Complex Systems podcast (and articles): How banks actually work (and don’t work) – Patrick McKenzie

[I share this podcast quite often – it’s really excellent for talking about no theory but the practice of actual complex ‘systems’ in the world. Here, how technology and bureaucracy, under legislation and commercial pressures, try to deal with the messy reality – of banking, a relatively ‘tractable’ subject!]

Patrick reads his classic essay explaining why banks seem to have no memory of previous customer interactions despite being excellent at tracking money itself.

Patrick McKenzie Aug 14th, 2025

https://www.complexsystemspodcast.com/episodes/how-banks-actually-work/

Article:

https://www.bitsaboutmoney.com/archive/seeing-like-a-bank/

Bacteria to AI – Human Futures with our Nonhuman Symbionts – Public Lecture with N. Katherine Hayles, Wed, 10 Sep, 5pm – 7pm AEST, Innovation Space, Level 2 Acton ACT, Australia –  School of Cybernetics, Australian National University

https://events.humanitix.com/public-lecture-with-dist-prof-katherine-hayles

Gameful experiences for hopeful futures – School of Cybernetics, Australian National University

Gaming (the) Systems

https://cybernetics.anu.edu.au/projects/gameful-experiences-for-hopeful-futures/

Systems and Complexity in Organisation – case studies of successful applications of systems methodologies

The following is a list of case studies of successful applications of systems methodologies. 

https://www.systemspractice.org/casestudies

Harish’s Notebook – The Two Dogmas of Complexity Science: How Our Best Tools Can Mislead Us – Jose, 2025

Job – Research Associate in Systems Thinking / System Dynamics (SPROCKET) – UCL, London £43-52k, closes 14 September 2025

https://www.jobs.ac.uk/job/DOJ984/research-associate-in-systems-thinking-system-dynamics-sprocket

UCL – Department of Mathematics

Location:London, Hybrid
Salary:£43,374 to £51,860
Hours:Full Time
Contract Type:Fixed-Term/Contract
Placed On:20th August 2025
Closes:14th September 2025
Job Ref:B04-06380

About us

The Department of Mathematics at UCL is an internationally renowned department within one of the world’s most prestigious universities. This appointment is part of the SPROCKET Hub (Systems and Process Redesign and Optimisation at Childhood Key Events and Transitions), funded by NIHR/EPSRC. SPROCKET is a multidisciplinary Hub which brings together experts in operational research; systems thinking; health services research; clinical paediatric practice; innovation implementation and evaluation; design of interventions for people with disabilities; community facilitators; parents of children with complex health needs; special educational needs experts; and experts in co-production. Our aim is to transform the delivery of services for children and young people with complex health needs.

About the role

This appointment is one of several research associate positions that are or will be advertised through SPROCKET, with this appointment focused on the systems thinking / system dynamics workstream. This role presents an exciting opportunity for career development in systems thinking / system dynamics that also will have a real impact on services for children with complex health needs.

https://www.jobs.ac.uk/job/DOJ984/research-associate-in-systems-thinking-system-dynamics-sprocket

The Permaculture Podcast – Dr. Elaine Ingham – The Soil Food Web

The Permaculture Podcast

Artificial Imitation: Did John McCarthy get the term AI from Norbert Wiener?

Serendipitously exploring history to inform the future

Sean Manion

Aug 04, 2025

https://seanmanion.substack.com/p/artificial-imitation-did-john-mccarthy

21st On-Line HSSS  International Conference on Systemic HR Management and New Technologies – No Fees – Hellenic Society for Systemic Studies, 8-11 October 2025, Tripoli, Greece

Hellenic Society for Systemic Studies (HSSS)

21th On-Line HSSS National & International Conference

in collaboration with

University of Peloponnese, Department of Management Science and Technology
ASA-HAC (Association of administrative scientists-Hellenic Administrative Chamber)
 
08 – 11, October 2025. Tripoli, Greece
https://confe.hsss.eu
 
Systemic Human Resources Management
and New TechnologiesCall for AbstractsExtension of Abstract Submission: 31st of August, 2025
 We would like to invite you to submit your Abstract though the https://confe.hsss.eu/abstract-submission-2/  with no fees.

