Systems Thinking for Transformative Strategy

Singapore University of Social Sciences

Systems Thinking for Transformative Strategy (NPM528)

Synopsis

The drive to achieving sustainable and positive social change is an arduous journey. The problem is complex and nebulous. Despite attempts by multiple stakeholders, there appears to be no breakthrough. Whether you are working in a non-profit organisation, foundation, government body or public agency, you might be challenged to do more with less. You can use systems thinking to increase your effectiveness, to facilitate productive conversations and meaningful collaboration across diverse stakeholders, identify high-leverage interventions and increase motivations to change. NPM528 Systems Thinking for Transformative Strategy tackles the question of social change from a systemic point with both a macro- and micro-focus. Students will learn first to discover and embrace systems thinking; second, reflect on systemic social change and its challenges; third, address practical models and solutions to put this in practice.

Level: 5
Credit Units: 5
Presentation Pattern: EVERY JULY

Topics

Systems thinking (linear, lateral, event-oriented, critical, systems)
Systemic social change
Systemic articulation of social change
Stakeholder relationships
Leveraging key resources
Rules and norms
Strategic thinking for social change
Creating shared value
Shared value model
3S model: Scale Up, Scale out, Scale Deep
4-stage change process
Success factors and issues in systems thinking for social change

Learning Outcome

Appraise the principles of Systems Thinking and Analysis
Discuss the elements of a system, various models of social change using systems analysis, and the success factors and issues in systems thinking for social change.
Create sustainable and systemic social change and examine why we engage in social change.
Formulate systems thinking strategies for social change.
Verify the interdependencies of elements in a system for social change.
Combine strategic thinking and models of systems thinking for social change.