Displaying 1 - 48 of 550
English
Methods for Systems Thinking: 65+ Practical Approaches for Exploring Systems, Perspectives, and Complexity
RRP: £28.85; Paperback: 270 pp; Publisher: Routledge; ISBN 978-1041111719 Methods for Systems Thinking is a practical workbook with more than 65 methods you can apply right away. It helps you explore complex systems, involve the right people, and respond effectively to change. The QuickStart Guide shows you where to begin. You can start with the short theory section, use the 5M Methods Matrix...
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English
Methods for Systems Thinking: 65+ Practical Approaches for Exploring Systems, Perspectives, and Complexity
RRP: £28.85; Paperback: 270 pp; Publisher: Routledge; ISBN 978-1041111719 Methods for Systems Thinking is a practical workbook with more than 65 methods you can apply right away. It helps you explore complex systems, involve the right people, and respond effectively to change. The QuickStart Guide shows you where to begin. You can start with the short theory section, use the 5M Methods Matrix...
English
0:24 +Q
Using SSM to consider the best way to regulate a construction product
This report applies Soft Systems Methodology (SSM) to examine how a construction product can be effectively regulated under the UK Construction Products Regulation 2011 (CPR). This product is safety‑critical and increasing volumes of imports —combined with a complex post‑EU‑exit regulatory framework—create challenges for ensuring product compliance. The study explores issues across the supply...
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English
0:24 +Q
Using SSM to consider the best way to regulate a construction product
This report applies Soft Systems Methodology (SSM) to examine how a construction product can be effectively regulated under the UK Construction Products Regulation 2011 (CPR). This product is safety‑critical and increasing volumes of imports —combined with a complex post‑EU‑exit regulatory framework—create challenges for ensuring product compliance. The study explores issues across the supply...
Use with Accreditation
English
0:31 +Q
Using SSM to support and engage colleagues in times of organisational change
This presentation reflects on using Soft Systems Methodology (SSM) to reshape risk management in a complex environmental organisation, Natural England. Tasked with delivering reforms and increasing risk-based decision-making, the team used rich pictures, conceptual models, and iterative exercises to navigate ambiguity, surface organizational tensions, and align stakeholders around risk...
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English
0:31 +Q
Using SSM to support and engage colleagues in times of organisational change
This presentation reflects on using Soft Systems Methodology (SSM) to reshape risk management in a complex environmental organisation, Natural England. Tasked with delivering reforms and increasing risk-based decision-making, the team used rich pictures, conceptual models, and iterative exercises to navigate ambiguity, surface organizational tensions, and align stakeholders around risk...
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Finnish
Ihmiskeskeinen vaikuttavuuslaskenta – mistä vipuvarret systeemin muutokseen?
Miksi jotkut organisaatiot onnistuvat muuttamaan kokonaisia systeemejä, kun toiset jäävät yksittäisten toimenpiteiden tasolle? Pekka Lavila (Synesis, ImpactorX) esittelee menetelmän, jossa yhdistyvät systeeminen ajattelu, perinteinen tutkimustieto, kokemustieto ja taloudelliset vaikutukset. Lähestymistapa auttaa organisaatioita tunnistamaan kompleksisten ongelmien – kuten segregaation –...
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Finnish
Ihmiskeskeinen vaikuttavuuslaskenta – mistä vipuvarret systeemin muutokseen?
Miksi jotkut organisaatiot onnistuvat muuttamaan kokonaisia systeemejä, kun toiset jäävät yksittäisten toimenpiteiden tasolle? Pekka Lavila (Synesis, ImpactorX) esittelee menetelmän, jossa yhdistyvät systeeminen ajattelu, perinteinen tutkimustieto, kokemustieto ja taloudelliset vaikutukset. Lähestymistapa auttaa organisaatioita tunnistamaan kompleksisten ongelmien – kuten segregaation –...
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German
Systemisch-vernetztes Denken und Sustainability-Transformation
RRP: £45; Paperback: 395pp; Publisher: Springer Gabler; ISBN 978-3658486440 Dieses Buch bietet eine Darstellung von Frederic Vesters einflussreichen Arbeiten zum systemischen Denken und zur Sustainability-Transformation. Anlässlich des 100. Geburtstages dieses visionären Vordenkers versammelt der Band aktuelle Beiträge von Kolleginnen und Kollegen, Mitstreitern, Freunden und kritischen...
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German
Systemisch-vernetztes Denken und Sustainability-Transformation
RRP: £45; Paperback: 395pp; Publisher: Springer Gabler; ISBN 978-3658486440 Dieses Buch bietet eine Darstellung von Frederic Vesters einflussreichen Arbeiten zum systemischen Denken und zur Sustainability-Transformation. Anlässlich des 100. Geburtstages dieses visionären Vordenkers versammelt der Band aktuelle Beiträge von Kolleginnen und Kollegen, Mitstreitern, Freunden und kritischen...
