TOPIC 11 - Systems thinking Flashcards
What is reinforcing feedback in systems thinking?
Reinforcing feedback reinforces the disturbance and magnifies its effects, leading to a “virtuous” or “vicious” circle.
How does balancing feedback operate within a system?
Balancing feedback dampens any disturbance, preserving the system in its initial state and is considered “self-correcting.”
What is the S-curve effect in systems thinking?
The S-curve effect is a pattern where initially a reinforcing loop dominates, leading to rapid growth or change, and then a balancing loop becomes dominant, stabilizing the system.
What are the main systems effects summarized in systems thinking?
Exponential growth, goal-seeking, oscillation, and S-curve are the main systems effects in systems thinking.
How do system diagrams differ from flow charts in representing information?
System diagrams are non-linear and illustrate feedback loops, showing the relationship of causes and effects simultaneously, while flow charts are linear and show the flow of processes over time without feedback loops.
Can you differentiate between qualitative and quantitative systems maps?
Quantitative systems maps model the behavior of natural processes, assisting in calibration of interventions, while qualitative maps help understand the relationships between elements and anticipate the effects of change forces.
How do systems improve the quality of foresight?
They account for the system’s power to accelerate or delay forces of change, enabling better anticipation of systemic effects like surprise effects, unexpected delays, latency, tipping points, S-curves, etc.
What is the significance of understanding the direction and pace in systems thinking?
It helps in anticipating the trajectory and speed of change within a system, which is crucial for strategic planning and interventions.
How can systems thinking raise the quality of our expectations?
By moving from linear to non-linear thinking, acknowledging interconnected consequences, adapting goals in response to environmental changes, and considering the goals and actions of other agents within the system.
How can identifying real leverage points guide strategic decisions?
Understanding the system can reveal where small changes can have a large impact, aligning interventions with systemic effects or influencing the system to achieve future goals.
What are the steps in the trend audit process?
The steps include trend identification, baseline to today, trend projection, trend testing, and defining a robust forward baseline
