Systems Thinking
Systems thinking involves the use of various techniques to study systems of many kinds. Systems thinking examines linkages and interactions between elements that comprise the whole 'system' in a holistic way.
Systems are dynamic and can be open, closed or hard (relevant mainly to engineering etc) and soft (relevant to humans and social systems). A system is an entity situated within an environment.
Systems thinking is useful for helping many stakeholders see the big picture in complex problems not just their area.
Websites
Seafield Research and Development Services - Systems Approach
This website provides a good overview of systems thinking and systems theory.
Mental Model Musings
This website has been going for a long time and has information on systems thinking, modelling and simulation, business and organisations.
Publications
ARONSON,
Daniel 1996-98, Overview
of Systems Thinking
This short concise PDF from Thinking.net provides a good overview of systems thinking covering the approaches and uses of systems thinking.
ARONSON,
Daniel, Targeted
Innovation - Using Systems Thinking to Increase the Benefits of Innovation
Efforts
A concise PDF document from Thinking.net, which explores how systems thinking can improve the results of innovation efforts.