Systems Thinking Fundamentals Training

Systems Thinking Fundamentals

A beginner friendly course on seeing the bigger picture, spotting patterns over time, and choosing smarter interventions. Participants learn simple tools to map systems, find feedback loops, and design changes that stick.

What will you learn?

You will understand core systems thinking concepts, draw clear maps of causes and effects, identify leverage points, and plan small, safe experiments. You will leave with a lightweight toolkit you can apply to projects, programs, and everyday decisions.

After this training you will be confident in:

Explaining stocks, flows, feedback, and delays in plain language
Mapping a problem using causal links and simple stock and flow sketches
Recognizing common system archetypes and choosing fitting responses
Selecting leverage points and designing practical experiments with measures

Requirements:

Curiosity about complex problems in your work
Bring one non sensitive challenge or process you want to improve

Course Outline*:

*We know each team has their own needs and specifications. That is why we can modify the training outline per need.

Module 1: Systems thinking essentials

What makes a system and why parts behave differently in context
Stocks, flows, feedback loops, and delays
Event, pattern, structure, and mental models as levels of thinking

Module 2: Problem framing and boundaries

Writing a clear problem statement and defining purpose
Choosing system boundaries and time horizons
Listing key actors, resources, and rules

Module 3: Causal mapping basics

From narrative to causal links with clear polarity
Reinforcing vs balancing loops and how they interact
Reading and critiquing a simple causal loop diagram

Module 4: Stock and flow sketches

When to use stocks and flows instead of only causal arrows
Identifying accumulations, rates, and typical delays
Simple sanity checks and common modeling pitfalls

Module 5: System archetypes in real life

Fixes that fail, shifting the burden, limits to growth, tragedy of the commons
How each archetype appears in operations, product, and policy work
Pattern to action prompts that avoid typical traps

Module 6: Finding leverage points

Parameters, feedback strength, information flows, rules, and goals
Ranking potential interventions by impact and effort
Guardrails to prevent unintended consequences

Module 7: Measurement and learning

Picking few meaningful indicators and leading signals
Designing small experiments and documenting assumptions
Run charts and simple before and after comparisons

Module 8: Applying it to your context

Build a compact system map for your chosen challenge
Select one leverage point and outline a pilot change
Plan communication, roles, and a review cadence

Hands-on learning with expert instructors at your location for organizations.

Level:

Intermediate

Duration:

Hours (days:

)

Training customized to your needs

Immersive hands-on experience in a dedicated setting

*Price can range depending on number of participants, change of outline, location etc.

Get Quote

Master new skills guided by experienced instructors from anywhere.

Level:

Intermediate

Duration:

Hours (days:

)

Training customized to your needs

Reduced training costs

*Price can range depending on number of participants, change of outline, location etc.

Get Quote

You can participate in a Public Course with people from other organisations.

/per trainee

Thanks for the numbers, they could be going to your emails. But they're going to mine... Thanks ;D

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Level:

Intermediate

Duration:

Hours (days:

)

Fits ideally for individuals and small groups

Networking opportunities with fellow participants.

*Price can range depending on number of participants, change of outline, location etc.

Get Quote

Systems Thinking Fundamentals

What will you learn?

Requirements:

Course Outline*:

Module 1: Systems thinking essentials

Module 2: Problem framing and boundaries

Module 3: Causal mapping basics

Module 4: Stock and flow sketches

Module 5: System archetypes in real life

Module 6: Finding leverage points

Module 7: Measurement and learning

Module 8: Applying it to your context

Get Quote for:

Systems Thinking Fundamentals

Start your training experience here!