Managing Complex Tasks with Systems Thinking (Understanding Complex Systems)

Preface
Overview
Contents
Part I Introduction to Systems Thinking and Its Applications
1 Introduction: Managing Complex Tasks with Systems Thinking
	1.1 Introduction
	1.2 Methodology
	1.3 Research Categories
	1.4 Unique Theoretical and Methodological Perspectives
		1.4.1 Achieving Reliability Assurance of Subsea Oil and Gas Production Systems
		1.4.2 Designing Effective Strategies for Scientific Vocations
		1.4.3 On the Fusion of Economics and System Dynamics
		1.4.4 Connecting the World Networks and the World of System Dynamics
	1.5 Innovative Applications of Systems Thinking
		1.5.1 Part III: Applications of Systems Thinking in Education
		1.5.2 Part IV: Bridging the Digital Gap with Systems Thinking
		1.5.3 Part V: Addressing Agricultural Issues with Systems Thinking
		1.5.4 Part VI: Sustainability Science and Systems Thinking
		1.5.5 Part VII: Dealing with the Complexity of Healthcare Systems
	1.6 Part VIII: Finally and a Way Forward
	1.7 Concluding Remarks
	References
Part II Theoretical and Methodological Advancements
2 A Systems Engineering Framework for Reliability Assurance of Subsea Oil and Gas Production Systems
	2.1 Introduction
	2.2 System Thinking in SE
	2.3 System Architecture
	2.4 Phase-Gated-Incremental Commitment
	2.5 Fitness-For-Service
	2.6 State of Practice
	2.7 Systems Engineering V-Model
	2.8 Primary Loops of Development Process
	2.9 Requirement Analysis
	2.10 Concept of Operations (ConOps)
	2.11 Baselining
	2.12 Requirements Traceability
	2.13 Reliability Assessment for Assurance
	2.14 Technology Readiness Level
	2.15 Verification and Validation
	2.16 Provision of Evidence
	2.17 Acceptance Testing
	2.18 Insights and Implications for Practice
	References
3 Improving the Strategy for Scientific Vocations in Colombia Through Participatory Modeling Based on System Dynamics
	3.1 Introduction
	3.2 Background
	3.3 Applying Systems Thinking to Improve Complex Decision Making
	3.4 Method
	3.5 Results: Enhancing Scientific Vocations in Colombia Through PM-SD
	3.6 Conceptual Model Validation
	3.7 Discussion
	3.8 Conclusion
	3.9 Insights and Implications for Practice
	References
4 Bringing Behavioral Economics into System Dynamics: Some Challenges, Solutions, and a Path Forward
	4.1 Introduction
	4.2 The Primary Challenge
	4.3 A Common Area of Confusion
	4.4 Replication of Results
	4.5 Questions
	4.6 Replicating Difference Equation Models
		4.6.1 Samuelson’s Multiplier-accelerator Model
		4.6.2 Cobweb Model
	4.7 Converting Difference Equation Models into Their Equivalent Continuous Time Counterpart
	4.8 Replicating Discrete Time Molecules from Behavioral Economics
	4.9 Converting Discrete Time Molecules into Their Continuous Time Counterparts
	4.10 Summary and a Path Forward
	Appendix
	References
5 From Value Networks to Causal Loop Diagrams: Strategic Preparation for Designing Systemic Interventions in Organizations
