By examining the links and interactions between elements of a system, systems thinking is becoming increasingly relevant when dealing with global challenges, from terrorism to energy to healthcare. Addressing these seemingly intractable systems problems in our society, Systems Thinking: Coping with 21st Century Problems focuses on the inherent opportunities and difficulties of a systems approach. Taking an engineering systems view toward systems thinking, the authors place a high value on the thinking process and the things applied to this process.

In the hopes of initiating critical thinking and encouraging a systems response to problems, the book provides pragmatic mechanisms to understand and address co-evolving systems problems and solutions. It uses several contemporary and complex societal issues, such as the Iraq war, the Google phenomenon, and the C2 Constellation, to illustrate the concepts, methods, and tools of a system as well as the meaning of togetherness in a system. The text also interweaves the meanings of complexity, paradox, and system to promote the improvement of difficult situations.

Featuring a holistic, nonlinear way of looking at systems, this book helps readers better organize and structure their thinking of systems in order to solve complex, real-world problems.

Reviews

Comments from readers...
-- At first I purchased the book as a way to prepare for my defense, then I found myself turning the pages faster and faster ... I loved the book... .
-- Good information. Good foundational material.
-- Wonderful, just like sliced bread.
-- As expected, the book is excellent. ... really like the time to think exercises.
-- Very refreshing take on thinking about systems... .
-- As a sociologist, my substantive interest is in building societal capacity for and expression of compassion. I am thrilled by your approach!
-- Great book, great tool!
-- Brilliant!! Much better than a Harry Potter movie.

Book Information
ISBN 9781420054910
Author John Boardman
Format Hardback
Page Count 240
Imprint CRC Press Inc
Publisher Taylor & Francis Inc
Weight(grams) 474g