English
0:27 +Q
The Value of Multi-Methodology and Adaptive Approaches in Complex Systems
This talk explores the value of multiple-methodology practice in navigating real-world complexity within children’s and adults’ social care. Drawing on a live intervention in Somerset’s Dementia Wellbeing Service—a partnership of 67 organizations—the presentation shows how shifting conditions, limited engagement, power imbalances, and hidden cultural boundaries required an adaptive and dynamic...
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English
0:27 +Q
The Value of Multi-Methodology and Adaptive Approaches in Complex Systems
This talk explores the value of multiple-methodology practice in navigating real-world complexity within children’s and adults’ social care. Drawing on a live intervention in Somerset’s Dementia Wellbeing Service—a partnership of 67 organizations—the presentation shows how shifting conditions, limited engagement, power imbalances, and hidden cultural boundaries required an adaptive and dynamic...
Contact the Author
English
0:25 +Q
New Horizons for VSM
This talk argues that the Viable System Model (VSM) can be strengthened by integrating social-constructivist approaches that address the human complexity of organizations. Drawing on career experience and case studies from utilities, healthcare, and large-scale mergers, it shows how meaning-making, relationships, power dynamics, and emotional pressures shape organizational viability as much as...
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English
0:25 +Q
New Horizons for VSM
This talk argues that the Viable System Model (VSM) can be strengthened by integrating social-constructivist approaches that address the human complexity of organizations. Drawing on career experience and case studies from utilities, healthcare, and large-scale mergers, it shows how meaning-making, relationships, power dynamics, and emotional pressures shape organizational viability as much as...
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English
0:39 +Q
Pacing Changes: Seeing Living Systems as Rhythms
How do you approach systems change when there’s no “pause” button? This presentation shifts how we see systems: from the default spatial-static to a more processual-dynamic perspective. We integrate concepts drawn from this living systems perspective found in anthropology, architecture, and classical Chinese medicine, amongst others. Pacing Changes is introduced as a method for working with the...
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English
0:39 +Q
Pacing Changes: Seeing Living Systems as Rhythms
How do you approach systems change when there’s no “pause” button? This presentation shifts how we see systems: from the default spatial-static to a more processual-dynamic perspective. We integrate concepts drawn from this living systems perspective found in anthropology, architecture, and classical Chinese medicine, amongst others. Pacing Changes is introduced as a method for working with the...
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German
1:26
Management-Kybernetik als allgemeiner Rahmen für die erfolgreiche Umsetzung von Lean Management
Zahlreiche Lean-Transformationsprojekte scheitern oder erreichen nicht die gewünschte Performance und/oder Tragfähigkeit, die für eine nachhaltige Umsetzung des Lean Managements erforderlich ist. Es gibt jedoch einige Faktoren, die die erfolgreiche Umsetzung des Lean Managements im Tagesgeschäft unterstützen. Dazu zählen nach Ansicht der Autoren die Managementkybernetik und insbesondere das Viable...
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German
1:26
Management-Kybernetik als allgemeiner Rahmen für die erfolgreiche Umsetzung von Lean Management
Zahlreiche Lean-Transformationsprojekte scheitern oder erreichen nicht die gewünschte Performance und/oder Tragfähigkeit, die für eine nachhaltige Umsetzung des Lean Managements erforderlich ist. Es gibt jedoch einige Faktoren, die die erfolgreiche Umsetzung des Lean Managements im Tagesgeschäft unterstützen. Dazu zählen nach Ansicht der Autoren die Managementkybernetik und insbesondere das Viable...
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English
0:27
Systems practice for everyone – simple, but not easy
Ed (& Vincent) introduce a practical approach to systems practice, emphasizing communication and collaboration as the foundation of organizational life. Moving beyond abstract models, the presentation focuses on three reframed perspectives: Fernando Flores’ Conversations for Action loop, negative feedback as the basis of stability in collaboration, and Stafford Beer’s principle of requisite...
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English
0:27
Systems practice for everyone – simple, but not easy
Ed (& Vincent) introduce a practical approach to systems practice, emphasizing communication and collaboration as the foundation of organizational life. Moving beyond abstract models, the presentation focuses on three reframed perspectives: Fernando Flores’ Conversations for Action loop, negative feedback as the basis of stability in collaboration, and Stafford Beer’s principle of requisite...
Contact the Author
English
Complexity and Collaboration - workshop at SysPrac25
The workshop, facilitated by Simon MacCormac and Ken Carroll, "Complexity & Collaboration," is designed for individuals and teams engaged in collaborative systemic enquiry. It aims to equip participants with the knowledge and tools necessary to make collaboration successful. The session covers various aspects of collaboration, including when it is necessary, creating the right environment, setting...
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English
Complexity and Collaboration - workshop at SysPrac25
The workshop, facilitated by Simon MacCormac and Ken Carroll, "Complexity & Collaboration," is designed for individuals and teams engaged in collaborative systemic enquiry. It aims to equip participants with the knowledge and tools necessary to make collaboration successful. The session covers various aspects of collaboration, including when it is necessary, creating the right environment, setting...
