Nov 23, 2024  
2019-2020 Saint Joseph’s College Online Catalog 
    
2019-2020 Saint Joseph’s College Online Catalog [Archived Catalog]

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MB 642 - Systems Thinking


This course consists of readings, assignments and dialogs that have been designed to ensure students of leadership are not only well versed in the area of knowledge known as “systems thinking,” but are able to apply its associated concepts, language and tools within their organizations. As a result of studying both the theoretical frameworks of systems and applying the concepts to real world situations, students will advance their leadership practice through two primary avenues, learning and leading in systems. Coursework will explore how systems leaders are able to identify causal relationships and fundamental strategies for leading through change that avoid the unintended consequences of guesswork and quick fixes. Students will be challenged to go deeper in their thinking in order to increase the scope and effectiveness of their influence and their ability to lead others in the same practices.

Assignment Overview
Assignments: 10 Week Course 

Interactivity: Discussion Board

Final Assessment: Final Project

Course Learning Objectives
Upon completion of this course, you should be able to do the following: 

  • Choose systems-based response strategies within both long- and short-term frameworks. 
  • Assess the nature of thinking that informs behavior, producing desirable or undesirable outcomes. 
  • Evaluate the value of learning, especially in regard to producing transformational changes in behavior at individual and organizational levels. 
  • Analyze and describe the underlying influences and systemic structures that cause system behaviors to persist. 
  • Judge the validity of foresight in decision making and strategy formulation within interrelated systems with clarity and well-reasoned arguments.


Credits: 3



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