Systems Thinking, System Dynamics: Managing Change and Complexity - Softcover

Maani, Mr Kambiz E.; Cavana, Mr Robert Y.

Softcover

ISBN 10: 1877371033 ISBN 13: 9781877371035

Publisher: Pearson Education New Zealand, 2007

Synopsis

Systems Thinking, System Dynamics offers readers a comprehensive introduction to the growing field of systems thinking and dynamic modelling and its applications. The book provides a self-contained and unique blend of qualitative and quantitative tools, step-by-step methodology, numerous examples and mini-cases, as well as extensive real-life case studies. The content mix and presentation style make the otherwise technical tools of systems thinking and system dynamics accessible to a wide range of people.

This book is intended as a text for students in diverse disciplines including business and management, as well as the social, environmental, health and applied sciences. It also has particular relevance for professionals from all backgrounds interested in understanding the dynamic behaviour of complex systems, change management, complex decision making, group problem solving and organisational learning.

Systems thinking and system dynamics provide a scientific paradigm, a set of tools and computer technology which can help explain the forces and dynamics that underlie change and complexity in business, political, social, economic and environmental systems.

Using systems thinking and system dynamics makes it possible to:

• examine and foresee the consequences of policy and strategic decisions
• implement fundamental solutions to chronic problems
• avoid mistakenly interpreting symptoms as causes
•  test assumptions, hypotheses and scenarios
• boost staff morale and improve productivity
• improve the stability and performance of supply chains
• find long-term sustainable solutions and avoid ‘fire-fighting’ behaviour.

About this title

About the Author

Kambiz E. Maani (PhD, Illinois) is an acknowledged international expert on systemic approaches to organisations and leadership. He is an author and inspirational speaker on Systems Thinking, Complexity Management, and Organisational Learning and Leadership. Dr Maani’s academic and consulting career spans over 25 years in the USA, South America, Asia, and Australasia. Currently, he is an Associate Professor of management and systems sciences at the University of Auckland Business School where he had held several leadership roles. He has lectured internationally and has held teaching and research positions at a number of universities including the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), Boston University and Helsinki School of Economics and the Rand Corporation. Kambiz’s executive courses on Systems Thinking, Complexity and Leadership have been offered internationally to large audiences for the past decade.

Robert Y. Cavana (PhD, Bradford) is a Reader in Systems & Logistics with the Victoria Management School at the Victoria University of Wellington, New Zealand. He has nearly 30 years of professional experience working with public and private sector organisations, where he has been involved in systems thinking and system dynamics projects spanning many sectors of the New Zealand economy. He was previously a President of the Operational Research Society of New Zealand and a Vice President of the International System Dynamics Society; and he is currently a Managing Editor of System Dynamics Review. He has a wide range of international publications, and he is also a co-author of Applied Business Research: Qualitative & Quantitative Methods (Wiley, Brisbane, 2001; Chinese edition 2004).

Edition details

• Publisher: Pearson Education New Zealand
• Publication date: 2007
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 1877371033
• ISBN 13: 9781877371035
• Binding: Paperback
• Edition number: 2
• Number of pages: 278