondingly, the research by Mingers and White (2010) clearly stipulates that systems thinking in project management can be used in the determination of specified behaviours and team approaches toproject implementation. According to Nguyen et al. (2011), such approaches to systems thinking necessitates ahigher level of adaptation to possible modifications to the present circumstances. For example, adapting to new technological innovations and increased level of knowledge sharing as some of the social processes that must be considered. As such, Best and Holmes (2010) further point that the project team must be more open and agile in the management of related activities. Besides, an organizational culture should be based on constant transformations in various aspects of the organisation that my limit the ability of the project team to adapt. The table below indicates alternative approaches and comparisons towards project management.
Concept Systems Thinking Assignment_4

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