Systems Thinking Awareness for Complex Projects Micro Course

What You’ll Learn

By the end of this course, you’ll be able to:
• Compare Reductionism vs Holism in problem-solving
• Define what a System is and how it relates to projects and organisations
• Distinguish between Hard and Soft Systems
• Explore Systems Thinking as a tool for tackling complex workplace issues
• Understand System of Systems environments
• Recognise key Systems Thinking methodologies and models
• Appreciate the benefits of Systems Thinking in project environments

Note: This is an awareness-level course. It does not provide in-depth training or application of Systems Thinking models.

Course Structure
This micro course is divided into three parts, each ending with a short quiz to reinforce your learning:

Part 1: Understanding ‘Thinking’
Explore how our ways of thinking have evolved—from the Industrial Age to the Age of Entanglement. You’ll compare reductionist and holistic approaches to problem-solving and learn to distinguish between tame and wicked problems in complex environments.

Part 2: Understanding ‘Systems’
Dive into the fundamentals of systems—what they are, how they function, and how they differ in form. You’ll examine hard vs soft systems, explore complex adaptive systems, and understand how systems thinking helps make sense of interconnected challenges.

Part 3: Systems Thinking in Practice
Discover the core principles and approaches of Systems Thinking. This section highlights its practical benefits for project management, showcases real-world examples, and wraps up your learning journey with a concise summary.