Skip to main content

Systems thinking in practice heuristic and 5 systems approaches

Updated Friday, 20 June 2025
An animated overview of five system approaches – system dynamics, viable system model, strategic options development and analysis, soft systems methodology, and critical systems heuristics.

Find out more about The Open University's Science courses and qualifications.


STiP heuristic Part 1

A STiP heuristic (learning system) for making strategy, by Martin Reynolds and the TB871 module team. Narrated by Joan O’Donnell.

STiP heuristic Part 2

Enacting the STiP heuristic (learning system) for making strategy, by Martin Reynolds and the TB871 module team. Narrated by Joan O’Donnell.

System dynamics

System dynamics modelling of a situation of interest (individual quality of life), by Jitse van Ameijde and the TB871 module team. Narrated by Helen Wilding.

Viable system model

A system to provide distance higher education, by Jitse van Ameijde and the TB871 module team. Narrated by Pauline Roberts.

Strategic options development and analysis

Strategic options development and analysis of a situation of interest, enhancing equality and diversity in the workplace, by Jitse van Ameijde and the module team. Narrated by Barry Verdin.

Soft systems methodology

A system to limit cybersecurity vulnerabilities posed by staff practices, by Jitse van Ameijde and the TB871 module team. Narrated by Joan O’Donnell.

Critical systems heuristics

A (reference) system to explore the gig economy, by Jitse van Ameijde with Martin Reynolds and the TB871 module team. Narrated by Barry Verdin.

 

Become an OU student

Ratings & Comments

Share this free course

Also in Systems Thinking Hub

Why was the Systems Thinking in Practice hub created? article icon

Society, Politics & Law

Why was the Systems Thinking in Practice hub created?

Explore the reasons why the Systems Thinking in Practice hub was created.

Article
10 mins
Peter Tuddenham On Using Systems Thinking In Practice audio icon

Society, Politics & Law

Peter Tuddenham On Using Systems Thinking In Practice

Peter Tuddenham speaks with Prof. Simon Bell about understanding systems behaviour.

Audio
15 mins
Rupesh Shah On Using Systems Thinking In Practice audio icon

Society, Politics & Law

Rupesh Shah On Using Systems Thinking In Practice

Dr. Rupesh Shah, a Staff Tutor in Engineering and Innovation at The Open University, speaks with Prof. Simon Bell about what systems means to him.

Audio
15 mins
Professor John Naughton On Using Systems Thinking In Practice audio icon

Society, Politics & Law

Professor John Naughton On Using Systems Thinking In Practice

Prof. John Naughton, the technology columnist for The Observer, speaks with Prof. Simon Bell about systems thinking.

Audio
15 mins
Mastering systems thinking in practice free course icon level 3: advanced icon Badge icon

Science, Maths & Technology

Mastering systems thinking in practice

This free course, Mastering systems thinking in practice, provides a primer for someone wanting to take the postgraduate qualifications in Systems Thinking in Practice. It will help you develop new ways of thinking about and approaching situations that cross multiple discipline and skill boundaries. You will learn to think more holistically ...

Free course
24 hrs
Systems engineering: Challenging complexity free course icon level 3: advanced icon

Science, Maths & Technology

Systems engineering: Challenging complexity

This free course, Systems engineering: Challenging complexity, examines system engineering and why it is important. You will learn to identify and evaluate the importance of relationships within the process and assess the relative importance of stakeholders. You will also be able to classify a systems engineering project in terms of the balance ...

Free course
25 hrs
Systems Innovation - An interview with Professor Ray Ison video icon

Society, Politics & Law

Systems Innovation - An interview with Professor Ray Ison

This short video interview taken at Systems Innovation Conference, London with Ray Ison Professor of Systems at The Open University, delves into the world of systems thinking.

Video
10 mins
Systems explained by Russell Ackoff audio icon

Money & Business

Systems explained by Russell Ackoff

Russell Ackoff talks about his career, systems thinking and operational research.

Audio
10 mins
Project Fear: Order your free graphic novel activity icon

Science, Maths & Technology

Project Fear: Order your free graphic novel

An uncertain world. Can systems thinking free us from fear? Simon Bell & Charles Cutting's graphic novel asks the question.

Activity
5 mins

Copyright information

Skip Rate and Review

Rate and Review

For further information, take a look at our frequently asked questions which may give you the support you need.

Have a question?