• Describe the issue and the “system of concern”:
• Describe the “system of concern” including a description of the system boundary.
Feel free to use diagrams here as well. Chapter 1 is relevant, but also our
discussion in class of the role of system boundaries.
• Bring in other systems thinking ideas, themes, tools from Chapters 1 to 6 to
describe and analyze the context of the problem. For example:
• Chapter 1: The Basics: especially feedbacks.
• Chapter 2: Why Systems Work So Well: Resilience, Self-Organization (note the
Ostrom’s design principles describe contexts in which Self-Organization arises),
Hierarchy.
• Chapter 3: Why Systems Surprise: Linear Minds in a Nonlinear World, Layers of
Limits, Ubiquitous Delays, Bounded Rationality.
• The system archetypes / traps described in “System Archetypes Basics” and/or
by Meadows.
• Follow Meadow’s lead and try to use the systems language in a way that would
appeal to your audience.
• Again, using diagrams here is encouraged.
• Suggest a “systems thinking” approach to your audience.
• Argue for a “systems thinking” approach to the problem throughout; perhaps a
solution, perhaps just a way to move towards a solution, for example by getting out
of a trap (using Meadow’s “The Way Out” suggestions, or class discussion) or using
leverage points or the strategies derived from archetypes in our class activities.
• Does your example involve a Common Pool Resource? If so, argue that you have a
CPR and try to use Ostrom’s “Design Principles” to describe how to create the
condition for responsible self-management or that such conditions cannot be
created and regulation or privatization are the best approaches