With many events and a piece from Michael Jackson. Link to the Centre’s website at bottom, though I can’t find a link for signup to the newsletter.

Centre for Systems Studies Newsletter November 2024 Issue – Systems Prospects

Welcome from the Editors    Dear ReadersOver the past twelve months there has been a great deal of change within the Centre for Systems Studies as we have had to say goodbye to both Amanda Gregory and Gerald Midgely, two people who have diligently and passionately assisted in the development of the CSS throughout their time at the University of Hull and who will both be sorely missed, especially by the PhD Students they have supervised.At the same time, we are excited to welcome Dr Roberto Palacios Rodriguez, Lecturer of Economics and Management Systems, as the new Director of the CSS. Roberto has been associated with the University of Hull for over 14 years and a great champion of systems thinking and practice. Roberto’s research interests are in system dynamics, macroeconomics and history. We look forward to Roberto’s leadership as we enter a new phase for the Centre.  The opening piece of this newsletter is the from the new Director of our Centre – Roberto calls for a stronger integration of systems thinking to policy and public services to overcome the grand global challenges of our times. The thought piece is from Mike Jackson, who talks about the contribution that critical systems practice can make to address complex problems. Introducing a new take, Gemma Smith talks about ‘systems curiosity’, rather than ‘systems thinking’, in the voice from the systems students’ community. Finally, we have a list of events from the systems world.We ask for all of those directly involved with the CSS to continue to forward any items of related news and thought pieces as we seek to publish the newsletter on a quarterly basis.Warm regardsMatt and RajMatt Lloyd m.lloyd-2021@hull.ac.uk Rajneesh Chowdhury Rajneesh.Chowdhury@hull.ac.uk

A Note from the Director of the Centre for Systems Studies Welcome from the New Director of the Centre for Systems StudiesOver the last thirty-plus years the Centre for Systems Studies (CSS) of the University of Hull has been one of the World’s most influential sources of Systems Thinking (ST) development, dissemination, and training.Many individuals in highly relevant decision-making positions, whether governmental agencies, private companies, educational centres, NGOs, or the consultancy world, have been educated and trained in Hull and participated within the CSS. The improved level of understanding of any situation at hand has certainly proved relevant while facing the uncertain and multi-dimensional elements of the challenges we face on a day-to-day basis.The Centre’s emphasis on Critical Systems Thinking and Pluralism were the bedrock of CSS’s teaching and practice. The fantastic outline of the academics and leaders the Centre has had have certainly left an indelible mark which current and future generations of systems practitioners will benefit from.On his latest book the founding Director of the Centre, Prof Mike Jackson (Jackson, 2024) recognises the importance of adding a pragmatical approach to facilitate a systemic intervention and take advantage of the strengths the different systems-based methodologies and tools they provide. Under the principles of Critical Systems Practice (CSP) it is that the Centre will reinforce its aim of fostering a systemic understanding of the wicked and complex problems society faces.A revival of the benefits of incorporating a systemic perspective is sweeping through different governmental offices associated with the provision of public services (from health services to costal protection), law enforcement, education, or local authorities trying to deliver amidst the challenges of budget austerity. Government authorities and society at large are demanding a wider perspective to deal the with the challenges, whether large or small, we are faced with. After years of experiencing the idea that economic expansion and trade globalisation will lift-all-boats, we seem to be turning back to an era of isolation, nationalism, protectionism, polarization, and extreme ideologies.Maybe, it is the case that we did not have a sound systemic understanding of the interplay of cultural and political forces, or the power interests associated with the inner workings of the economy and the motivations of people and society when the way forward was envisioned last.It is in that context that the CSS through its educational and dissemination commitment has a role to play. People, companies, organisations, society are all looking for answers. Systems thinking has been used, but barely. Maybe us, within the systems community need to look at ourselves first. An emphasis on what systems-based methodology or systemic tool is superior and an over-emphasis on orthodoxy has made decision-makers to overlook what systems thinking can offer. An emphasis on making people think systemically is what it is required whether they call that systemic thinking or not.As the CSS enters its fourth decade of existence, the participation and contribution from all those embracing the systemic principles is required. If we are to make a difference we do need to work as a system, and not as agents working in isolation dismissing what we can learn and contribute from others.The University of Hull and the systemic traditions have been bound together for the best part of the University’s rich history. Let’s keep working together to have both systems thinking and Hull been a reference to improve our society.Roberto Palacios RodriguezR.Palacios-Rodriguez@hull.ac.uk

