PPMP20012 Unit Portfolio Week 2: Systems Thinking Tools and Techniques

This report, part of the PPMP20012 Unit Portfolio for Week 2, focuses on identifying and understanding various systems thinking tools and techniques that aid project managers in solving project-related problems. The report explores the concept of systems thinking, emphasizing its role in analyzing the interconnectedness of system components and its effectiveness in problem-solving and decision-making. It highlights the use of tools such as brainstorming, structural, and dynamic thinking tools, along with computer-based tools, to predict system behavior, estimate project costs, and understand stakeholder needs. The report also discusses the significance of systems engineering in defining customer needs and providing balanced system solutions. The student reflects on the importance of considering problems from different perspectives and the potential of these tools in future project management scenarios. The report references key readings and highlights the practical application of systems thinking in real-world project management situations, drawing on mandatory and optional readings to support the analysis.

(Insert Student Name) / (Insert Student Number) - PPMP20012Unit Portfolio for Week 2
Week 2: Identify different systems thinking tools and techniques to aid project managers solve project
problems.
Reading samples Learning outcome
# 2
Learnings from your weekly study, experience, this and prior
unit readings and assignments
Supporting
documentation
including any prior
learning
Mandatory Readings
 Part 1: SEBoK
Introduction -
'Introduction to SE
Transformation';
 Part 1: SEBoK
Introduction -
'SEBoK Users and
Uses';
 Part 6: Related
Disciplines -
'Knowledge Area:
Systems
Engineering and
Project
Management'
 Kerzner (2017)
Chapters 2.3 - 2.5;
2.22;
 AS/NZS
15288:2015
Introduction;
Optional Readings
 AS ISO
21504:2016 Project,
programme and
portfolio
Identify different system
thinking tools and
techniques to aid project
managers solve project
problems.
In this week, I have learned about the system thinking tools and techniques that
help project managers in solving the problems in managing the project. In this
week, I got to learn that system thinking is an approach that helps in analysing
the manner in which different parts of the system are connected with each other
and in what manner the system works. It is an effective approach for solving the
problems and decision making. The system thinking approach studies the system
by breaking it into small parts. System thinking makes use of computer
simulation and different graphs and diagrams in order to predict the behaviour of
the system. It helps in effective estimation of the time and cost of the project,
understands the needs of the stakeholders of the project (Rouse, 2018).
I got to know this week that there are many tools and techniques that can be used
to make system thinking work. The system tools include brainstorming tools,
structural thinking tools, dynamic thinking tools and computer based tools. The
project manager can identify the problems and solve them with the help of these
tools. The tools can help in making the right decision by understanding the
problem in an effective manner (APM, 2018). System engineering is an approach
that enables the understanding of successful systems. It helps in defining the
needs of the customers and helps in providing a balanced system solution. With
the help of systems thinking, the problem can be resolved, optimized and
dissolved through analysing the problem from different perspectives. The system
engineering can help in understanding the system and improving the system in
order to deliver an effective project.
I learned that portfolio management helps in prioritizing and estimating the
resources for the project management but it does not help in solving the problems
of the project (BSI, 2015).
The implementation of the systems thinking and systems engineering would have
PPMP20012Unit Profile
PPMP20012 Moodle
Web site
Have you any insights
you can add from other
units you have studies or
readings you’ve made?
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(Insert Student Name) / (Insert Student Number) - PPMP20012Unit Portfolio for Week 2
Reading samples Learning outcome
# 2
Learnings from your weekly study, experience, this and prior
unit readings and assignments
Supporting
documentation
including any prior
learning
management—
Guidance on
portfolio
management;
Case Study
 Chief Counsel's
Report - Chapter 5
(PDF 700KB),
provided an effective understanding related to the problem and solving the
problem. The analysis of the system is important. The lack of understanding
related to the systems thinking resulted in a disaster.
BP does not have a good idea about systems thinking (Well integrity , 2011).
The readings provide insights related to the usefulness of the tools and techniques
of systems thinking. It provided with the information that the use of suitable tools
can help in solving the problems in the project. The tools can help in providing an
understanding related to the problem in a visual and computerized manner. It is
easier to solve the problems with the help of system thinking in the project. The
understanding related to systems thinking and the tools of system thinking can
help me in the future to get the opportunity to manage the project and solve the
problems in the project. Above all, I learned that it is important to see the
problem from different perspectives in order to solve it.
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(Insert Student Name) / (Insert Student Number) - PPMP20012Unit Portfolio for Week 2
References
APM. (2018). Systems thinking: How is it used in project management? APM.
BSI. (2015). Project, programme and portfolio management — Guidance on portfolio management. BSI Standards Publication.
Rouse, M. (2018). systems thinking. Retrieved from searchcio.techtarget.com: https://searchcio.techtarget.com/definition/systems-thinking
Well integrity . (2011). Chief Counsel’s Report | 2011 National Commission on the BP Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill and Offshore Drilling. Well
integrity.
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