This Conference is a great opportunity for system specialists from Europe and the rest of the world to meet and emulate each other in order to decompartmentalise the specialist approaches of the different disciplines.
Combining theoretical, methodological and practical approaches, systems thinking contributes to the construction of synergies between different disciplines, thus encouraging the development of theoretical models, modelling and decision-making methods, and practical tools at the service of society.

As our Annual Conference is highly googled, we offer the opportunity to present your work and through the Digital Poster Session give the possibility to people see your word, after the Conference, for a long period of time. Also, we give you the chance to submit your full paper to the IJASS (International Journal of Applied Systemic Studies).
We shall accept your abstract until 31st of August, 2025 .Yours sincerely,
Professor Nikitas Assimakopoulos,
HSSS President.

Harish’s Notebook – The -isms of a Man Who Rejected -isms – Jose (2025)

New Book: Connecting the Dots… Reflections on The Toyota Production System – Jose and Krishnamurthy (2025)

Guest Post by Harish Jose and Venky + Exclusive Podcast

Laksh Raghavan
August 03, 2025

I’m super excited to announce the details of an upcoming book co-authored by Harish Jose and Venkatesh Krishnamurthy!

The book is titled “Connecting the Dots… Reflections on The Toyota Production System” and is scheduled to be published next month (more details as we get closer) and can be downloaded for free by all the community-tier members of Cyb3rSyn. Hard copies will also be available.

https://www.cyb3rsyn.com/p/new-book-connecting-the-dots

Level 7 Apprenticeship course: leading and commissioning for outcomes in complexity – convening systems change – free webinar on 20 August 2025, 12:30pm UK time

[Apologies for cross-posting, just trying to get the word out! This programme is fully levy-funded in England until the end of the year, and – if I say so myself – will be great! – please pass to anyone who might be interested!]


Level 7 Apprenticeship: Commissioning and leading for outcomes in complexity – convening systems change – Free webinar on 20 August. Join our free webinar to discover how the new apprenticeship Leading and Commissioning for Outcomes in Complexity – Convening Systems Change can supercharge your career and transform your organisation.
✔️ Fully funded Level 7 programme this year only!
✔️ Real-world impact through applied systems thinking
✔️ For commissioners, system leaders, and systems change-makers
📅 Free webinar 20 August, 12:30–1:30pm

Sign up here: https://link.redquadrant.com/apprenticeshipinfo 

Even if you are unable to attend, if you sign up you will receive slides, video, transcript and other materials from the session

Contact us directly on info@publicservicetransformation.org to register your interest in the programme and ask for an informal one-to-one chat.

What’s the apprenticeship about?
A tailored version of the Level 7 Systems Thinking Practitioner Apprenticeship, designed specifically for senior commissioners, system leaders, and transformation leads across health, care, local government, and public services.

Structured around powerful real-world tools:
the commissioning compass: system assessment for change
crisis to capability – seven approaches to ‘demand management’ 
seven ways to intervene
, and
the five worlds of commissioning

…all underpinned by deep systems practice, action learning, and applied change in your own context.

Delivered in partnership with Cherith Simmons and SCiO, this two-year programme is fully levy-fundable (up to £18,000 – until the end of the year only!), and built around learning through doing.

Your work-based project and portfolio are shaped directly by the challenges you face and the outcomes you’re trying to deliver – not abstract theory, but real applied learning.

What you’ll get:
Live virtual workshops, peer learning, coaching, and professional discussion Systems thinking training from leaders in the field, including PSTA, SCiO, and RedQuadrant facilitators Advanced Practitioner status with SCiO Optional fast-track MBA (additional fee)

Time commitment? Around half a day a week of formal study for two years – all focused on the real work you’re already doing, with support to deepen impact and accelerate change.

Ideal for: commissioning leads, directors, transformation managers, and those looking to take a system convening role across complex partnerships.

Places are limited – TIME IS SHORT! 

Register interest now to join the Autumn 2025 cohort.