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English
0:23
System Leadership
This presentation explores an emerging approach to systemic leadership, questioning whether current interpretations adequately connect leadership practices to the real-time state of systems. While mainstream systems leadership often emphasizes individual skills and interpersonal behaviours, Gavin argues that such perspectives risk overlooking the structural and dynamic conditions that actually...
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Confidential – Members Only
English
0:23
System Leadership
This presentation explores an emerging approach to systemic leadership, questioning whether current interpretations adequately connect leadership practices to the real-time state of systems. While mainstream systems leadership often emphasizes individual skills and interpersonal behaviours, Gavin argues that such perspectives risk overlooking the structural and dynamic conditions that actually...
Confidential – Members Only
English
0:23
Requisite literacy for systems thinking in practice
Martin Reynolds reflects on the idea of systems thinking literacy as essential for practice beyond academia. Drawing on postgraduate development and teaching of systems thinking in practice (STiP) qualifications, action research with STiP alumni, and the development of the Level 7 Systems Thinking Practitioner Apprenticeship qualification, Martin highlights tensions between developing capabilities...
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English
0:23
Requisite literacy for systems thinking in practice
Martin Reynolds reflects on the idea of systems thinking literacy as essential for practice beyond academia. Drawing on postgraduate development and teaching of systems thinking in practice (STiP) qualifications, action research with STiP alumni, and the development of the Level 7 Systems Thinking Practitioner Apprenticeship qualification, Martin highlights tensions between developing capabilities...
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English
Systemic Consulting, rethinking the consultant's role - workshop at SysPrac25
This workshop challenged consultants to move beyond being expert problem-solvers to becoming partners in systemic change. Benjamin Taylor set an interactive, provocative tone – drawing on Peter Block’s Flawless Consulting – to explore how consultants can serve client organisations differently, embracing vulnerability, dialogue, and co-creation in complex environments (public sector and beyond). He...
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English
Systemic Consulting, rethinking the consultant's role - workshop at SysPrac25
This workshop challenged consultants to move beyond being expert problem-solvers to becoming partners in systemic change. Benjamin Taylor set an interactive, provocative tone – drawing on Peter Block’s Flawless Consulting – to explore how consultants can serve client organisations differently, embracing vulnerability, dialogue, and co-creation in complex environments (public sector and beyond). He...
Contact the Author
English
0:21
Recursive canvases in management consulting: applied systems thinking or not?
Tim presented an approach to integrating different systems thinking methodologies and tools with business analysis tools into a bespoke inhouse Strategy and Transformation Canvas, building on Osterwalder's business model canvas and his own work at the University of Northampton on a social venture canvas. He showed the the canvas is recursive and helps the practitioner to 'locate' the common...
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English
0:21
Recursive canvases in management consulting: applied systems thinking or not?
Tim presented an approach to integrating different systems thinking methodologies and tools with business analysis tools into a bespoke inhouse Strategy and Transformation Canvas, building on Osterwalder's business model canvas and his own work at the University of Northampton on a social venture canvas. He showed the the canvas is recursive and helps the practitioner to 'locate' the common...
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English
0:19
Thinking Differently Together: A Long-Lived Systemic Inquiry into Growing Colleagues’ Systems Thinking in Practice at The Open University
How might Open University colleagues support one another in thinking differently and acting with purpose? Anne Gambles introduced the early stages of a long-lived systemic inquiry within The Open University Systems Thinking in Practice (STiP) Community of Practice (CoP), co-developing strategy through Soft Systems Methodology and Hypothesis-Driven Delivery. Starting with Why?, Focusing on Outcomes...
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English
0:19
Thinking Differently Together: A Long-Lived Systemic Inquiry into Growing Colleagues’ Systems Thinking in Practice at The Open University
How might Open University colleagues support one another in thinking differently and acting with purpose? Anne Gambles introduced the early stages of a long-lived systemic inquiry within The Open University Systems Thinking in Practice (STiP) Community of Practice (CoP), co-developing strategy through Soft Systems Methodology and Hypothesis-Driven Delivery. Starting with Why?, Focusing on Outcomes...
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English
0:21
Unleashing innovation from a Systems Practice perspective
This presentation challenges dominant paradigms in systems thinking and explores how shifting perspectives can better sustain innovation in complex adaptive systems. Drawing on research in schools, prisons, and healthcare, Dr. Luke Roberts critiques mechanistic and “whole system” approaches that often fail to account for feedback, social energy, and the role of narrative. He demonstrates how...
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English
0:21
Unleashing innovation from a Systems Practice perspective
This presentation challenges dominant paradigms in systems thinking and explores how shifting perspectives can better sustain innovation in complex adaptive systems. Drawing on research in schools, prisons, and healthcare, Dr. Luke Roberts critiques mechanistic and “whole system” approaches that often fail to account for feedback, social energy, and the role of narrative. He demonstrates how...