A Thought Piece from the CSS community40 Years of Learning about Systems Thinking and PracticeMy new book ‘Critical Systems Thinking: A Practitioner’s Guide’, Wiley, 2024, sets out what I have learned and found most useful about systems thinking and practice over the past 40 years. Here are some of the main conclusions, elaborated more fully in the book of course.Systems Thinking (ST) can offer a complementary approach to science where science struggles because of the complexity of the real-world. This is especially the case in the human, social, political and environmental domains. Science has and must continue to play a significant role in helping create a better world. However, without ST it is blind and can potentially lead the human species to destruction. It needs to be complemented with systems approaches that give weight to interrelationships, organismic thinking, the imagination, creating fair and equal societies, and our natural environment.Systems Thinking has followed two routes in seeking to deal with the ‘organised complexity’ that defeats the scientific method. First, it has sought to establish general systems laws applicable to all forms of complexity, whether physical, biological, human or social. This is the route followed by ‘general systems theory’ and, more recently, complexity theory. It leads to failure. At higher levels of complexity, there are emergent properties which are only partially explainable using theories and models relevant to lower levels. The second route makes the best possible use of models relevant to lower levels of complexity while developing new systems approaches that take into account the emergent properties at higher levels. This route has proved much more fruitful. Systems Thinking has developed a range of systems methodologies – systems engineering, system dynamics, viable systems diagnosis, soft systems methodology, critical systems heuristics, etc. – that offer powerful ways of engaging with different aspects of organised complexity.At the forefront in charting and opening up the second route has been the Centre for Systems Studies and its research programme on Critical Systems Thinking. The last 40 years has seen it register four significant achievements:Providing a thorough critique of the variety of systems approaches and identifying their strengths and weaknessesEstablishing the argument for pluralism in ST (ending the ‘paradigm wars’) and developing guidance to enable multi-perspectival thinking and multi-methodological practiceDefining what ‘improvement’ means in systems terms and ensuring it highlights the interests of the marginalized and disadvantagedProposing ‘pragmatism’ as the philosophy upon which systems thinking and practice can be grounded and further developedThose who follow the second route accept that ST cannot replace experience and knowledge of context. It is not a panacea that can provide answers. It can, however, supply policy-makers and decision-makers with enhanced imaginative capability and some effective methodologies that can help them do better when confronted by situations where science has little to offer. That is contribution enough.More than ever people are recognizing the need for ST. There are barriers – cultural, institutional, educational – to its widespread acceptance and use but, with appropriate systems leadership, those barriers can be overcome.Professor Mike C JacksonM.C.Jackson@hull.ac.ukContribution from the CSS PhD communitySystems Students’ CommunityMy journey of understanding in Systems Thinking (so far): A call to the systems curious!Throughout my exploration of Systems Thinking, I have encountered a variety of perspectives that have both enhanced and occasionally hindered my comprehension of the field. This piece reflects my current understanding of select definitions found within the literature, recognising that numerous other interpretations exist. The variety of definitions speaks to the discipline’s expansiveness, which, though rich and multi-dimensional, has sometimes proved challenging to unify a singular viewpoint. Consequently, my perspective is very much personal and evolving, shaped by exposure to key contributions that underscore Systems Thinking’s complexity and breadth. My first experience of Systems Thinking came during my undergraduate thesis (in law!), wherein I analysed the EU Water Framework Directive (WFD). During this process, I encountered Fritjof Capra’s The Ecology of Law, which first engaged me with holistic approaches to interconnected problems within legal frameworks. Although this work attracted my interest in systemic approaches, I lacked the tools/knowledge to articulate the patterns and connections I was observing. It was not until my PhD research that I came to appreciate Systems Thinking as a vast, multi-layered discipline, with multiple entry points and theoretical interpretations, which made my engagement with it both compelling and complex. Divergences in definitions:Examining definitions across several decades reveals the evolution of thought within Systems Thinking, with each perspective offering unique insights and emphasising different facets of the discipline. Below, I present selected definitions in chronological order, recognising that this selection is not exhaustive but reflective of the diversity within the field. Ludwig von Bertalanffy, a pioneer of General Systems Theory, framed Systems Thinking as an approach aimed at understanding and intervening in complex systems by focusing on the relationships among a system’s parts rather than treating components in isolation (Bertalanffy, 1968). His emphasis on interconnectivity marked an early divergence from reductionist thought, positioning Systems Thinking as a holistic analytical framework.Some literature suggests Richmond, coined the term “Systems Thinking” in 1987, described it as “the art and science of making reliable