Systems Thinking and Complex Problem Analysis

This DIXONTECH programme equips professionals with advanced systems thinking tools to understand and address complex organizational problems. It emphasizes analytical, creative, and strategic approaches to diagnosing challenges, revealing interconnections, and designing sustainable solutions. Participants will learn to apply causal analysis, feedback modeling, and systemic reasoning to improve decision-making, manage uncertainty, and lead effectively in dynamic environments.

TRAINING TOPICS

• Foundations of Systems Thinking and Complexity Science
• Understanding Complex, Complicated, and Chaotic Systems
• Causal Loop Diagrams and Feedback Dynamics
• Tools for System Mapping and Behavior Analysis
• Root Cause Analysis and Systemic Diagnosis
• Adaptive Thinking and Decision-Making in Complexity
• Scenario Planning and Systems Modelling for Solutions
• Organizational Learning and Change through Systems Thinking
• Building Resilient and Responsive Systems
• Strategic Application of Systems Tools in Problem Solving

BY THE END OF THIS TRAINING COURSE, DELEGATES WILL BE ABLE TO:

Analyze and solve complex problems using systems thinking frameworks for sustainable outcomes.

• Understand how systems behave and interact dynamically
• Identify feedback loops and interdependencies in challenges
• Diagnose complex organizational and strategic issues
• Apply systemic models to predict and mitigate problems
• Enhance strategic decision-making through systemic insights
• Design holistic and adaptive solutions to recurring issues
• Communicate complex problems effectively using visual tools
• Foster a culture of learning and systems awareness

TRAINING IS TAILORED TO:

Professionals, analysts, and leaders involved in decision-making and strategic problem-solving.

• Strategic planners and policy developers
• Systems analysts and organizational consultants
• Operations and risk management professionals
• Innovation and R&D specialists
• HR, OD, and change management experts
• Project and program leaders
• Public administration and governance professionals
• Senior executives leading transformation initiatives

TRAINING METHODOLOGY:

DIXONTECH’s approach combines analytical modeling, simulation, and collaborative systems mapping. Participants engage in diagnostic case studies, group exercises, and problem-solving simulations to translate systems theory into practical, real-world applications. The course uses systems diagrams, causal loop modeling, and interactive scenario analysis to enhance strategic and adaptive problem-solving capabilities.

DAY 1:

INTRODUCTION TO SYSTEMS THINKING AND COMPLEXITY

• Understanding systems, subsystems, and boundaries
• Difference between simple, complicated, and complex problems
• Core concepts: emergence, feedback, and adaptability
• Exploring the origins of systems thinking
• Why traditional problem-solving fails in complex environments
• Key frameworks: systems theory, cybernetics, and complexity science
• Case study: analyzing complexity in organizational systems

DAY 2:

MAPPING AND DIAGNOSING SYSTEMIC PROBLEMS

• How to visualize systems using causal loop diagrams
• Understanding reinforcing and balancing feedback loops
• Identifying patterns of behavior and systemic archetypes
• Root cause analysis beyond symptoms
• Using system mapping to identify leverage points
• Group exercise: diagnosing a recurring organizational issue
• Reflection: insights from a systems diagnosis process

DAY 3:

SYSTEMIC DECISION-MAKING AND ADAPTIVE SOLUTIONS

• Adaptive leadership in complex environments
• Tools for systems-based decision analysis
• Modeling system behavior through simulation exercises
• Anticipating unintended consequences of change
• Developing adaptive and flexible strategic solutions
• Scenario planning and systems foresight techniques
• Workshop: building a systemic solution model

DAY 4:

ORGANIZATIONAL LEARNING AND SYSTEM CHANGE

• Learning organizations and the power of feedback learning loops
• Double-loop learning and mental models in problem-solving
• Enhancing communication and collaboration in system change
• Applying systems thinking to organizational transformation
• Balancing structure and flexibility in system design
• Role-play: managing resistance in a system change process
• Case study: learning from complex adaptive organizations

DAY 5:

STRATEGIC SYSTEMS APPLICATION AND CONTINUOUS IMPROVEMENT

• Integrating systems thinking into strategy development
• Building resilient and self-correcting systems
• Measuring impact and learning from system behavior
• Using systems tools for cross-sector collaboration
• Digital systems thinking tools and analytics for decision-making