ESP Journal of Engineering & Technology Advancements |
© 2023 by ESP JETA |
Volume 3 Issue 2 |
Year of Publication : 2023 |
Authors : Julia Taylor |
:10.56472/25832646/JETA-V3I4P102 |
Dr. Julia Taylor, 2023. "Application of Systems Thinking for Innovation Using Conventional Tools" ESP Journal of Engineering & Technology Advancements 3(2): 8-23.
Implementing the use of systems thinking for innovation in organizations, especially large established organizations, is difficult. Too often efforts at implementation end up being too linear and limited in scope and do not really take advantage of systems thinking. This paper describes a theoretical process that attempts to embed systems thinking, so that broader scopes of considerations are included. It uses causal mapping and network analysis to zero in on specific details without losing sight of the big picture. Several key issues are important: 1) considering the impact on established business endeavors, 2) timing of steps and investment in new innovative endeavors, 3) methods and level of involvement of key players, as the work evolves, in the new innovation. This paper will offer interested parties a new concept for developing their own in-house framework for using systems thinking to bring in novel innovation.
[1] Sondoss Elsawah, Suzanne Pierce, Serena Hamilton, Hedwig van Delden, Dagmar Haase, Amgad Elmahdi, and Anthony J. Jakeman, "An Overview of the System Dynamics Process for Integrated Modeling of Socio-ecological Systems: Lessons on Good Modeling Practice from Five Case Studies", 2018, Google Scholar.
[2] Michael J. Hogan, Owen M. Harney, and Benjamin J. Broome, "Integrating Argument Mapping with Systems Thinking Tools-- Advancing Applied Systems Science", "Integrating Argument Mapping with Systems Thinking Tools-- Advancing Applied Systems Science", 2014, Google Scholar.
[3] Ross D. Arnold, and Jon P. Wade, "A Complete Set of Systems Thinking Skills", 2017, 27th Annual INCOSE International Symposium (IS 2017), Adelaide, Australia, July 15 - 20, 2017.
[4] Leyla Acaroglu, "Tools for Systems Thinkers: The 6 Fundamental Concepts of Systems Thinking", September 7, 2017, https://medium.com/disruptive-design/tools-for-systems-thinkers.
[5] Jack Homer and Rogelio, "Maps and Models in System Dynamics: A Response to Coyle", System Dynamics Review, Winter 2001, Vol. 17, No. 4, pp. 347-355.
[6] Fran Ackermann, and James Alexander, "Researching Complex Projects: Using Causal Mapping to Take a Systems Perspective", International Journal of Project Management, 2016, Vol. 34, pp. 891-901.
[7] Kaihua Chen and Jiancheng Guan, "Mapping the Innovation Production Process from Accumulative Advantage to Economic Outcomes: A Path Modeling Approach", Technovation, 2011, Vol. 31, pp. 336-346.
[8] Stephen A. Matlin, "Introducing the SOCME Tool for Systems Thinking in Chemistry, May 2020, Technical Resource, International Organization for Chemical Sciences in Development, Namur, published online
[9] Kari J. Lippert, and Robert Cloutier, "Cyberspace: A Digital Ecosystem", Systems, June 26, 2021, Vol. 9, No. 48, pp. 1-20.
[10] Andreas Rasmussen, Gerrit Muller and Michael Pennotti, "Causal Loop Based Change Propagation and Risk Assessment", September 2010, INCOSE publication, https://www.researchgate.net/publication/242758692.
[11] Marianne Kjorstad, Gerrit Muller, Mo Mansouri, and Svein Kjenner, "Systems Thinking for Early Validation of User Needs in the Front End of Innovation; A Case Study in an Offshore SoS", 2019, 14th Annual System of Systems Engineering Conference (SoSE), IEEE publication, IEEE Explore: 10.1109/SYSOSE.2019.8753865.
[12] Francois du Toit, "Strategies to Overcome Challenges when Implementing an Enterprise Engineering Innovation Life-Cycle", Dissertation- Department of Information Systems, University of Cape Town, DTTFRA, Information Systems, Department of Commerce.
[13] Alan Charles McLucas, "Improving Causal Mapping Practice Using the System Dynamics 'Front-End' Tool", University College, University of New South Wales @ Australian Defense Force Academy, Google Scholar.
[14] Jon Wade, Systems Thinking Workshop, November 18, 2019, Google Scholar.
[15] David C. Lane, and Rogelio Oliva, "The Greater Whole: Towards a Synthesis of System Dynamics and Soft Systems Methodology", European Journal of Operational Research, 1988, Vol. 107, pp. 214-235.
[16] Robert Y. Cavana and Kambiz E. Maani, "A Methodological Framework for Systems Thinking and Modeling (ST&M) Interventions", Google Scholar.
[17] Mohammad Hassannezhad, Steve Cassidy, and P. John Clarkson, "Predicting Decision Propagation in Complex Sociotechnical System",2019, Submitted to IEEE Systems Journal.
[18] Carina Frota Alves, and Higor Ricardo Monteiro Santos, "Integrating Exploitative and Explorative Thinking in Business Process Analysis: A Conceptual Model and Method", Revista de Informatica Teorica e Aplicada--RITA-ISSN 2175-2745,2021, Vol. 28, Num. 01 (2021) 47-62.
[19] Kwasi Amoako-Gyampah, Jack Meredith, and Kathy White Loyd, "Using a Social Capital Lens to Identify the Mechanisms of Top Management Commitment: A Case Study of a Technology Project", Project Management Journal, 2018, Vol. 49, No. 1, pp. 79-95.
[20] Rob Cross, Robert Thomas & David Light, “Creating the Right Decision-Making Networks”, 2008, From “The Network Roundtable at the University of Virginia”.
[21] K. Kok, "The Potential of Fuzzy Cognitive Maps for Semi-Quantitative Scenario Development, with an Example from Brazil", Global Environmental Change, 2009, pp. 122-133.
[22] Tiffany McDowell, PhD, and Siri Anderson, "Making the Invisible Visible", Deloitte Insights, 2019.
[23] Talha Oz, "Improving Company Performance with Organizational Network Analysis (ONA)", Research Report 2018, www.humanyze.com.
[24] John Fairweather, Lesley M. Hunt, Hugh Campbell, Chris Rosin, Mike Watts and Jayson Benge, "Understanding Kiwifruit Management Using Causal Mapping", ARGOS (Agriculture Research Group on Sustainability) Research Report: Number 06/09 (September 2006), researchgate.net/publication/307167812.
Systematic Thinking, Conventional Tools, Theoretical Process, Embedded System Thinking.