Systems approaches to making change: a practical guide (Table of contents and Preface to 2nd edition)

Reynolds, M and Holwell, S eds. (2020). Systems approaches to making change: a practical guide (Table of contents and Preface to 2nd edition). London: Open University and Springer.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4471-7472-1

Abstract

The five approaches outlined in this book offers the systems thinking practitioner a range of interchangeable tools for pro-actively making systemic improvements amidst complex situations of change and uncertainty. Practitioners from all professional domains are increasingly confronted with incidences of systemic failure, yet poorly equipped with appropriate tools and know-how for understanding such failure, and the making of systemic improvement. In our fragile Anthropocene world where ‘systems change’ is often invoked as the rallying call for purposeful alternative action, this book provides a toolkit to help constructively make systems that can change situations for the better.

Systems Approaches offers an excellent introduction for those seeking to understand systems thinking and to enact systems thinking in practice. The book helps practitioners from all professions to better understand inter-relationships, engage with multiple perspectives, and reflect on boundary judgements that can inhibit or enhance improved purposeful change. After an editorial introduction to these systems thinking in practice capabilities, successive chapters illustrate five systems approaches, each chosen for having a rigorous though adaptable framework, and a robust long pedigree of application in complex situations. Each chapter illustrates what the approach is about, followed by invaluable tips and insights from experience regarding how the tools might be practiced. Amongst updates from originating authors for this 2^nd edition, each approach has an accompanying postscript on some developments since the 1^st edition.

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About

• Item ORO ID
• 70334
• Item Type
• Edited Book
• ISBN
• 1-4471-7471-2, 978-1-4471-7471-4
• Extra Information
• Contents:
  
  Preface and Table of contents
  
  Chapter 1: Introducing Systems Approaches Martin Reynolds and Sue Holwell
  
  Chapter 2: System Dynamics John Moorecroft
  
  Chapter 3: The Viable System Model Patrick Hoverstadt
  
  Chapter 4: Strategic Options Development and Analysis Fran Ackermann and Colin Eden
  
  Chapter 5: Soft Systems Methodology Peter Checkland and John Poulter
  
  Chapter 6: Critical Systems Heuristics: The Idea and Practice of Boundary Critique Werner Ulrich and Martin Reynolds
  
  Chapter 7: Epilogue: Systems Approaches and Systems Practice Martin Reynolds and Sue Holwell
• Keywords
• change management; multiple perspectives; system dynamics; systems approach; systems practice; viable system model; systems tools; soft systems methodology; critical systems heuristics
• Academic Unit or School
• Faculty of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) > Engineering and Innovation
  Faculty of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM)
  Faculty of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) > Computing and Communications
• Research Group
• Design and Innovation
  eSTEeM
  ?? hwpra ??
  ?? idii ??
  Innovation, Knowledge & Development research centre (IKD)
• Copyright Holders
• © 2020 The Open University
• Depositing User
• Martin Reynolds