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English
0:25
Systems diagramming: Experiences of inviting people to draw
Kevin Collins, Senior Lecturer at the Open University, explores the value of systems diagramming as a tool for thinking, learning, and communicating about complex issues. Through examples ranging from classroom activities on “drought” to historical cases like Darwin’s tree of life, he shows how diagrams help surface assumptions, emotions, and framings, making mental models visible and open to...
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English
0:25
Systems diagramming: Experiences of inviting people to draw
Kevin Collins, Senior Lecturer at the Open University, explores the value of systems diagramming as a tool for thinking, learning, and communicating about complex issues. Through examples ranging from classroom activities on “drought” to historical cases like Darwin’s tree of life, he shows how diagrams help surface assumptions, emotions, and framings, making mental models visible and open to...
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English
0:49
Professionalising the Systems Thinking Practitioner: Navigating structure determinism? - keynote at SysPrac25
Interim abstract: Professionalizing the systems thinking practitioner: navigating structure determinism? builds on the ideas of Maturana, Checkland, and Vickers emphasising that systems are shaped by their structures, which both enable and limit change. Ray reflects on the Open University’s contributions to systems education, including postgraduate programs, and stresses the importance of systemic...
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English
0:49
Professionalising the Systems Thinking Practitioner: Navigating structure determinism? - keynote at SysPrac25
Interim abstract: Professionalizing the systems thinking practitioner: navigating structure determinism? builds on the ideas of Maturana, Checkland, and Vickers emphasising that systems are shaped by their structures, which both enable and limit change. Ray reflects on the Open University’s contributions to systems education, including postgraduate programs, and stresses the importance of systemic...
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English
0:22
Overcoming the boundaries between stakeholders for project success
Failure to identify the right stakeholder at the right stage of a project creates a likely risk the project will fail. The stakeholders are the providers of the support needed by the project, be it resources, knowledge, or consent. Not identifying may lead to incorrect assumptions and hidden barriers impacting time, cost and quality. The Stakeholder environment is usually complex and is...
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English
0:22
Overcoming the boundaries between stakeholders for project success
Failure to identify the right stakeholder at the right stage of a project creates a likely risk the project will fail. The stakeholders are the providers of the support needed by the project, be it resources, knowledge, or consent. Not identifying may lead to incorrect assumptions and hidden barriers impacting time, cost and quality. The Stakeholder environment is usually complex and is...
Contact the Author
English
0:24
Making Missions Possible with Systems Thinking
This talk explores the critical role of systems thinking in achieving mission success. The presentation highlights the necessity of applying systems thinking approaches to tackle the UK government's five major missions under its Plan for Change. Unlike traditional projects that focus on specific, concrete objectives, missions require a systems approach to address long-term, complex challenges. The...
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English
0:24
Making Missions Possible with Systems Thinking
This talk explores the critical role of systems thinking in achieving mission success. The presentation highlights the necessity of applying systems thinking approaches to tackle the UK government's five major missions under its Plan for Change. Unlike traditional projects that focus on specific, concrete objectives, missions require a systems approach to address long-term, complex challenges. The...
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English
0:11
Regulatory Strategy Design in the Construction Products Sector
This talk explores how systems thinking and participatory modelling were applied to strategy design in the UK construction products sector following systemic failures revealed by the Grenfell Tower fire. The speaker, bridging research and practice through a PhD and consultancy, emphasizes that the quality of information feeding strategy processes is a critical leverage point often overlooked...
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English
0:11
Regulatory Strategy Design in the Construction Products Sector
This talk explores how systems thinking and participatory modelling were applied to strategy design in the UK construction products sector following systemic failures revealed by the Grenfell Tower fire. The speaker, bridging research and practice through a PhD and consultancy, emphasizes that the quality of information feeding strategy processes is a critical leverage point often overlooked...
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English
0:24
Understanding the impact of sustainability intermediaries in a complex adaptive system
This presentation outlines an evolving attempt by an organisation working in a densely-populated, complex and dynamic ecosystem to understand the impact of its policy-influencing work. The organisation is exploring impact across numerous dimensions and seeks to understand its contributions to wider systemic change, rather than seek direct attribution.
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English
0:24
Understanding the impact of sustainability intermediaries in a complex adaptive system
This presentation outlines an evolving attempt by an organisation working in a densely-populated, complex and dynamic ecosystem to understand the impact of its policy-influencing work. The organisation is exploring impact across numerous dimensions and seeks to understand its contributions to wider systemic change, rather than seek direct attribution.
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English
System Dynamics (SD) - workshop at SysPrac25
This is the material for the hands-on workshop on how to build a system dynamics model. If you follow the step-by-step instructions, you will get a long way with actually creating a working model of your own, these slides point to a complete version of that model and the slideshow shows every step in turn.
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English
System Dynamics (SD) - workshop at SysPrac25
This is the material for the hands-on workshop on how to build a system dynamics model. If you follow the step-by-step instructions, you will get a long way with actually creating a working model of your own, these slides point to a complete version of that model and the slideshow shows every step in turn.