	5.1 Introduction
		5.1.1 Some Characteristics of a Value Network
		5.1.2 Some Examples of Resource Flow Attributes and Values
		5.1.3 Value Generation in a Value Network
	5.2 Value Network Analysis
		5.2.1 Value Network Structural Characteristics
	5.3 Problem Definition in a Value Network
	5.4 Network Level Interventions
	5.5 Revealing the Magician Trick
	5.6 A Small Illustrative Example
		5.6.1 The Network Itself
		5.6.2 The Map\'s Narrative
		5.6.3 How to Visually Translate This Small Narrative?
		5.6.4 Dynamic Hypothesis of the Narrative
	5.7 Discussion
		5.7.1 Relationship Between the Example\'s Dynamic Hypothesis and Reference Mode
		5.7.2 Sensemaking, Problem Definition, Decision Making and Systemic Interventions
	5.8 Conclusion
	References
Part III Applications of Systems Thinking in Education
6 Learning Analytics and Interactive Multimedia Experience in Enhancing Student Learning Experience: A Systemic Approach
	6.1 Introduction
		6.1.1 What Do Learning Analytics (LA) and Interactive Multimedia Experience (IME) Mean?
		6.1.2 How Are LA and IME Related?
	6.2 Methodology
	6.3 Development of a Dynamic Hypothesis Formed by Feedback Loops that Explains How the Learning Experience Relates to the User Experience and the Teacher’s Enthusiasm
	6.4 Building the Reference Model
	6.5 The Conceptual Model
	6.6 Involvement of Researchers and Teachers in Identifying the Reference Modes, Variables, and Feedback Loops that Connect the Learning Experience with the User Experience
	6.7 Conceptual Model Validation
	6.8 Discussion
	6.9 Conclusion
	6.10 Insights and Implications for Practice
	References
7 Fostering Problem-Solving Skills and Creativity in Latin America Primary Schools Through System Dynamics
	7.1 Introduction
	7.2 Overview of System Thinking and Its Applications in System Dynamics in Education
	7.3 The Role of Collaboration in Promoting Problem Solving and Education in Latin America
	7.4 Strategies for Fostering Creative Environments in Education in Latin America Using System Thinking
	7.5 Method
	7.6 Dynamic Hypothesis
	7.7 Conceptual Model Validation
	7.8 Discussion
	7.9 Conclusion
	7.10 Insights and Implications for Practice
	References
8 Exploring Gender Inequality and Practical Solutions for an Equitable Environment for Women in Scientific Vocations
	8.1 Introduction
	8.2 Definition of Gender Inequality in Scientific Vocations
	8.3 What Are the Obstacles that Women Face in Scientific Vocations?
	8.4 System Thinking and Gender Inequality
	8.5 Method
	8.6 Results
	8.7 Conceptual Model Validation
	8.8 Discussion
	8.9 Conclusion
		8.9.1 Insights and Implications for Practice
	References
Part IV Bridging the Digital Gap with Systems Thinking
9 Leveraging AI Tools for Enhanced Digital Literacy, Access to Information, and Personalized Learning
	9.1 Introduction
	9.2 Enhancing Digital Literacy Through AI Tools
	9.3 Promoting Access to Information and Resources
	9.4 Method
	9.5 Dynamic Hypothesis
		9.5.1 Systemic Study of the Use of AI in Engineering Education
	9.6 Challenges and Limitations
	9.7 Conceptual Model Validation
	9.8 Discussion
	9.9 Conclusion
	9.10 Insights and Implications for Practice
	References
10 Navigating the IT Professional Shortage with System Thinking: Practical Insights for Better Decision Making
	10.1 Introduction
	10.2 Method
	10.3 Results
	10.4 Conceptual Model Validation
	10.5 Discussion
	10.6 Conclusion
		10.6.1 Insights and Implications for Practice
	References
Part V Addressing Agricultural Issues with Systems Thinking
11 Leveraging IoT and System Dynamics for Effective Cooperation in Solving Social Dilemmas in Water Management
	11.1 Introduction
	11.2 Literature Review
		11.2.1 Agent-Based Models for Water Management
		11.2.2 Game-Theory for Water Management
	11.3 System Dynamics and Internet of Things Technologies in Sugar Cane Crops
	11.4 Method
	11.5 Results
	11.6 Conceptual Model Validation
	11.7 Discussion
	11.8 Conclusions
	References
12 Exploring the Systemic Causes of Land Inequality with Systems Thinking
	12.1 Introduction
	12.2 Importance of the Study from Systems Thinking Perspective
	12.3 Definition of Land Inequality
		12.3.1 Importance of Exploring Systemic Causes of Land Inequality
		12.3.2 Archetype of Inequity
		12.3.3 Laws and Regulations
	12.4 Method
	12.5 Applying System Thinking Towards Bridging Gaps
		12.5.1 Developing Policies and Laws that Promote Land Reform
	12.6 Conceptual Model Validation
	12.7 Discussion
	12.8 Conclusion
		12.8.1 Insights and Implications for Practice
	References
13 Biosecurity Adherence Using Cooperation Mechanisms: Leveraging System Thinking for Effective Strategic Organizational Biosecurity Decision Making
	13.1 Introduction
	13.2 History of Biosecurity Adherence
	13.3 Social Dilemmas and Cooperation
	13.4 Biosafety and System Dynamics
	13.5 Research Questions
	13.6 Conceptual Model
