Systems Thinking

Learning Outcomes

Transferable and Generic Skills

Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:

• Collate and synthesise information to develop an argument
• Write an effective and impactful business-style report
• Deliver a clear and concise presentation for a non-specialist audience
• Independently conduct research in response to a problem statement

Knowledge and Understanding

Having successfully completed this module, you will be able to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of:

• The integration of systems engineering principles across the design lifecycle
• Real-world applications of systems engineering and its influence on overall system performance
• The systems thinking perspective and how it applies to complex sociotechnical systems

Subject Specific Intellectual and Research Skills

Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:

• Apply systems methods to analyse the strengths and weaknesses in a given system
• Devise a systems engineering integration plan for a given application
• Evaluate an industrial system using systems engineering principles

1.Introduction to systems thinking

Introduction / overview of the module; fundamental principles of systems thinking; relevance in defence and security (and other industries); emphasis on increasing importance in modern world, with a lead into the next topic on complex systems.

2.Complexity, sociotechnical systems and systems of systems

What do we mean by complexity and complex systems; principles of complexity (emergence, non-linearity, coupling, unintended consequences); interconnectedness and the systems-of-systems approach in relation to military and other applications; safety-critical systems; the notion of sociotechnical systems and the role of human factors.

3.Human factors

Introduction to human factors and sociotechnical systems thinking; the role of people as agents in sociotechnical systems; human capabilities and limitations; performance shaping factors; human factors and safety, human factors integration; joint cognitive systems.

4.Systems integration and lifecycle

High-level process for integrating systems holistically including lifecycle analysis and definitions (user requirements specifications, design and prototyping, evaluation and testing, implementation, maintenance, end-of-life).

5.Safety management systems

What is a safety management system; standards and regulation; risk assessment and management, monitoring and assurance, training and communications; safety culture and organisational culture

6.Methods I

Overview of relevant methods followed by workshop-style training in Cognitive Task Analysis, Risk Management Framework and AcciMaps.

7.Methods II

Further workshop on systems methods including Cognitive Work Analysis and Event Analysis of Systemic Teamwork.

8.Applications I

A case study application of the systems thinking principles and methods learned so far as applied to defence and security.

9.Applications II

A further case study application from another industry such as transportation, nuclear, construction or healthcare.

10.Assessment workshop

Module wrap-up, tutorial to address any concerns or questions, and a discussion and surgery relating to the coursework assessment.

The module adopts a hybrid approach to teaching and learning, incorporating some elements of the flipped lecture model alongside more traditional methods, using mixed media where appropriate. Depending on the topic, resources will be provided to students for them to prepare in advance of the classroom sessions, allowing the face-to-face time to focus on coaching and discussion as well as standard lecturing.

Since the value and purpose of systems thinking is very much in its application, the module capitalises on this and takes a case study approach throughout. Drawing on guest lecturers from industry adds real-world relevance to the topics as well as providing content for the assessments.

Being a transdisciplinary subject, the module is taught by different lecturers with a range of backgrounds and expertise, from psychology to design, safety management and human factors.

Summative

This is how we’ll formally assess what you have learned in this module.