Greater Houston, TX. USA
Systems Thinking and Business Organizations
This map uses systems dynamics modeling to help identify the variables that may be affected by innovation or change. The basics of systems thinking: the whole is more than the sum of its parts, and the system always contains feedback loop(s) that drive its dynamics.
Interpreting the Systems Model
This map is made up of three components, each of which have operational rules:
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STOCK. This rectangle is called a stock. It represents elements within the system that can increase or decrease in quantity
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FLOW. The icon that looks like a little valve is called a flow. It represents elements within the system that regulate the flow of activities that results in the increase or decrease of the contents of a stock.
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CONVERTER. The circle is called a converter, but we refer to these as variables. Variables represent factors that impact the rate of flow of activity.
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EXAMPLE: Support personnel (converter) can positively or negatively affect the rate of flow of efficient operations. The increased or decreased flow determines how 'full" or "empty" the Business Operations stock is.