Self-Paced Training: Introduction to Systems Thinking

About this course

This self-study course introduces learners to the fundamental tools of Systems Thinking.

Systems thinking provides a framework for identifying and addressing the underlying causes of complex problems. This approach minimizes responding to problem symptoms and the associated unintended consequences of quick fixes.

This training will provide an overview of key concepts and specific tools for use with a systems thinking approach.

Systems thinking skills were identified as one of the top new skills needed by the public health workers in a recent report “Building Skills For a More Strategic Workforce” from the National Consortium for Public Health Workforce Development.

What you’ll learn

After completing this course, you will be able to…

  • Define Systems Thinking and describe its application in understanding and resolving complex problems.
  • Explain three Systems Thinking tools (the Iceberg, System Archetypes, and Belief/Action/Results (BAR) framework).
  • Apply these Systems Thinking tools to an important issue in your workplace