Contact us to register your interest: info@publicservicetransformation.org

Check out our other offers at the PSTA
Our next cohort of outcomes-based commissioning: a ten step introduction will launch in September 2025 – find out more here: https://link.redquadrant.com/10step0925

Join the waiting list for the next national Commissioning Academy https://link.redquadrant.com/nextacademy25

Check out our new free tool for commissioners: the Commissioning Compass: system assessment for change: https://link.redquadrant.com/commissioningcompass 

To see all of our offers, including Contract Management, Leading Transformation, and others, follow this link: https://link.redquadrant.com/m/PSTAOffers  

SCiO learning – 𝗦𝗗𝟭 – 𝗜𝗻𝘁𝗿𝗼𝗱𝘂𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝘁𝗼 𝗦𝘆𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗺 𝗗𝘆𝗻𝗮𝗺𝗶𝗰𝘀: 𝗟𝗘𝗔𝗥𝗡 𝗦𝗬𝗦𝗧𝗘𝗠 𝗗𝗬𝗡𝗔𝗠𝗜𝗖𝗦 (𝗦𝗗) – 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗴𝗲𝘁 𝟭𝟬% 𝗢𝗳𝗳 𝗶𝗻 𝗔𝘂𝗴𝘂𝘀𝘁 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟱

𝗦𝗗𝟭 – 𝗜𝗻𝘁𝗿𝗼𝗱𝘂𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝘁𝗼 𝗦𝘆𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗺 𝗗𝘆𝗻𝗮𝗺𝗶𝗰𝘀
𝗟𝗘𝗔𝗥𝗡 𝗦𝗬𝗦𝗧𝗘𝗠 𝗗𝗬𝗡𝗔𝗠𝗜𝗖𝗦 (𝗦𝗗) – 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗴𝗲𝘁 𝟭𝟬% 𝗢𝗳𝗳 𝗶𝗻 𝗔𝘂𝗴𝘂𝘀𝘁 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟱

Master Complexity & Drive Change with System Dynamics

Are you tasked with understanding and influencing change in complex situations? For leaders and professionals who need to look beyond the surface, System Dynamics (SD) offers a robust methodology for modelling and simulating real-world challenges.

Our “𝗜𝗻𝘁𝗿𝗼𝗱𝘂𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝘁𝗼 𝗦𝘆𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗺 𝗗𝘆𝗻𝗮𝗺𝗶𝗰𝘀 (𝗦𝗗𝟭)” course empowers you to resolve complex situations with clarity and confidence. System Dynamics isn’t just theory; it’s a practical method for creating an effective visualisation of your organisation or challenge. With it, you can:
• Understand why performance has unfolded the way it has.
• Project future outcomes with greater accuracy.
• Test strategies and policies before you implement them.

𝗦𝗗𝟭 – 𝗬𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗜𝗻𝘁𝗿𝗼𝗱𝘂𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝘁𝗼 𝗦𝘆𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗺 𝗗𝘆𝗻𝗮𝗺𝗶𝗰𝘀

This self-paced online course is your gateway into the world of System Dynamics. You will gain the skills to:

• Develop and Use Models: Learn to build causal loop diagrams (CLDs) and quantified stock-and-flow SD models to gain critical insights into behaviours over time.
• Complement Your Toolkit: Understand how System Dynamics enhances other analytical approaches, from spreadsheets to data science.
• Apply Your Knowledge: Discover practical pathways to implement systems thinking and SD modelling within your organisation to drive meaningful results.

Taught by experienced system dynamics practitioner Peter Lacey, 𝗦𝗗𝟭 delivers insight you can use immediately – no jargon, no fluff, just results.

Buy Now – Get 10% Off in August 2025
Use code 𝗦𝗗𝗔𝗨𝗚 at checkout to claim your discount.

Start learning today through the SCiO online learning portal https://lnkd.in/ebVuER5U
Access the course here https://lnkd.in/eTJTuHpw

Beauty: the emerging evidence your system actually works? (Fred, 2025)

July 20, 2025

Fred

Harish’s Notebook: The Right Thing and the Right Reason – Jose (2025)