Contact the Author
English
0:14
Building a flywheel with an IT leadership team - Using Vester's Sensitivity Model to improve IT application cost dynamics
This presentation introduces a practical approach to building organizational momentum in IT leadership teams by combining the flywheel concept with Frederic Vester’s sensitivity model. Drawing on over two decades of leadership experience in corporate IT and Amazon Web Services, Andrea Weierich explores how systemic methods can help IT functions—often under cost, service, and complexity pressures...
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English
0:14
Building a flywheel with an IT leadership team - Using Vester's Sensitivity Model to improve IT application cost dynamics
This presentation introduces a practical approach to building organizational momentum in IT leadership teams by combining the flywheel concept with Frederic Vester’s sensitivity model. Drawing on over two decades of leadership experience in corporate IT and Amazon Web Services, Andrea Weierich explores how systemic methods can help IT functions—often under cost, service, and complexity pressures...
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English
0:12
I wanted to say “no” – instead, I said “wait”
This talk is a personal reflection from a systems thinking apprentice working at Animal Free Research UK, a charity aiming to end animal testing. The speaker recounts how, when confronted with a rushed plan to launch a membership scheme without adequate reflection, they resisted the urge to say “no” outright and instead suggested a pause. This small intervention created space for a structured...
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Confidential – Members Only
English
0:12
I wanted to say “no” – instead, I said “wait”
This talk is a personal reflection from a systems thinking apprentice working at Animal Free Research UK, a charity aiming to end animal testing. The speaker recounts how, when confronted with a rushed plan to launch a membership scheme without adequate reflection, they resisted the urge to say “no” outright and instead suggested a pause. This small intervention created space for a structured...
Confidential – Members Only
English
0:42
Reflections and Questions - panel discussion concluding SysPrac25
This panel discussion closed the SysPrac25 conference with reflections from keynote speakers and interactive audience engagement. Speakers highlighted the conference's high-quality contributions, the importance of systems thinking, and the value of community connections. Themes included the balance between academic theory and practical application, the challenges and future of apprenticeship...
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English
0:42
Reflections and Questions - panel discussion concluding SysPrac25
This panel discussion closed the SysPrac25 conference with reflections from keynote speakers and interactive audience engagement. Speakers highlighted the conference's high-quality contributions, the importance of systems thinking, and the value of community connections. Themes included the balance between academic theory and practical application, the challenges and future of apprenticeship...
Use with Accreditation
English
0:23
How can a small charity make a meaningful impact on the entrenched, complex system of animal use in medical research?
Carla Owen and Nicola Reeves of Animal Free Research UK describe their charity’s shift from traditional grant-making towards a systems-thinking approach to ending animal testing. Recognizing a limited impact after decades of funding, the organization adopted tools such as SSM, VSM, and Patterns of Strategy to reframe its role—moving from simply funding research to convening networks, restructuring...
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Confidential – Members Only
English
0:23
How can a small charity make a meaningful impact on the entrenched, complex system of animal use in medical research?
Carla Owen and Nicola Reeves of Animal Free Research UK describe their charity’s shift from traditional grant-making towards a systems-thinking approach to ending animal testing. Recognizing a limited impact after decades of funding, the organization adopted tools such as SSM, VSM, and Patterns of Strategy to reframe its role—moving from simply funding research to convening networks, restructuring...
Confidential – Members Only
English
0:23
Debunking the Agile panacea - using Systems Thinking to explore where Agile will work well
Agile has been a big hit in project management, but the shine is wearing off. Failure rates are mounting and more leaders are questioning whether it really delivers. This talk unpacks why Agile often falls short and shows how Systems Thinking can fill the gaps; offering a practical proposal for fusing the two into something more effective.
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Confidential – Members Only
English
0:23
Debunking the Agile panacea - using Systems Thinking to explore where Agile will work well
Agile has been a big hit in project management, but the shine is wearing off. Failure rates are mounting and more leaders are questioning whether it really delivers. This talk unpacks why Agile often falls short and shows how Systems Thinking can fill the gaps; offering a practical proposal for fusing the two into something more effective.
Confidential – Members Only
English
0:10
Reshaping Risk Management to Deliver Critical Reforms in a Complex Environmental Organisation
This presentation reflects on using Soft Systems Methodology (SSM) to reshape risk management in a complex environmental organization, Natural England. Tasked with delivering reforms and increasing risk-based decision-making, the team used rich pictures, conceptual models, and iterative exercises to navigate ambiguity, surface organizational tensions, and align stakeholders around risk...
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Confidential – Members Only
English
0:10
Reshaping Risk Management to Deliver Critical Reforms in a Complex Environmental Organisation
This presentation reflects on using Soft Systems Methodology (SSM) to reshape risk management in a complex environmental organization, Natural England. Tasked with delivering reforms and increasing risk-based decision-making, the team used rich pictures, conceptual models, and iterative exercises to navigate ambiguity, surface organizational tensions, and align stakeholders around risk...
