Addressing Complex Problem

Area of Interest: Systems Thinking; Addressing Complex Problems

Course Summary

This short course (which is also the first three days of our full Systems Thinking and Modelling Practice course) introduces the most appropriate ways of visualising the interrelationships between the various parts of real-world problems, from straightforward well-behaved problems to those problems that continually change over time and are resistant to corrective action. The course provides solid foundations for developing strategies and managing problems including those for which conventional reductionist ways of thinking are ineffective. Those interested in practising the skills developed on this course may wish to stay on for the following two days to complete the Systems Thinking and Modelling Practice course, which forms the basis of the micro-credential ZEIT8244 Systems Thinking and Modelling Knowledge course that may be used to gain credit towards a postgraduate program (see Masters credit section below).

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Course Content

Introduction: The nature of problems including well-behaved, complex, and wicked problems | Human ability to solve problems | A problem solving framework for complex problems | Introduction to problem-solving tools

Addressing Well-behaved Problems: Identification of stakeholders | Definition of problem statement | Functional decomposition of well-behaved problems | Functional decomposition exercise (in groups): Stakeholders; Constraints; Need statement; Operational scenarios; Measures of effectiveness; Support concepts; and Context diagrams

Addressing Complex/Wicked Problems: The difference between well-behaved problems and complex/wicked problems | Systems thinking language | Understanding the problem | Tools for solving complex problems | Causal loop diagramming (CLD) | CLD exercises | Using archetypes to think about complex problems | reflecting on holistic complexity | Creative thinking methods | Decision making and strategy development (ACTIFELD, Field Anomaly Relaxation)

Who should attend

Ideal for: The course is valuable for anyone faced with continually changing problems in public or private sector organisations or communities.

Prerequisite: There is no prerequisite for this course.

Instructors

Oz Sahin

Dr. Sahin is a Senior Lecturer at Capability System Centre, UNSW Canberra, with specialized expertise in advanced modelling approaches for natural resource management, engineering management, public health, climate change adaptation, and risk assessment. His research interests encompass various domains such as sustainable built environment, ecosystem-based approaches, and integrated water, energy, and climate modelling. Additionally, he employs decision support systems utilising coupled System Dynamics and GIS modelling, Bayesian Network modelling, multiple criteria decision analysis, and operational research methods and models.

Dr. Sahin has authored or co-authored over 160 peer-reviewed publication outputs, research papers, and consultancy reports. His work is highly regarded and widely recognised for its practical impact in industries and academia alike. He has also presented his research at numerous international conferences and collaborated with other researchers, organizations, and stakeholders to advance knowledge and innovation in the field of modelling and natural resource management.

In a nutshell, Dr. Sahin is an accomplished expert in systems modelling, with a diverse range of expertise and experience. His contributions to academia and industry have been significant, and his expertise in advanced modelling approaches has been highly valued by various organisations and initiatives seeking to advance knowledge and innovation in modelling and natural resource management.