inferences about behaviour by developing an increasingly deep understanding of underlying structure” (Richmond, 1987). His definition extends Systems Thinking into a methodological approach, emphasising the value of structural insight in explaining complex behaviour. Moreover, a very prominent definition emerged from Senge’s contribution in The Fifth Discipline (1990) and positioned Systems Thinking as “a framework for seeing interrelationships rather than things, for seeing patterns rather than static snapshots” (Senge, 1990). His interpretation has gained considerable traction, as it articulates Systems Thinking as a means to transcend the constraints of rigidly defined fields, fostering insight through interdisciplinary thinking.Aronson’s work on Systems Thinking (1996) defines the discipline by its distinction from reductionist thinking, underscoring how Systems Thinking diverges fundamentally from traditional analytical methods (Aronson, 1996). His view emphasises Systems Thinking as a radical departure from reductionism, favouring approaches that encompass wholes rather than disaggregated parts. Ramage and Shipp (2009) added further nuance to the discourse, portraying Systems Thinking as a means of understanding complexity by examining wholes and relationships rather than by isolating parts (Ramage & Shipp, 2009). Their perspective reinforces Systems Thinking’s holistic orientation, positioning it as a worldview that favours integration over fragmentation. As an entry point in my earlier studies, revisiting Capra’s work portrays the definition of Systems Thinking reflecting an ecological lens, with a focus on relationships, patterns, and context within living systems (Capra, 2015). He argued that “all problems are interconnected, and solutions must also be interconnected.” Capra’s ecological perspective encourages a shift from treating problems as discrete to recognising them as parts of larger, interwoven networks. Moreover, a notable source, especially from my own institution (Hull), Jackson (2020) provides a contemporary viewpoint. He defines Systems Thinking as “an approach to reasoning and treatment of real-world problems based on the fundamental notion of ‘system’” (Jackson, 2020). Jackson’s contribution underscores the role of Systems Thinking in practical problem-solving, bridging theoretical insights with real-world applications. His definition also emphasises the use of pragmatism as a foundational concept in addressing complex issues. In conclusion, these selected definitions, among others, have informed my evolving understanding of Systems Thinking, providing both grounding and challenges in formulating a cohesive perspective. The field’s diversity is, paradoxically, a strength that can complicate one’s attempts to define it. However, cultivating Systems Curiosity allowed me to engage with this multiplicity as a productive tension, supporting ongoing learning and insight within a dynamic intellectual landscape. Systems Curiosity:At a recent conference, I mentioned the term Systems Curiosity, which I believe represents a fundamental quality essential for meaningful engagement with Systems Thinking. This concept captures an openness to complexity, characterised by a willingness to accept and work with partial understandings. Such curiosity fosters an appreciation for the adaptability and depth of Systems Thinking, allowing one to move beyond static or definitive interpretations. Ackoff’s reflections on Systems Thinking resonate with this concept, particularly in his focus on equifinality—the principle that there are multiple routes to the same destination. Ackoff defines Systems Thinking as an approach that privileges relationships over isolated objects, processes over fixed structures, and the broader context over individual parts, seeing the patterns that arise within a system’s entirety. This perspective necessitates a shift in perception, leading to innovative ways of learning, teaching, and organising information. I believe that through Systems Curiosity individuals are encouraged to explore Systems Thinking from various entry points, whether academic or practical, and to foster insights that traverse traditional boundaries. This term, therefore, encompasses all those intrigued by Systems Thinking across disciplines, inviting a wide array of participants to engage with its complexity. References Ackoff, R.L (2010. Systems Thinking for Curious Managers. Triarchy Press.Aronson, D. (1996). An Overview of Systems Thinking. Retrieved from [https://community.mi.temple.edu/mis3534sec001spring2022/files/2021/12/Overview-of-Systems-Thinking.pdf]Bertalanffy, L. (1968). General System Theory: Foundations, Development, Applications. George Braziller.Capra, F. (2015). The Ecology of Law. Berrett-Koehler Publishers.Jackson, M. (2020). Critical Systems Thinking and the Management of Complexity. Wiley.Ramage, M., & Shipp, K. (2009). Systems Thinkers. Springer. Richmond, B. (1987). Systems Thinking: Critical Thinking Skills for the 1990s and Beyond. Pegasus Communications.Senge, P. (1990). The Fifth Discipline: The Art & Practice of the Learning Organization. Doubleday.  I am open any comments or feedback on this opinion pieceGemma Smith, PhD student in the Centre for Systems StudiesPlease contact me by email: Gemma.Smith-2016@hull.ac.ukStudent CSS CommunityThe Student CSS CommunityWe think our student community is full of systems curious individuals. We hope to provide an environment where the curious can convene and explore their journey through the Systems Thinking literature and practice. If you are a student, apprentice of early career researcher, we would like to welcome you to our community. If you’d like to get involved, please contact the student organisers: Chris – c.n.abbott-2021@hull.ac.uk  Gemma – gemma.smith-2016@hull.ac.ukJennifer – j.makar-2018@hull.ac.uk Matt –  m.lloyd-2021@hull.ac.uk

