systems thinking

  1. Define the following systems-thinking concepts in your own words:
  2. Define systems thinking, providing an example of how this is used in the IT field.
  3. Describe collections and how they are distinguished from systems.
  4. Define feedback loop, providing an example of how this is used in the IT field.
  5. Define stock and flow diagram, providing an example of how this is used in the IT field.
  6. Define casual loop diagram, providing an example of how this is used in the IT field.
  7. The following scenario describes the system used for fulfilling an online order at Lost Pines Outfitters, a medium-sized outdoor clothing store. Read this scenario and create a basic map
    of the system using Microsoft Visio.
    Lost Pines Outfitters (LPO) Online
    When a customer places an order through LPO’s online portal, the order is sent directly to the warehouse, where an associate takes (pulls) the selected items from warehouse
    shelves. Warehouse associates use a single computer to track incoming orders, locate items in inventory, and pull inventory for fulfillment. Once LPO’s warehouse associates have
    pulled the items from inventory, they manually update the inventory tracking system and the item is sent to the fulfilment department. In the fulfillment department, associates
    package the items for delivery to customers and assign the shipment a tracking number through the U.S. Postal Service. Once the order has shipped, an associate in LPO’s
    fulfillment department manually checks the tracking information and updates the order’s delivery status. Once the customer receives the order, an associate sends a card,
    thanking them for their purchase and requesting they leave a review of the item and their experience shopping with Lost Pines Outfitters.
  8. Once you have mapped this system, you will map relationships contained within the system. First, identify relationships within your system diagram that represent feedback loops, and
    represent those loops within your model. Then, identify a relationship within the system that could be modeled with a stock and flow or causal loop diagram, and model that diagram in
    Visio.
  9. Compose a brief, 250- to 500-word summary of the given system as well as the interactions and relationships present in the system.

Full Answer Section

   
  1. Collections vs. Systems:
  • Collection:A collection is a group of similar items that lack a defined structure or organized interaction. The items function independently and don't necessarily influence each other.
  • System:A system is a group of interrelated and interdependent components that work together to achieve a specific goal. The components interact with each other and influence the overall behavior of the system.
Analogy: A pile of bricks is a collection. A well-constructed wall is a system where the bricks work together to create a structure.
  1. Feedback Loop:
A feedback loop is a process where the output of a system is fed back as input, influencing its future behavior. There are two main types:
  • Reinforcing Loop:A positive feedback loop amplifies a change in the system. (e.g., Increased sales lead to more marketing budget, leading to even more sales).
  • Balancing Loop:A negative feedback loop counteracts a change in the system, keeping it stable. (e.g., A room thermostat senses rising temperature and turns on the AC to cool it down).
Example in IT: A self-learning spam filter is an example of a feedback loop. As the filter receives new emails, it analyzes them and refines its criteria to identify future spam messages more accurately.
  1. Stock and Flow Diagram:
A stock and flow diagram is a visual representation of a system that uses stocks (inventories) and flows (movements) to depict the movement of materials, information, or resources within the system. Example in IT: A stock and flow diagram can be used to represent inventory management in an e-commerce system. The "stock" would be the number of available items, and the "flows" would be incoming shipments and outgoing orders.
  1. Causal Loop Diagram:
A causal loop diagram uses arrows to show the cause-and-effect relationships between different factors within a system. It helps identify how changes in one element can influence other elements and create feedback loops. Example in IT: A causal loop diagram can be used to analyze the relationship between server workload, processing power, and user satisfaction. Increased workload can lead to slower processing, reducing user satisfaction. This, in turn, might lead to a decrease in user base, reducing overall workload on the server.  

Sample Answer

     

Systems Thinking Concepts:

1. Systems Thinking:

Systems thinking is a holistic approach to understanding complex situations by looking at them as interconnected parts that function together as a whole. It emphasizes the relationships between these parts and how they influence each other.

Example in IT: When troubleshooting a network issue, a systems thinker wouldn't just focus on the malfunctioning device. They would consider the entire network infrastructure, including hardware, software, user activity, and security settings, to identify the root cause of the problem.