A Methodological Framework for Integrating Systems Thinking and System Dynamics

This paper discusses a methodological framework for integrating the fields of systems thinking and system dynamics. A discussion of the four levels of thinking and their implications for organisations and management is followed by the core of the paper, which presents a methodology for systems thinking and modelling. The methodology includes five major phases: problem structuring; causal loop modelling; dynamic modelling; scenario planning and modelling; and implementation and organisational learning. These phases follow a rigorous systematic process, each involving a number of steps. Some general and specific applications of systems thinking are then discussed, and hard and soft modelling approaches are compared and contrasted. Finally, some cases are provided to illustrate applications of the systems thinking and modelling methodology