Practical Systems Thinking: Finding leverage on complex problems

This book provides a practical and rewarding path for early to mid-career professionals of all disciplines (STEM and non-STEM) to develop the intentional mental practice of Systems Thinking together with Rigorous Methods that improve the way we view, contemplate, approach and deal with complex challenges. It teaches a concise and easy to follow set of practice–derived generic Systems Principles that offer a superior alternative to the linear compartmentalized thinking that unfortunately dominates our industry, education, language, and culture today. The book has 3 main parts: Part I introduces systems thinking and covers why thinking of  problems as systems is essential. Part II teaches the Systems Thinking Philosophy and how to use the Systems Principles to guide the way we see, understand, behave, act, and utilize Rigorous Methods to augment dealing with individual and organizational challenges. Part III exposes a range practical applications of Rigorous Methods that apply the Systems Principles particularly the Model-Based Systems Thinking method that integrates System Dynamics, Architectural, Agent-Based, Stochastic, Machine Learning and Artificial Intelligence modeling methods.  The reader will be able to classify good and bad systems thinking culture, understand major systemic successes and failures.   The main theme of this book is Systems Thinking Philosophy based on System Principles and reliable Methods that are likely to stay in demand over time.

Kamran Eftekhari Shahroudi,  PhD, INCOSE ESEP: Kamran is a Systems Fellow at the Corporate Technology Office of Woodward, Inc., and a Professor of Systems Engineering at Colorado State University where he is a founding member. He has coached hundreds of professionals from various industries on the philosophy and practice of systems thinking. He is a strong advocate for the model-based systems thinking method that integrates rigorous ST tools, frameworks and languages for approaching complexity.

Steven A Conrad, PhD: Steve is an Associate Professor in Systems Engineering at Colorado State University with over 25 years of research and consulting experience in the water and energy industries. His expertise centers on human behaviour, system optimization, resilience, and decision-making, supported by AI applications, sustainable engineering practices. He has taught Systems Thinking and System Dynamics Modeling and has supported over 50 PhD students working on complex problems.

Jill Speece, PhD: Jill is an Assistant Professor of Industrial and Manufacturing Engineering at California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo. She has 15 years of industry experience in manufacturing and healthcare, including roles in industrial engineering, process improvement, and business optimization. In academia, she teaches simulation, production planning, healthcare management, and systems engineering. Jill holds a BS in Industrial Engineering from Cal Poly, an MS in Engineering Management from USC, and a PhD in Systems Engineering from Colorado State.

Kirk Reinholtz, PhD Candidate, MSc: Kirk has transdisciplinary expertise spanning Systems Engineering, Computer Science, System Dynamics and Systems Thinking. He was formerly a Principal Engineer with California Institute of Technology/NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory, leaving that position in 2023 to pursue his PhD. He has significant experience in systems engineering, risk assessment, and software development of flight and ground systems. He software operates on Mars and is on its way to Europa.

Martin (Trae) Span III, PhD, INCOSE CSEP: Trae is a Major in the United States Air Force (USAF) where he served as a Developmental Engineer including the roles of Test Engineer and Deputy Director for the US Air Force Academy systems engineering program teaching courses in systems engineering and project management. His expertise spans Systems Thinking, Model Based Systems Engineering, and Systems Security Engineering ensuring security is foundational in complex system design and development.

Sarwat Kashmiri Chappell, PhD Candidate, MSc, BSc : Sarwat’s expertise spans Artificial Intelligence/Machine Learning, Power and Energy, High-Energy Lasers, Systems Engineering, System Dynamics. Sarwat is an experienced Department of Defense engineer with the proven ability for tackling complex technical challenges and managing science and technology programs. Sarwat is an innovative leader that brings diverse teams together to build partnerships across disciplines.

Quentin Edward Saulter, PhD Candidate, MSc: Quentin’s Expertise spans High-Energy Laser Technologies, Physics and Systems Engineering. He develops technological innovation and research for the Department of Défense. He aligns science and technology efforts with mission-critical goals for achieving groundbreaking advancements in complex directed energy weapons systems.

Golam M, Bokhtier, PhD Candidate, MSc: Golam’s expertise spans technology leadership, strategic engineering, and thought leadership. He is a Systems Engineer in the aero and defense industries, currently with Northrop Grumman.  His research includes eVTOL, UAVs, and wildfire fleets. Golam specializes in both low-TRL and NPI projects, leveraging his expertise in Systems Thinking and Multi-disciplinary Engineering to align emerging technologies with business strategies.