1. Systems Approach

2. Climber or Mountaineer Stone cutter Or Cathedral Builder

3. What is a System?

4. Systems Approach Natural (everyday experience) Less used in Projects ….. (fragmented approach) Everyone has it but not consciously used –Career choice –Joining a project –………… Event Manager

5. A System involves –Elements Large in number of different variety –Complex Interplay of Elements –Context Specific Variations

6. Influence Diagram

7. Traditional Approach –Fragment the whole (problem) into parts –Specialist for each part –Optimal/perfect solution for each part –Assemble back the parts to obtain “optimised” solution for the whole (problem)

8. Traditional Approach –Banks on Specialists who know “more & more of less & less –Ignores effects of Entropy –Assumes individual efficiency will always lead to group efficiency –eg. Marketing/Design/Production/Support

10. Entropy / Cacophony? Whole is less than the sum of parts

11. What is Systems Approach?

12. Systems Approach –Holistic View –Problem solving Methodology –Multi-dimensional perspective –Outscoping - beyond the obvious

13. Systems Approach –Multiple Solutions for the same objective –Context Specific Appropriateness –“Choice” based on available information –Fallibility of the Decision-maker

14. Synergy / Symphony !! Whole is greater than the sum of parts

15. Contrast Division of Labour Vs Union of Minds

16. Principles of “Systems Approach” Principles of “Systems Approach” –Addresses the problem situation from different angles –Recognizes the interconnectedness of all components and arrive at the problem boundary

17. Principles of “Systems Approach” Principles of “Systems Approach” –Studies the dynamic behavior of the system –Possess ability to represent complex system –Systematic but Probabilistic method of Analysis and synthesis

18. Why “Systems Approach” for PLs? Why “Systems Approach” for PLs? –As a Team Member “You Tell” - “I Do” –As a PL What to “Tell”? “How to Tell” so that it is done? Attitude of “Enquire/Challenge” Understanding the larger picture

19. Why “Systems Approach” for PLs? Why “Systems Approach” for PLs? –As a Team Member Criterion - “Success” Motivated & Driven –As a PL Criterion - Achievement Self Driven & Motivating

20. REFERENCES 1. HEART OF THE ENTERPRISE – Stafford Beer 2. BRAIN OF THE FIRM – Stafford Beer 3. SOCIETIAL SYSTEMS – John Warfield 4. LIVING SYSTEMS THEORY – James Grier Miller