Centre for Systems Studies Related NewsThe Centre for Systems Studies is delighted to announce that it is evolving its relationship with The OR Society and will be delivering a number of collaborative events together, starting with a one-day conference on the 27th November 2024, titled Systems Thinking – Introducing Complexity.   The conference will include the following:Tackling Complexity using System DynamicsHuman Centric Analytics (HCA)How can Problem Structuring Methods help deal with complexityAddressing the complexity of the Systems Thinking approaches: The fundamentals, Tools and methodologiesThe travelling Swiftie problem: Solving the routing problem of a London boy Going forward the Centre for Systems Studies is actively seeking to engage with other organisations and projects as well as looking to expand its research portfolio and to position itself at the forefront of the systems environment going forward.Centre for Systems Studies EventsORS CSS Systems Thinking – Introducing Complexity, 27 November 2024 Join us in London for the CSS/OR Society’s one day Systems Conference bringing together academics, practitioners and students from the Systems Thinking community.This one-day conference is part of a series that will explore key fundamental areas of practice in Operational Research and Systems Thinking.  For more information and to book, click here.Systems Thinking – Holistic Flexibility for Systems Thinking, 21st January 2025 Join us for the online event exploring how the conceptual lens of Holistic Flexibility presents new advancements in systems thinking with our guest speaker Rajneesh Chowdhury. Speaking about his new book we will explore how the conceptual lens of Holistic Flexibility presents new advancements in systems thinking. More information can be found here.