	13.7 On the Modeling of Biosecure Behavior Based on Cooperation
		13.7.1 The Size of the Group
		13.7.2 The Level of Information Sharing
		13.7.3 The Presence of Punishment Mechanisms
		13.7.4 Conclusion About the Proposed Biosafety Adherence Model
	13.8 Conceptual Model Validation
	13.9 Discussion
	13.10 Conclusion
		13.10.1 Insights and Implications for Practice
	References
Part VI Sustainability Science and Systems Thinking
14 The Sustainable Management of Plastic Contents Recycling in Bangladesh: A System Dynamics Approach
	14.1 Introduction
	14.2 Literature Review
		14.2.1 Negative Impacts of Plastic Particles on the Environment
		14.2.2 World Scenario of Plastic Particle Recycling
	14.3 Research Gap
	14.4 Methodology
		14.4.1 Structural Validity
		14.4.2 Causal Loop Diagram, Modeling and Discussion
		14.4.3 Summary Causal Loop Interactions
	14.5 Plastic Recycling Impacts, Measurement and Possibilities
		14.5.1 Possible Measures Against the Negative Impact of Plastic Particles
		14.5.2 Waste Management Possibilities
		14.5.3 Possible Ideas to Collect Plastic and Its Substances
		14.5.4 Ways of Collecting Plastic Waste Using Circular Economy and Reverse Logistics
		14.5.5 Possible Initiatives for Bangladesh in Plastic Wastage Recycling
		14.5.6 Suggestive Ways Toward Sustainable Plastic Recycling
	14.6 Theoretical and Managerial Implications
	14.7 Conclusion
	References
15 The Potential Impact of ESG Spending on Public Perception of the Canadian Oil Sands
	15.1 Introduction
	15.2 Literature Review
		15.2.1 Oil Sands
		15.2.2 Environmental, Social and Governance
		15.2.3 Public Perception
		15.2.4 System Dynamics
	15.3 Methodology
		15.3.1 Model Description
	15.4 Model Validation
	15.5 Results
	15.6 Discussion
	15.7 Conclusions
		15.7.1 Limitations and Future Work
		15.7.2 Insights and Implications for Practice
	Appendix
	References
Part VII Dealing with the Complexity of Healthcare Systems
16 Understanding the Dynamics of the Logistics of N95 Mask with Systems Thinking
	16.1 Introduction
	16.2 Theoretical Review
	16.3 The Development of the Conceptual Model
	16.4 Formulation and Specification of the Simulation Model
		16.4.1 Estimation of the Simulation Model
	16.5 Validation and Testing of the Simulation Model
	16.6 Results
		16.6.1 Pandemic Multiplier Activation Scenario
		16.6.2 Surge Capacity Scenario
		16.6.3 Surge Capacity and Increased Availability of Raw Materials Scenario
		16.6.4 Increased Shipping Capacity Scenario
		16.6.5 Emergency Stock Scenario
		16.6.6 Mass Production of N95 Masks Scenario
	16.7 Policy Recommendations and Conclusions
	References
17 Improving Healthcare Policy Decisions with Systems Thinking
	17.1 Introduction
	17.2 Decision-Making and Learning with SIADH-ILE
		17.2.1 Context
		17.2.2 Simulation Model for SIADH-ILE
	17.3 Learning Objective of SIADH-ILE
	17.4 User Interface of SIADH-ILE
	17.5 Methods
		17.5.1 Sample and Setting Descriptions
		17.5.2 Participants
		17.5.3 Protocols
	17.6 Results
		17.6.1 Perceived Utility of Scenario-Based SIADH-ILE
	17.7 Conclusion
	References
18 Understanding the Dynamics of Endangered Species with System Dynamics Approach
	18.1 Introduction
	18.2 Theoretical Review
		18.2.1 Concepts, Definitions, and Background Literature About Endangered Species
		18.2.2 Endangered Species Laws
	18.3 Dynamic Hypothesis About the Dynamics of Endangered Species
	18.4 Results Based on Our Simulation Model
		18.4.1 Assumptions of Our Simulation Model
		18.4.2 Validation and Testing of the Simulation Model
		18.4.3 Analysis Using Model
	18.5 Discussion, Implication, and Conclusions
	References
19 Understanding the Dynamics of the HIV/AIDS Epidemic in China with System Dynamics
	19.1 Introduction
	19.2 A Brief Overview of the Relevant Literature
		19.2.1 Relevant Concepts and Definitions
		19.2.2 Time Horizon
		19.2.3 Background Concepts
		19.2.4 Endogenous Factors
		19.2.5 Exogenous Factors and Limitations of the Model
	19.3 Causal Mapping of the Conceptual Model
		19.3.1 Causal Loop Diagrams of Various Processes of HIV/AIDS
	19.4 The Overall Causal Loop Diagram: The Dynamic Hypothesis
		19.4.1 Boundary Identification of the Model
	19.5 Base Model of HIV
	19.6 Technology Innovation on HIV Testing Ability
	19.7 HIV Infection Model with Treatment Population
	19.8 The Limitations of Our Model
	19.9 Conclusion
	References
Part VIII Finally
20 Conclusion and a Way Forward for Managing Complex Tasks
	20.1 Introduction-Finally!
	20.2 A Way Forward
	20.3 Future Research Directions
		20.3.1 Theoretical and Methodological Advancements
		20.3.2 Learning Analytics and Interactive Multimedia with Systems Thinking
		20.3.3 Bridging the Digital Gap with Systems Thinking
		20.3.4 Addressing Agricultural Issues with Systems Thinking
		20.3.5 Sustainability Science and Systems Thinking
		20.3.6 Dealing with the Complexity of Healthcare Systems
	20.4 Concluding Remarks
Index