#9 Applied Systems Thinking

I spoke with Dr Lize Barclay about applied systems thinking. We touched on: systems thinking as a lens to look at the world and specifically for decision making, mental models, complicated vs. complex systems, key systems thinking tools, how to practice your systems thinking skills, the links with design thinking and futures studies, as well as gaming simulation.

Lize studies emerging issues, trends and alternative future scenarios for business, places and spaces and map paths to adapt in order to thrive and not merely survive, often through simulations and gaming.

On the 1st of December 2017 Lize joined the University of Stellenbosch Business School as Senior Lecturer in Futures Studies and Systems Thinking. Her current research explores gaming, cyberpunk, gentrification, hipster culture, gender, the 4th Industrial Revolution and indigenous knowledge systems. Previously she spent 12 years as lecturer in Town and Regional Planning.

She has a PhD in Town and Regional Planning with a focus on the use of scenario-based gaming simulation in higher education. Lize has 7 years’ experience working for local and provincial government, predominantly in Forward Planning.

She also runs a boutique consultancy called Question Unknown Infinity.

Further reading:

• The Systems Thinker - https://thesystemsthinker.com/
• What are mental models? - https://thesystemsthinker.com/what-are-mental-models/
• 15 Systems Thinking Guidelines to Live in a World of Uncertainty - https://medium.com/constraint-drives-creativity/15-systems-thinking-guidelines-to-live-in-a-world-of-uncertainty-b07d5a478e6

Recommended books:

• Senge, P. M. (1990). The fifth discipline: The art and practice of the learning organization. New York: Doubleday/Currency.
• Meadows, D. H. (2008). Thinking in systems: a primer. London: Chelsea Green Publishing