biomatrix systems thinking course

This e-learning course familiarises participants with the basics of systems thinking and how to apply them to systemic problem solving. It also helps them to develop theoretical and practical systemic design, development and management skills.

The participants create an ideal design for their case study and also explore the basics of systemic change management.

The course consists of four modules:

module 1: overview of general and biomatrix systems theory

This module explains the basics of general and Biomatrix systems theory.

Template based exercises generate understanding of a systemic view of the world and systemic behaviour. Their output becomes input to exercises in following modules.

The videos for this module are available on our YouTube channel.

module 2: systemic problem (dis)solving

This module explains the nature of complex systemic problems and provides methods for analysing, solving and dissolving them. It also discusses various brainstorming techniques that enhance creativity and innovation.

In template-driven assignments the participants apply this to their case study.

The videos for this module are available on our YouTube channel.

module 3: seven forces of system organisation

The participants are introduced to seven generic forces of system organisation: ethos, aims, process, structure, governance, substance / mei and environmental relations.

They explore the case study from the perspective of each of the seven forces and integrate the output into an ideal (re)design for their case study.

Data from previous modules is processed and more data generated.

Note on data: By data we do not mean quantitative data, although these may also be generated, but mostly qualitative data such as descriptions of problems, ideal outcomes and proposed strategies.

module 4: systemic change management

This module outlines some theoretical concepts about why and how systems change. It reviews the steps involved in ideal system (re)design and outlines the principles of implementation planning.

The participants make an implementation plan for the ideal design produced in the previous module. They also reflect on how they will implement the design and evaluate its success.