Managing Systems, Systems Thinking and System Dynamics Modelling
Development Alternatives
Description
Posted: Wednesday, October 21, 2009 | 12:56:00 AM
A non-profit organisation established in 1983 creating large scale sustainable livelihoods
TARA Livelihood Academy
Announces
A Powerful New Learning Opportunity
Managing Systems
Systems Thinking and System Dynamics Modeling:
Practical Tools for 21st Century Challenges
New Delhi- 26 – 28 Nov 2009
Introduction
We live in a world where our very survival depends on how we adapt to challenges. Try to imagine your life moving into the next few decades. The tests we will face in the future will be much harder to tackle than those in the past; natural resources are depleting, the climate is changing, global finance is collapsing – all of these will have grave impacts on the growth, development and survival of institutions, individuals and each one of us.
One of the main reasons why we have such a poor track record in dealing with the challenges posed by the physical world, is our inability to recognize patterns, structures and consequent behavior of various systems. Systems are all around us; in nature, factories, trade and commerce, our cities and indeed in our families and communities. Such systems have distinct characteristics and components which work together to serve a purpose. These components are linked together through “feedback” loops and delays in information flow that often lead to unintended, unexpected and even counter-intuitive results.
Over the course of the three day course we will learn about basic systems analysis and the tools required taking advantage of all sorts of systems that exist in your work and life.
Objectives of the Training
To give participants the necessary tools to analyze, simplify and take advantage of complex systems that are part of their professional and personal lives.
To expose them to new methodologies for improving personal and institutional performance, achieving long term growth and minimizing risks.
To share EarthSafe and DA’s experiences in applying systems thinking to projects and management.
Development Alternatives Group (DA) is an Indian non-profit organization committed to the creation of sustainable livelihoods on a large scale, DA fosters low carbon, resource efficient pathways to inclusive growth in areas such as cleaner production, rural housing, renewable energy, water management, waste recycling and sustainable agriculture.
EarthSafe Enterprises explores the relationship between population growth, quality of life and greenhouse gas emissions to identify least cost strategies to mitigate climate change.
Pedagogy
The following techniques would be used to conduct the training program.
Lectures and Stories
Hands-on Games
Interactive Model Building Exercises
Supplementary Materials / Handouts
Power-Point Presentations and Videos
Case studies
Course Contents
Facing the Future
Challenges of the 21st Century- Role of Systems & Systems Failure
21st Century Solutions
Time and Space: Problems, Symptoms and Solutions
A New Understanding of Efficiency: Types of Solutions
Learning Organisations and The Five Principles - Peter Senge
Systems Thinking in Practice
Mental Models Vs Virtual models
The Bigger Picture
System Dynamics Modeling
The Original Models from CLDs to Stock and Flow Diagrams
SD modeling in practice
Games & Case Studies
Course Eligibility
Professionals in Business, Government, NGOs, who are interested in acquiring the tools necessary to make better decisions in the face of future uncertainties. Professionals with minimum three years of experience and good analytical abilities would benefit more.
Requirements
If possible, please bring a laptop running Windows XP. You may register, download and install the free modeling software required for this course (Vensim PLE from):
Karan Khosla holds a degree in Physics and Applied Mathematics from Boston University. Formerly, Director of Operations at the South Asia Foundation, one of the largest private grant-giving organizations in the region, Karan was instrumental in developing institutions of excellence and programmes to promote regional cooperation and development amongst the eight South Asian countries. Recognizing the need for a more rigorous approach to sustainable development theory and practice, Karan started EarthSafe Enterprises in 2009. The consultancy wing of EarthSafe aims to apply systems principles and mathematical modeling to design resource efficient policies and services for developing countries. Currently, EarthSafe is exploring the relationship between population growth, quality of life and greenhouse gas emissions to identify least cost strategies to mitigate climate change. EarthSafe also seeks to promote better living standards in low income communities, for example, by providing 24x7 water supplies. Karan lives in New Delhi, India; he is a devoted guitar player and collector.
DURATION: 3 Days
FEE:INR 7500 per participant for Indian Participants, 200 USD for Overseas Participants
The Training fee covers the following:
Food during training
Course material
Field trip if any
Indian participants to make payment through Demand Draft drawn in favour of TARA Livelihood Academy payable at New Delhi. To ensure your participation, we request you to send the nomination form (Down load the registration form by clicking on the link http://devalt.org/nomination/.) and the course fee (non-refundable) by 20 November, 2009. The address for sending the Demand Draft is-
Please send the Demand draft by registered post or speed post or well-known courier service only.
Overseas participants may please send the fees through wire transfer. The details of the wire transfer will be sent to each selected trainee once we get their nomination form.
Objectives of the Training