# data[].attributes.body
Literature-based definitions of Systems Thinking all failed the System Test, however they are still relevant and useful. Authors managed to gather the most important aspects or core messages of Systems Thinking approach (visible in graph above).

# data[].attributes.body
There are 2 major methods of reasoning: Analysis and Synthesis.

Analysis based on reductionism gives definition of analyzed objected as a sum of its parts without focusing on the actual elements. Analysis characteristics are low-interconnectivity, and lowinterdependency. Analytical process contains of:

1.      Deconstruction

2.      Analysis of separated (isolated) parts

3.      Re-construction

Synthesis is the combination of elements to form a connected whole. Systems thinking is the process of reasoning with „holistic” approach. Each part can be only explained by reference to the whole. It focuses on relations between all elements and its characteristics are high-interconnectivity, and high-interdependency. Synthesis contains:

1.      Identyfying systems

2.     Getting to know how the systems work

3.     Understanding how the parts are interconnected and arranged to function as entirety.

# data[].attributes.body
The term "Systems Thinking" has been defined and redefined in many different ways since its explaining attempts by B. Richmond in 1987.

In the publcation called "A Definition of Systems Thinking: A Systems Approach" Ross D. Arnold and Jon P. Wade tried to define proper definition for this pradigm by... applying systems thinking to itself.

# data[].attributes.headline
The System Test for Systems Thinking definition finding

# data[].attributes.subject
The System Test for Systems Thinking definition finding

# data[].attributes.body
The system test was conducted to several most commonly used definition of Systems Thinking. Each definition was examined to determine 3 items:

1. Function, purpose, or goal. This should describe the purpose of systems thinking in a way that can be clearly understood and relates to everyday life.

2. Elements. These elements will manifest as characteristics of systems thinking.

3. Interconnections. This is the way the elements or characteristics feed into and relate to each other.

# data[].attributes.headline
Systems Thinking definition according to the systemic approach

# data[].attributes.subject
Systems Thinking definition according to the systemic approach

# data[].attributes.body
We are currently still missing one widely accepted, complete definition of Systems Thinking. Authors proposed definiton that pass the System Test (showed in above systemigram). The objective base of their definition is:

"Systems thinking is a set of synergistic analytic skills used to improve the capability of identifying and understanding systems, predicting their behaviors, and devising modifications to them in order to produce desired effects. These skills work together as a system."

# data[].attributes.body
The definition that passed the test contains below elememts:

1. Recognizing Interconnections

2. Identifying and Understanding Feedback

3. Understanding System Structure

4. Differentiating Types of Stocks, Flows, Variables

5. Identifying and Understanding Non-Linear Relationships

6. Understanding Dynamic Behavior

7. Reducing Complexity by Modeling Systems Conceptually

8. Understanding Systems at Different Scales

# data[].attributes.body
Systems mapping is for example one of the key tools of the systems thinker. There are many ways to map, from analog cluster mapping to complex digital feedback analysis.

# data[].attributes.body
Systems Thinking is non-linear. There is no simple cause-and-effect combination. It consists of inter-connected nature of all the elements. It is important that systems are dynamic and Systems Thinking focuses on those dynamics between all individual/separate parts within systems.

# data[].attributes.body
Good graphic example on why defining each element separately won't show us proper overview on the whole system was showed in YT movie as above.

It is impossible to explain comlex systems by defining and analysing each element separately e.g. showing how elephant looks by giving only simple explanation on its parts.

# data[].attributes.body
Systems are dynamic, that is why there is constant flow between all elements within the systems.

he two main types of feedback loops are reinforcing and balancing. What can be confusing is a reinforcing feedback loop is not usually a good thing. A balancing feedback loop, however, is where elements within the system balance things out.

# data[].attributes.body
Causality as a concept in systems thinking is really about being able to decipher the way things influence each other in a system.

# data[].attributes.body
There are several concepts and tools that help to learn and implement Systems Mindset.

# data[].attributes.body
From a systems perspective, we know that larger things emerge from smaller parts: emergence is the natural outcome of things coming together. In the most abstract sense, emergence describes the universal concept of how life emerges from individual biological elements in diverse and unique ways.

# data[].attributes.body
Synthesis is the ability to see interconnectedness.

# data[].attributes.body
Systems thinking requires a shift in mindset, away from linear to circular. The fundamental principle of this shift is that everything is interconnected.

# data[].attributes.body
The differance between traditional analysis and Systems Thinking approach was briefly summarized in the screenshot above. Added source also guide on how to find benefits of this method and how to practice systemic thinking with 10 easy steps.

# data[].attributes.body
Above graphic shows Systems Thinking elements and benefits for PM purpose. This area of expertise is important for me personally due to my career path :)

Clear overview on Systems Thinking approach (exact process, principles, benefits and estimated cost) for each step of Project Management was explained together with its pros and cons.