Introduction to Systems Thinking
| Module title | Introduction to Systems Thinking |
|---|---|
| Module code | POLM891DA |
| Academic year | 2023/4 |
| Credits | 30 |
| Module staff | Dr Maya Vachkova (Convenor) |
| Duration: Term | 1 | 2 | 3 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Duration: Weeks | 12 |
| Number students taking module (anticipated) | 40 |
|---|
Module description
This first module in the Systems Thinking in the Public Sector MSc Programme will offer an overview of the programme and an introduction to systems thinking as an academic discipline and as a professional path. The module will commence with an overview of the programme followed by the requirements set out by the Institute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education. This includes key aspects of the apprenticeship experience, such as building a portfolio of evidence, attending the end point assessment and what is the modern meaning of a L7 apprentice. Then, students will be introduced to the fundaments of systems thinking. This includes main concepts and the main schools of systems thought with a specific focus on soft systems methodology.
Module aims - intentions of the module
This module aims to introduce students to the Systems Thinking Practitioner Standard – the portfolio of evidence and the end point assessment. The module will also introduce systems thinking as a discipline and provide an overview of main systems thinking schools of thought.
This module will present opportunities to build on knowledge dimensions K1, K2 and K3 of the Systems Thinking Practitioner Standard.
Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs)
ILO: Module-specific skills
On successfully completing the module you will be able to...
- 1. Demonstrate a solid understanding of the development of systems thinking as a discipline.
- 2. Design a strategy for improving a problematic situation.
ILO: Discipline-specific skills
On successfully completing the module you will be able to...
- 3. Design a project proposal.
- 4. Demonstrate an understanding of at least two key concepts in systems thinking.
- 5. Effectively employ qualitative modelling skills.
ILO: Personal and key skills
On successfully completing the module you will be able to...
- 6. Develop independent study and research skills.
- 7. Communicate ideas clearly.
Syllabus plan
Whilst the module’s precise content may vary from year to year, it is envisaged that the syllabus will cover some or all of the following topics:
- History and development of systems thinking.
- Main concepts in systems thinking (feedback, relationships, causality, boundaries, emergence, etc).
- The systems thinking practitioner standard.
- End point assessment and portfolio building.
- Soft systems methodology.
Learning activities and teaching methods (given in hours of study time)
| Scheduled Learning and Teaching Activities | Guided independent study | Placement / study abroad |
|---|---|---|
| 20 | 70 | 0 |
Details of learning activities and teaching methods
| Category | Hours of study time | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Scheduled learning and teaching activities | 20 | Lectures and workshops |
| Guided independent study | 70 | Private study reading and preparing for the module and the assessment |
Formative assessment
| Form of assessment | Size of the assessment (eg length / duration) | ILOs assessed | Feedback method |
|---|---|---|---|
| Project proposal outline | 500 words | 1, 3-4, 5-7 | Written |
| Poster | 1000 words | 7,5 | Peer |
Summative assessment (% of credit)
| Coursework | Written exams | Practical exams |
|---|---|---|
| 100 | 0 | 0 |
Details of summative assessment
| Form of assessment | % of credit | Size of the assessment (eg length / duration) | ILOs assessed | Feedback method |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Project Proposal | 100 | 4,000 words | 1-7 | Written |
Details of re-assessment (where required by referral or deferral)
| Original form of assessment | Form of re-assessment | ILOs re-assessed | Timescale for re-assessment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Project Proposal 4,000 words | Project Proposal 4,000 words | 1-7 | Next re-assessment period |
Indicative learning resources - Basic reading
- Jackson, M. C. (2019). Critical systems thinking and the management of complexity Chichester: Wiley.
- Ramage, M., & Shipp, K. (2009). Systems thinkers. London: Springer.
- Ackoff, R. L. (1994). Systems thinking and thinking systems. System Dynamics Review, 10(2?3), 175-188.
| Credit value | 30 |
|---|---|
| Module ECTS | 30 |
| Module pre-requisites | None |
| Module co-requisites | None |
| NQF level (module) | 7 |
| Available as distance learning? | No |
| Origin date | 10/09/2022 |
| Last revision date | 12/01/2023 |
