Systems Thinking for Business and Management - by Umit S Bititci & Agnessa Spanellis

About the Book

"This core textbook provides a practical, holistic introduction to systems thinking. Blending theory and practice, Systems Thinking for Business reviews the fundamentals and includes a wide range of global cases and examples from business, showing how systems thinking can be applied to real-world organizational contexts. Students will learn to apply their knowledge to solve business system problems, carry out systemic organizational analysis and design solutions to address complex organizational problems. They will build valuable skills in systems analysis, business process modelling, problem solving and decision making. Features include: ] An evaluation of the different models, theories and frameworks for generic systems, system properties and system classifications ] An overview of the different methods used for modelling and analysing different systems, specifically hard systems, soft systems and complex systems ] Discussion of how system thinkers can imagine and model future systems ] Experiential, engaging pedagogy, such as a running case study, practical activities and reflective exercises in each chapter ] Online resources to support teaching and learning, such as a customizable set of PowerPoint slides and video links The book's approach has been tried and tested over ten years of postgraduate and executive teaching. It will be an essential text for introductory modules on systems thinking at undergraduate, postgraduate and MBA levels. It will also be of interest to practitioners looking to apply systems thinking to improve their organizations"--

Book Synopsis

This core textbook provides a practical, holistic introduction to systems thinking.

Blending theory and practice, Systems Thinking for Business and Management reviews the fundamentals and includes a wide range of global cases and examples from business, showing how systems thinking can be applied to real-world organizational contexts. Students will learn to apply their knowledge to solve business system problems, carry out systemic organizational analysis and design solutions to address complex organizational problems. They will build valuable skills in systems analysis, business process modelling, problem solving and decision making.

Features include:

- An evaluation of the different models, theories and frameworks for generic systems, system properties and system classifications
- An overview of the different methods used for modelling and analysing different systems, specifically hard systems, soft systems and complex systems
- Discussion of how system thinkers can imagine and model future systems
- Experiential, engaging pedagogy, such as practical activities and reflective exercises in each chapter
- Online resources to support teaching and learning, such as a customizable set of PowerPoint slides and video links

The book's approach has been tried and tested over ten years of teaching. It will be an essential text for introductory modules on systems thinking at undergraduate, postgraduate and MBA levels. It will also be of interest to practitioners looking to apply systems thinking to improve their organizations.

Review Quotes

"System thinking is one of the most important topics in management that is unfortunately underestimated by a wide audience. Systems Thinking for Business and Management provides an opportunity to explore these topics in depth and gain essential skills for business. The authors guide us from the first pages and provide simple narratives to explain complex theories and methods. This book also includes plenty of examples, methods and tools that provide tangible input and allow for fast adoption of the content."-- "Igor Levinskiy, Delivery Executive, SAP EMEA South, Dubai"

"Systems Thinking for Business and Management is ideal for students interested in learning about and using systems thinking. It is well-written, easy to understand and provides a solid foundation for those interested in modelling systems. Providing a comprehensive overview of systems thinking, this textbook includes discussions of basic concepts, methods and models, as well as applications of systems thinking in various industrial business case studies and future systems thinking."-- "Joniarto Parung, Professor of Supply Chain Management and Rector, University of Surabaya, Indonesia"

"A comprehensive book and a must-read for students and researchers. In particular, part four's focus on the future is unique in the sense that it offers readers systems thinking insights in the age of VUCA."-- "Toshiko Kikkawa, Professor of Social Psychology, Keio University, Japan"

"A tour de force which manages to explain the theory in simple terms whilst remaining rooted in the practice. An ideal introduction to our modern world of systems."-- "Sir Iain Vallance, former CEO and chairman of British Telecom"

"The authors' ability to apply systems thinking to practical problems is an invaluable resource for students and for those of us managing a business in today's complex, interconnected and volatile world."-- "Gilad Tiefenbrun, CEO, Linn products, UK"

"This book is invaluable for both practitioners and students of business and operations. There is no other book that covers these topics in a practically useful way."-- "Kathryn E. Stecke, Professor of Operations Management, University of Texas, USA"

About the Author

Umit S Bititci is Professor of Business Performance at Edinburgh Business School, Heriot-Watt University, UK. He has worked with an international portfolio of companies and public sector organizations and has led several international research and development projects with his research portfolio c £20million.

Agnessa Spanellis is a Senior Lecturer at The University of Edinburgh, UK, where she teaches modules on Systems Approaches to Sustainability and Business Thinking. She has been published in peer-reviewed journals, books and outlets such as The Conversation.