Confidential – Members Only
English
0:24
Applying systems thinking approaches to promote the psychosocial well-being of children and young people with cancer and their families.
This presentation outlines the development of the North Star Cancer Collective, a collaboration of UK charities applying systems thinking to improve the psychosocial well-being of children and young people with cancer and their families. Emerging from partnerships in service delivery, the initiative evolved into a collective impact model grounded in shared evidence, lived experience, and a common...
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English
0:24
Applying systems thinking approaches to promote the psychosocial well-being of children and young people with cancer and their families.
This presentation outlines the development of the North Star Cancer Collective, a collaboration of UK charities applying systems thinking to improve the psychosocial well-being of children and young people with cancer and their families. Emerging from partnerships in service delivery, the initiative evolved into a collective impact model grounded in shared evidence, lived experience, and a common...
Contact the Author
English
0:22
Viable system model as an organisational framework for the integration of different AI applications within the healthcare organisations
This presentation explores the Viable System Model (VSM) as a framework for integrating artificial intelligence (AI) applications in healthcare organizations. Drawing from clinical experience and healthcare risk management, the speaker emphasizes that every medical institution requires a coherent AI strategy aligned with its strengths and weaknesses. The VSM, developed by Stafford Beer, models...
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English
0:22
Viable system model as an organisational framework for the integration of different AI applications within the healthcare organisations
This presentation explores the Viable System Model (VSM) as a framework for integrating artificial intelligence (AI) applications in healthcare organizations. Drawing from clinical experience and healthcare risk management, the speaker emphasizes that every medical institution requires a coherent AI strategy aligned with its strengths and weaknesses. The VSM, developed by Stafford Beer, models...
Contact the Author
English
SSM/VSM Case Study
From grievance to growth in systems thinking practice
How can systems thinking help turn frustration into insight and organisational learning? This reflective case study follows a charity leader’s journey from personal grievance to systemic understanding. Using Soft Systems Methodology, the Viable System Model and feedback loops, Nicola explores how inquiry and reflection can transform tensions, improve governance and reconnect purpose with practice...
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Confidential – Members Only
English
SSM/VSM Case Study
From grievance to growth in systems thinking practice
How can systems thinking help turn frustration into insight and organisational learning? This reflective case study follows a charity leader’s journey from personal grievance to systemic understanding. Using Soft Systems Methodology, the Viable System Model and feedback loops, Nicola explores how inquiry and reflection can transform tensions, improve governance and reconnect purpose with practice...
Confidential – Members Only
English
0:24
Reflections on 50 years of seeing life through a systems thinking lens, covering government organisations and society
Ed Straw reflects on 50 years in systems thinking - political science as an oxymoron and the policy trap, the best is the enemy of the good, 2% of bees experiment, government is structurally determined to fail with IT projects, ‘It’s the System!’, etc. Apologies that the first minute is missing - camera setup issue! [Presented at SysPrac25 - 3-4th September 2025 at the Open University in Milton...
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English
0:24
Reflections on 50 years of seeing life through a systems thinking lens, covering government organisations and society
Ed Straw reflects on 50 years in systems thinking - political science as an oxymoron and the policy trap, the best is the enemy of the good, 2% of bees experiment, government is structurally determined to fail with IT projects, ‘It’s the System!’, etc. Apologies that the first minute is missing - camera setup issue! [Presented at SysPrac25 - 3-4th September 2025 at the Open University in Milton...
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English
0:26
Complexity Governance: Structural and Cognitive Underpinnings of Adaptive Institutions
This talk is about the "complexity gap" and general governance crisis created by the increasing complexity and uncertainty of the world at all levels of the society (individuals, organizations, governments and multinational institutions). It introduces a general challenge-capacity framework based on Ashby's Law of Requisite Variety for analyzing the governance crisis and developing more adaptive...
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English
0:26
Complexity Governance: Structural and Cognitive Underpinnings of Adaptive Institutions
This talk is about the "complexity gap" and general governance crisis created by the increasing complexity and uncertainty of the world at all levels of the society (individuals, organizations, governments and multinational institutions). It introduces a general challenge-capacity framework based on Ashby's Law of Requisite Variety for analyzing the governance crisis and developing more adaptive...
Use with Accreditation
English
0:56
The Machinery, the Mindset and the Mission: systems thinking in the machinery of Government and why it matters - keynote at SysPrac25
This talk offers a candid exploration of systems thinking within the UK Government, delivered from the unique perspective of a senior civil servant. Drawing on practical examples such as natural flood risk management and the Troubled Families programme, the speaker illustrates both the power and the challenges of applying systemic approaches to complex public sector problems. The abstract...
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Confidential – Members Only
English
0:56
The Machinery, the Mindset and the Mission: systems thinking in the machinery of Government and why it matters - keynote at SysPrac25
This talk offers a candid exploration of systems thinking within the UK Government, delivered from the unique perspective of a senior civil servant. Drawing on practical examples such as natural flood risk management and the Troubled Families programme, the speaker illustrates both the power and the challenges of applying systemic approaches to complex public sector problems. The abstract...
