Module Code - Title:
MG6162
-
SYSTEMS THINKING
Year Last Offered:
N/A
Hours Per Week:
Grading Type:
N
Prerequisite Modules:
Rationale and Purpose of the Module:
Today’s interconnected world presents novel challenges and opportunities for business and society, with the unprecedented complexity facing decision makers mandating new concepts and methodological approaches. Systems thinking is critical to navigating the fundamental interconnectedness of complex, economic, social and environmental issues. Frequently wicked in nature, these problems are laden with uncertainty, complexity and subject to competing stakeholder values and worldviews. The module purpose is to explore the use of systems theoretical concepts, tools and frameworks in order to structure and frame problem contexts.
Syllabus:
The syllabus adopts a pluralist approach drawing on complex adaptive, socio-ecological and socio-technical systems perspectives. It then explores multiple perspectives on complexity and introduces seminal systems theoretical frameworks for problem structuring in its wider context. This is complemented with relevant social science theories as appropriate, in order to aid in decision-making for designing appropriate interventions and developing strategies for innovation, resilience and sustainability.
Learning Outcomes:
Cognitive (Knowledge, Understanding, Application, Analysis, Evaluation, Synthesis)
On successful completion of this module, students will be able to:
1. Demonstrate a critical awareness of the dimensions of and theoretical principles underlying complex adaptive systems, socio-technical and socio-ecological principles, and how these converge and diverge in their purpose and focus
2. Evaluate and apply a range of seminal systems methodologies and frameworks to produce conceptual models that provide deep insights for problem-structuring and decision-making
3. Integrate emerging system theoretical knowledge with relevant social science theories to produce a deep and comprehensive systemic inquiry into selected wicked problems
Affective (Attitudes and Values)
On successful completion of this module, students will be able to:
1. Engage in reflective (and reflexive) practice regarding salient learning events, meta-cognition and situated practice
2. Leverage an emerging systemic and complexity worldview to challenge dominant paradigms of management scholarship and practice
Psychomotor (Physical Skills)
On successful completion of this module, students will be able to:
N/A
How the Module will be Taught and what will be the Learning Experiences of the Students:
The approach to learning, teaching, and assessment is meticulously designed to align with the module learning outcomes, the level of study and the profile of the candidates, carefully scaffolding a rich and challenging learning experience that fosters both engagement and the achievement of the University's graduate attributes. The module is delivered in a highly interactive manner, foregrounding reciprocal questioning, cognitive disequilibrium and leveraging peer interaction, coupled with deep engagement with seminal scholarship and practice thought leadership.
Prime Texts:
Other Relevant Texts:
Programme(s) in which this Module is Offered:
MASTER OF BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION - EXECUTIVE MBA
Semester(s) Module is Offered:
Spring
Module Leader:
Catriona.Burke@ul.ie