Systems Thinking: System Dynamics

Abstract

This paper attempts to build a coherent picture of the way in which various system problem solving methodologies relate to one another. The work builds on the discussion and views expressed at the 1994 System Dynamics Conference that held at Stirling and expressed in the special edition of the System Dynamics Review entitled "System Thinkers, System Thinking". The underlying premises, assumptions and terminology of a number of such approaches are reviewed, contrasted and summarized. It is argued that, in philosophical and academic terms, System Thinking should be considered as a total framework which subsumes all system approaches to understanding human activity. Further, that there exists a range of System Thinking methodologies which can defined and contrasted by positioning them dependent on the degree of vagueness (to be relevant) and their degree of rigour (to be meaningful). It also suggested that their base position may shift dependent on their area of application. It is hoped that this paper or a derivative of it might be used as a reference by practitioners to explain to end-point users if system methods how their own approached fits into a wider and integrated framework.