Confidential – Members Only
English
SSM/CSH/VSM Case Study
A Soft and Critical Systems approach exploring Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) challenges in a Research Project Team
PROJECT A Soft and Critical Systems approach exploring Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) challenges in a Research Project Team PRACTITIONER Emilia Slawkowska APPROX. DATE 2023/24 SITUATION AND CONTEXT EDI implementation requires a holistic and systematic approach addressing root causes whilst setting clear goals and providing actionable solutions. This intervention focused on a Research...
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English
SSM/CSH/VSM Case Study
A Soft and Critical Systems approach exploring Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) challenges in a Research Project Team
PROJECT A Soft and Critical Systems approach exploring Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) challenges in a Research Project Team PRACTITIONER Emilia Slawkowska APPROX. DATE 2023/24 SITUATION AND CONTEXT EDI implementation requires a holistic and systematic approach addressing root causes whilst setting clear goals and providing actionable solutions. This intervention focused on a Research...
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English
0:11
Impacting profits and organisational performance through personnel availability
Using a causal loop diagram for designing points of intervention in the OODA Loop to enhance the competencies for protecting yourself, other around you and your business. Translating this into a non-systems model for designing the training delivery of the competencies for a non-systems thinking participants. (Bringing safety into systems thinking and taking systems thinking into safety).
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English
0:11
Impacting profits and organisational performance through personnel availability
Using a causal loop diagram for designing points of intervention in the OODA Loop to enhance the competencies for protecting yourself, other around you and your business. Translating this into a non-systems model for designing the training delivery of the competencies for a non-systems thinking participants. (Bringing safety into systems thinking and taking systems thinking into safety).
Confidential – Members Only
English
Humanising Systems - workshop at SysPrac25
The workshop “ Humanizing Systems” invited participants to explore how organizations can shift from a mechanistic focus on efficiency toward regenerative ways of working. Drawing on your book Humanizing the Corporation: A Regenerative Leadership Playbook, Jan introduced how systems theory and developmental science reveal that collaboration emerges not from alignment alone, but from the dynamic...
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Humanising Systems - workshop at SysPrac25
The workshop “ Humanizing Systems” invited participants to explore how organizations can shift from a mechanistic focus on efficiency toward regenerative ways of working. Drawing on your book Humanizing the Corporation: A Regenerative Leadership Playbook, Jan introduced how systems theory and developmental science reveal that collaboration emerges not from alignment alone, but from the dynamic...
Contact the Author
English
Critical System Heuristics (CSH) - workshop at SysPrac25
In complex organisational systems, the perspectives we choose to include—or exclude—shape the quality and fairness of our decisions. This workshop introduces participants to Critical Systems Heuristics (CSH) and the use of boundary judgements to make sense of selectivity and partiality in system design and change. Through the Calls4U case study, participants explore how innovation and AI adoption...
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English
Critical System Heuristics (CSH) - workshop at SysPrac25
In complex organisational systems, the perspectives we choose to include—or exclude—shape the quality and fairness of our decisions. This workshop introduces participants to Critical Systems Heuristics (CSH) and the use of boundary judgements to make sense of selectivity and partiality in system design and change. Through the Calls4U case study, participants explore how innovation and AI adoption...
Contact the Author
English
0:18
Ignoring the evidence? Systems Thinking on why we don't learn from building Performance
This research investigates why post-occupancy evaluation (POE) is not mainstream practice in the built environment, despite its potential to bridge the gap between building design expectations and real-world performance. Buildings often fail to deliver on energy efficiency, comfort, and usability, yet systemic barriers—including supply chain fragmentation, short-term contracting, weak...
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English
0:18
Ignoring the evidence? Systems Thinking on why we don't learn from building Performance
This research investigates why post-occupancy evaluation (POE) is not mainstream practice in the built environment, despite its potential to bridge the gap between building design expectations and real-world performance. Buildings often fail to deliver on energy efficiency, comfort, and usability, yet systemic barriers—including supply chain fragmentation, short-term contracting, weak...
Contact the Author
English
0:26
AI for Systems Change: The Promises and Pitfalls of Augmenting the Practice of Systemic Investing
This talk first outlines the practice of systemic investing, and then presents the capabilities, limitations, so-called externalities, and rhetorical framings of AI in general. On this basis, the ways in which AI is both conceptually and empirically able to augment the practice of systemic investing is then presented, highlighting the tensions that result from AI augmentations, and concluding with...
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English
0:26
AI for Systems Change: The Promises and Pitfalls of Augmenting the Practice of Systemic Investing
This talk first outlines the practice of systemic investing, and then presents the capabilities, limitations, so-called externalities, and rhetorical framings of AI in general. On this basis, the ways in which AI is both conceptually and empirically able to augment the practice of systemic investing is then presented, highlighting the tensions that result from AI augmentations, and concluding with...
