Courses

Generalised Systems Theory

General

Course Contents

Introduction: Definitions & Concepts, System Principles & Concepts (Reductionist vs Holistic), Key Terminology
A View from the Past to Present: General Systems Theory, System Science, Systems Approaches, Cybernetics
Dealing with Complexity: Hierarchy, Evolution, Description, Emergence, Adaptive Complex Systems
Process & Methods I: Hard, Soft, Evolutionary, and Complex Adaptive Systems
Process & Methods II: Systems Engineering & System Concept & Design
Case Study: Describing and Understanding the Problem, Translating system objectives and the future solution description into a problem statement.
Creative / Brainstorming Tools: Lateral Thinking, Systems Thinking Diagrams (ex. Mind Maps)
Problem – Solving Tools: Decision Analysis, Casual Analysis, Systems Thinking Tools (Feedback, Causal Loops, N2 charts, etc.),
Software Tools (ex. Stella, IThink, Vensum¸ Systemigram, etc. )
Systems Implementation: Spiral vs incremental implementation, Timely system implementation
Planning system design and technical implementation: Prioritize system capability phasing, Technology Road-mapping
Applications I: Socio-Technical System
Applications II: Value Chain / Lean
Application III: Global Warming

Educational Goals

General Systems Theory is a discipline of seeing the “whole”, recognizing patterns and interrelationships, and learning how to innovate a more effective, efficient and creative system solution. This course will acquaint students to basic concepts of systems thinking. The primary emphasis will be the introduction of basic systems thinking fundamentals, i.e. defining a systems perspective about any situation or problem, solving problems with that perspective, describing and modeling a problem, and designing and improving upon system solutions. After completing this course students will be able to:
• Establish a basic understanding of general systems terminology, theories, processes, methods, language and tools.
• Evaluate when it is appropriate to apply thinking methods, i.e. reductionist methods (data collection, scientific method, etc.) as opposed to applying systems thinking methods (Systems Engineering, Breakthrough Thinking/Smart Questions, etc.)
• Describe and model solutions that will enable system thinking (mind maps, feedback & causal loops, behavior over time diagrams, etc.)
• Apply systems engineering and analysis techniques to various problems. (socio – technical, supply chain, value chain / lean, etc.)

General Skills

Search, analysis and synthesis of data and information, using corresponding technologies, Adaptation to new situations, Independent work, Teamwork – distribution of responsibilities

Teaching Methods

Lectures, Exercises, Online guidance, Projected Presentations, E-mail communication, Online Synchronous and Asynchronous Teaching Platform (moodle).

Students Evaluation

Assessment Language: Greek
Public Presentations of group projects (30%)
Final Written Examinations (70%)
Evaluation criteria:
Ability to analyse and design a general system. Use appropriate system tools for systems implementation. Transfer general systems theory concepts and applications to different contexts.

Recommended Bibliography

Virginia Anderson and Lauren Johnson (1997) Systems Thinking Basics: From Concepts to Causal Loops (Pegasus)
Bela H. Banathy (2000) The Guided Evolution of Society NY: Plenum/Kluwer Academic
Ludwig von Bertalanffy (1968) General System theory: Foundations, Development, Applications, George Braziller New York
Peter Checkland Jim Scholes (1990) Soft Systems Methodology in Action. (Wiley) ISBN 0-471-92768-6
Peter Checkland Jim Sue Holwell (1998) Information, Systems and Information Systems. (Wiley) ISBN 0-471-95820-4
Jamshid Gharajedaghi Systems (2005) Thinking, Second Edition: Managing Chaos and Complexity: A Platform for Designing Business Architecture
(Butterworth-Heinemann)