Systems Mapping - Getting Started
What you'll learn
- Be able to read systems maps
- Be able to create your own systems maps
- Understand causal loop diagrams
- Be able to build causal loop diagrams
Requirements
- There are no prerequisites for this course beyond a good grasp of the english language
Description
Systems mapping is a type of modeling that is designed to reveal the underlying interrelationships and structure of a complex system. System maps are powerful visualization tools that can help change agents describe and diagnose the current state of a given system; understand how system structure creates the observable outcomes; create a shared vision of the system; gain consensus about the problems and identify opportunities.
This video course will walk you through the tools needed to start to build your own systems maps. Four main sections include:
Maps
A high-level overview of what systems maps are, their value and relevance of mapping. We start to construct the basic of a map along with looking at some examples.
Causal Maps
We start by laying down the basic language of causal links, before going on to look at some examples of causal maps, a map of the dynamics to deforestation in the Amazon, landfill waste in Mumbai, the Covid pandemic, among others.
Feedback loops
In the third section we will be learning about feedback loops, positive and negative feedback loops and how to build a causal loop diagram with feedback loops.
Systems Archetypes
System archetypes represent commonly seen system dynamics patterns, in this model we will learn some basics types and how they are represented as causal maps.
Who this course is for:
- Anyone looking to use systems mapping in their work
Instructor
- 4.3 Instructor Rating
- 3,943 Reviews
- 11,397 Students
- 27 Courses
Systems Innovation is an online platform dedicated to the area of complex systems and systems change, our mission is to take the world of complexity and make it accessible to all. Systems and complex can be intimidating subjects with many sophisticated concepts, this is why we believe it is important to always start with the most essential, simplest elements of a subject making sure that students come away with a solid understanding of the core concepts behind each area. As Einstein said "Make everything as simple as possible, but not simpler"
Courses are curated and presented by Joss Colchester. Joss has extensive experience within the domain of complex systems both within academic research(mathematical modeling of complex system + network analysis) and has many years of practical systems engineering experience(designing and developing complex web-based information systems). He has a passion for taking abstract and complex concepts and making them concrete and accessible to as broad an audience as possible by combining clear and effective graphics with well-structured course content.