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English
Systems Laws Case Study
Applying insight from Systems Laws to challenge thinking on, and service design for, the Multiple Disadvantage system
PROJECT Applying insight from Systems Laws to challenge thinking on, and service design for, the Multiple Disadvantage system. PRACTITIONER Gavin Roberts DATE 2023-2025 CONTEXT AND SYSTEM OF INTEREST (SOI) Multiple Disadvantage (MD) refers to experiencing several complex issues simultaneously, such as homelessness, substance use, mental health challenges ( see article attachment for figures)...
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Systems Laws Case Study
Applying insight from Systems Laws to challenge thinking on, and service design for, the Multiple Disadvantage system
PROJECT Applying insight from Systems Laws to challenge thinking on, and service design for, the Multiple Disadvantage system. PRACTITIONER Gavin Roberts DATE 2023-2025 CONTEXT AND SYSTEM OF INTEREST (SOI) Multiple Disadvantage (MD) refers to experiencing several complex issues simultaneously, such as homelessness, substance use, mental health challenges ( see article attachment for figures)...
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English
0:25
Navigating problems, revealing systems, and asking beautiful questions in a radically shifting world
James Stauch spoke about his recently published book, The 55 Minutes, the title of which draws inspiration from Albert Einstein's aphorism about spending 55 minutes defining a problem. The book helps fill a gap between scholarly insight - which can be less accessible to practitioners - and the experience-informed practice of systems understanding within a wide range of organizational, industry...
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English
0:25
Navigating problems, revealing systems, and asking beautiful questions in a radically shifting world
James Stauch spoke about his recently published book, The 55 Minutes, the title of which draws inspiration from Albert Einstein's aphorism about spending 55 minutes defining a problem. The book helps fill a gap between scholarly insight - which can be less accessible to practitioners - and the experience-informed practice of systems understanding within a wide range of organizational, industry...
Use with Accreditation
English
0:44
The Future of Systems Thinking - 'fireside chat' at SysPrac25
Patrick and Mike held an informal 'fireside chat' on the future of systems thinking, blending humour with serious reflection. They traced the development of the field using adoption life-cycle models, noting the shift from early innovators and visionaries to a broader, more risk-averse early majority. A central theme was the tension between accessibility and depth: for systems thinking to reach...
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English
0:44
The Future of Systems Thinking - 'fireside chat' at SysPrac25
Patrick and Mike held an informal 'fireside chat' on the future of systems thinking, blending humour with serious reflection. They traced the development of the field using adoption life-cycle models, noting the shift from early innovators and visionaries to a broader, more risk-averse early majority. A central theme was the tension between accessibility and depth: for systems thinking to reach...
Use with Accreditation
English
0:25
A Titanic Syndrome? Information attenuation and the incubation of crises
Dennis Fishbacher-Smith, drawing on experience as both an academic and practitioner in government, health, and resilience, explores how organizations handle crises, information, and weak signals. He argues that crises are often self-generated through managerial failures to recognize and act on early warnings, and that human factors—awareness, competence, and commitment—are central to information...
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English
0:25
A Titanic Syndrome? Information attenuation and the incubation of crises
Dennis Fishbacher-Smith, drawing on experience as both an academic and practitioner in government, health, and resilience, explores how organizations handle crises, information, and weak signals. He argues that crises are often self-generated through managerial failures to recognize and act on early warnings, and that human factors—awareness, competence, and commitment—are central to information...
Confidential – Members Only
English
PoS Case Study
Patterns of Strategy: partnering in a tender process
PROJECT Patterns of Strategy: partnering in a tender process INTERVENTION CONTEXT VM is small consultancy that helps clients create organisational change through visual thinking and semantic data. One of our public infrastructure clients put out a tender for five-year packages of work to support their digital teams. The tender touched on work we currently delivered, with packages of work so large...
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English
PoS Case Study
Patterns of Strategy: partnering in a tender process
PROJECT Patterns of Strategy: partnering in a tender process INTERVENTION CONTEXT VM is small consultancy that helps clients create organisational change through visual thinking and semantic data. One of our public infrastructure clients put out a tender for five-year packages of work to support their digital teams. The tender touched on work we currently delivered, with packages of work so large...
Confidential – Members Only
English
0:25
Building and Sustaining Complexity Capabilities in Public Service Organisations
Chris describes how his research explores means of introducing systems thinking to professionals from diverse disciplines as they begin their learning journeys. The support of community is a vital ingredient as they begin building the capability to help their organisations work more effectively with complex challenges, however this presentation emphasises how learning can be guided by contextual...
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English
0:25
Building and Sustaining Complexity Capabilities in Public Service Organisations
Chris describes how his research explores means of introducing systems thinking to professionals from diverse disciplines as they begin their learning journeys. The support of community is a vital ingredient as they begin building the capability to help their organisations work more effectively with complex challenges, however this presentation emphasises how learning can be guided by contextual...
Use with Accreditation