In "The Fifth Discipline: The Art & Practice of the Learning Organization" Peter Senge (1990) indicated that Systems Thinking was the fifth discipline; the discipline that linked the other four together. It is my contention that Systems Thinking is the first discipline; the discipline that enables one to make sense of the other four disciplines, and everything else for that matter. As such this site is dedicated to Systems Thinking with the following purpose:
Enable individuals to think and act more intelligently with regard to situations that concern them.
What is required is a method for developing a sound understanding of a situation and evolving a strategy that is highly likely to improve the situation. It is the intent of this site to provide that methodical approach, along with numerous examples to aid in substantiating the approach.
Conventions
- Rather than begin with a lengthy introduction attempting to substantiate the value of this approach, if you're willing to invest a few hours, you can just begin experiencing it, and its power will emerge as a natural result. If you're going to learn to ride a bicycle a lengthy description of how to ride a bicycle is of far less utility than actually spending time on a bicycle, though a few initial pointers are essential.
- All models are constructed with the Simgua software. These models could be implemented in Stella/ithink, Vensim or Powersim as well; though after having used numerous simulation packages Simgua is currently my software of choice. Some of the descriptive diagrams were developed in Vensim PLE for reasons that will become evident. The final version of each model is executable via the web with no software required.
Connections
I believe the content of this site can substantially benefit from your feedback. As such, as you interact with the content, you are encouraged to provide feedback to Gene Bellinger.
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