2014 SDM Thinking Conference: What Is Systems Thinking and Why Is It Important?

Systems thinking is the core principle of the MIT System Design and Management (SDM) program. It is also the foundation of systems engineering, which is one of the core subjects in the SDM program. Both are essential to addressing today’s complex sociotechnical challenges. Those who understand and embrace these disciplines will be the ones to lead industry and improve the world.
In this interactive, back-to-the-classroom session, Dr. Qi Van Eikema Hommes will compare and contrast systems thinking with scientific thinking. Traditional science and engineering disciplines are built upon scientific thinking, but such thinking can prove limiting in the face of the challenges of modern, complex, sociotechnical systems. Systems thinking is therefore needed to address these new challenges. To explain this, Van Eikema Hommes will cover the following:
What is scientific thinking?
Why is scientific thinking insufficient for working with complex sociotechnical systems?
What is system theory and systems thinking?
How can attendees put systems thinking into practice?
Participants will learn to appreciate what makes systems thinking different and why the theory, methods, and tools taught in the SDM program are important for the challenges of today.