Developing a Systems Mindset

  • 4.2
Approx. 9 hours to complete

Course Summary

This course teaches a systems thinking approach to problem-solving that can be applied to a wide range of industries and situations. The course covers topics such as system dynamics, causal loop diagrams, and stock and flow diagrams.

Key Learning Points

  • Learn how to use systems thinking to identify and solve complex problems
  • Apply the skills learned in this course to a wide range of industries and situations
  • Gain a deeper understanding of how different components of a system interact with each other

Job Positions & Salaries of people who have taken this course might have

    • USA: $70,000 - $130,000
    • India: ₹ 4,00,000 - ₹ 12,00,000
    • Spain: €25,000 - €45,000
    • USA: $70,000 - $130,000
    • India: ₹ 4,00,000 - ₹ 12,00,000
    • Spain: €25,000 - €45,000

    • USA: $60,000 - $120,000
    • India: ₹ 5,00,000 - ₹ 18,00,000
    • Spain: €30,000 - €60,000
    • USA: $70,000 - $130,000
    • India: ₹ 4,00,000 - ₹ 12,00,000
    • Spain: €25,000 - €45,000

    • USA: $60,000 - $120,000
    • India: ₹ 5,00,000 - ₹ 18,00,000
    • Spain: €30,000 - €60,000

    • USA: $60,000 - $100,000
    • India: ₹ 4,00,000 - ₹ 10,00,000
    • Spain: €25,000 - €45,000

Related Topics for further study


Learning Outcomes

  • Understand how to use systems thinking to solve complex problems
  • Learn how to analyze and interpret complex data using system dynamics
  • Gain a deeper understanding of how different components of a system interact with each other

Prerequisites or good to have knowledge before taking this course

  • No prior knowledge of systems thinking or related fields is required
  • Basic knowledge of mathematics and statistics is recommended

Course Difficulty Level

Intermediate

Course Format

  • Online
  • Self-paced

Similar Courses

  • Introduction to System Dynamics
  • Systems Thinking and Complexity
  • Model Thinking

Related Education Paths


Notable People in This Field

  • Peter Senge
  • Jay Forrester

Related Books

Description

A Systems Mindset teaches learners how to interact effectively as service providers, consultants, researchers, developers, or other professionals providing a service or product to a person, group, or community. This course provides the basic foundations for policy makers, real estate developers, consultants, government agencies, engineers, and non-profit organizations the first steps in engaging complex problems where engagement with communities and stakeholders is necessary. Being a successful professional requires creative, innovative, and entrepreneurial thinking, and to continually have a problem-solving mindset. Yes, absolutely! But you also need to be a listener. You need to truly value the community and stakeholders - the ones who have the most to gain and lose from your actions. It is important for you to listen, learn what is important, and then act. This course will highlight the urgency for you to have a systems mindset to engage complex problems for a systems perspective, meaning that you have approach problems from different angles, scales and perspectives. This class is the first step in creating that mindset and for you to effectively engage – from receiving the “ask” for “assistance”, to orienting yourself to the issue, understanding the community, and developing a project plan. Students will learn how to use a systems mindset to understand scaled systems, nested hierarchies, and the interactions between social and environmental systems. Students will also learn practical skills and techniques that build rapport, trust, and buy-in.

Knowledge

  • Build the core knowledge needed to build a systems mindset.
  • D​evelop the ability to operationalize systems thinking.
  • L​earn how to understand communities and develop place based interest.

Outline

  • Introduction to Systems
  • Welcome to Developing a Systems Mindset
  • Introduction to Systems Mindsets
  • Systems Thinking
  • Defining a System
  • Defining Key Terms
  • Systems Mindset – Scale & Hierarchy
  • Systems Mindset – Social & Environmental Systems
  • Systems Mindset – Landscapes
  • Consulting Is More Than Giving Advice
  • Progress Quiz
  • End of Module Assessment
  • Operationalize Systems Thinking
  • Introduction to Operationalizing Systems Thinking
  • Positionality and Bias
  • Getting to Team
  • Four Phases of Project Management
  • Who's on my Team?
  • Going from Ideas to Vision
  • Background Research
  • Presenting Yourself
  • Value Proposition
  • Making Meetings Count
  • Four Phases of a Project Proposal
  • Reviewing Positionality and Bias
  • Reviewing Value Propositions
  • End of Operationalizing Systems Assessment
  • Understanding a Community
  • Introduction to Understanding a Community
  • A Framework for Observation and Inquiry
  • Custom, Culture, and Legacy: Part 1
  • Custom, Culture, and Legacy: Part 2
  • Introduction to Stakeholder Engagement
  • Social and Cultural Profile
  • Creating a Project Scope
  • Project Resources
  • Team Contract and Communication Plan
  • Project Proposal
  • Developing new economic opportunities through offroad tourism
  • Custom, Culture and Legacy in Colombia
  • Final Assignment
  • Further Reading
  • Systems Mindset Case Studies
  • Reviewing Custom, Culture, and Legacy
  • Reviewing Project Proposals
  • End of Understanding Communities Assessment

Summary of User Reviews

Key Aspect Users Liked About This Course

The course provides a comprehensive approach to systems thinking and practical applications.

Pros from User Reviews

  • The course material is well-organized and easy to follow.
  • The instructors are knowledgeable and engaging.
  • The course provides practical examples and exercises to apply systems thinking in real-world scenarios.
  • The course is self-paced, allowing learners to complete it on their own schedule.
  • The course is suitable for both beginners and experienced professionals.

Cons from User Reviews

  • The pace of the course can be challenging for some learners.
  • Some learners have mentioned that the course could benefit from more interactive elements.
  • The course may not be suitable for those looking for a more theoretical approach to systems thinking.
  • The course may be too basic for experienced professionals in the field.
  • The course requires a significant time commitment to complete.
English
Available now
Approx. 9 hours to complete
Joel Hartter
University of Colorado Boulder
Coursera

Instructor

Joel Hartter

  • 4.2 Raiting
Share
Saved Course list
Cancel
Get Course Update
Computer Courses