Events in the Systems CommunityThe OR Society, Enhancing Systemic Thinking Using Causal Mapping, 22nd November 2024 The Journal of the Operational Research Society is starting a new research webinar series to promote papers published in the journal. The first webinar will be on the paper “Enhancing systemic thinking by sharing experiences of reading literary fiction using causal mapping” written by Leila Abuabara, Alberto Paucar-Caceres, Katarzyna Werner-Masters & Daniela Simonini T. Villas Boas.  More information can be found here.SCiO Virtual Open Meeting – 18th November 2024 SCiO organises Open Meetings to provide opportunities for practitioners to learn and develop new practice, to build relationships, networks hear about skills, tools, practice and experiences. This virtual meeting will be held on Zoom.The first session speaker will be Ed Fish, who will talk about “Causation seen through a Sociotechnical Lens”.  All welcome; FREE; Online event; Book Here.SCiO Ireland, Systemic evaluation in an uncertain world, 14th November 2024 Many of us are familiar with evaluation as a tool used in public policy to assess policies, programmes, projects and other interventions. Governments and public institutions require evaluation as part of performance measurement and accountability, and a whole industry exists around demand and supply to fulfil these evaluation requirements.At the same time, there is a growing recognition that ‘end-point’ evaluation of ‘interventions’ is becoming increasingly redundant.A shift is needed towards more systemic evaluation, to move beyond certainty in programme evaluation and to better deal with the complexities of policies in the face of increasingly ‘wicked problems’.What shifts are needed, and how can systems thinking and practice contribute to make these shifts happen in how public policies are designed, implemented and evaluated, towards more systemic policymaking?Barbara Schmidt-Abbey will provide a short presentation and there will be plenty of time for discussion and deliberation. https://www.eventbrite.ie/e/systemic-evaluation-in-an-uncertain-world-tickets-1042178643377?aff=oddtdtcreator&keep_tld=1SCiO Finland, Opening the Box – Communicating Systems Thinking, 14th November 2024 “Opening the Box: Systems Thinking for Transformative Conversations” delves into the core principles of systems thinking, offering practical insights to help individuals and organizations navigate complexity. Authored by Jan De Visch, Miguel Pantaleon, Namrata Arora and Tony Korycki, this book promises to be an invaluable resource for anyone interested in understanding and applying systems thinking in their personal and professional lives. This session will feature the book’s authors, sharing their insights and engaging in a transformative conversation, applying the book’s insights.         More information can be found here: https://www.systemspractice.org/en/events/opening-box-communicating-systems-thinkingSystem Dynamics Society, How to Build a Dynamic Business Model – Fast and Reliably! 20th November 2024 This session will demonstrate an agile approach to creating a business model. The process is ‘agile’ because it self-validates as it progresses and delivers actionable insights rapidly. Through a practical case, we will guide participants step-by-step through the process of building a dynamic model, providing everything necessary for you to replicate it on your own. The model and software, which is easy to use and free, will be shared with all participants.For those familiar with System Dynamics, this process differs from traditional methods. Instead of starting with causal-loop diagrams, we take a different approach, and we will explain why. More information can be found here: https://systemdynamics.org/event/how-to-build-a-dynamic-business-model-fast-and-reliably/Call for ContributionsAny news items or events for inclusion in future newsletters should be sent to Matt Lloyd (m.lloyd-2021@hull.ac.uk) and Raj Chowdhury (Rajneesh.Chowdhury@hull.ac.uk). Please note that the purpose of the CSS Newsletter is to share news items and events with the CSS community and to all those with an interest in systems thinking.  It is not a journal or a publication which publishes papers or research.

Centre for Systems Studies

Today, society faces more complex challenges and opportunities than ever before. Our mission is to develop systems approaches to address this complexity for the benefit of organisations, communities and the natural world.

Centre for Systems Studies | University of Hull

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