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.

This page was published over 1 year ago. Please be aware that due to the passage of time, the information provided on this page may be out of date or otherwise inaccurate, and any views or opinions expressed may no longer be relevant. Some technical elements such as audio-visual and interactive media may no longer work. For more detail, see how we deal with older content.

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

Wendy Gregory On Using Systems Thinking In Practice audio icon

Society, Politics & Law

Wendy Gregory On Using Systems Thinking In Practice

Wendy Gregory speaks with Prof. Simon Bell about what systems means to her and her work on green spaces.

Audio
15 mins
Guide to diagrams activity icon

Money & Business

Guide to diagrams

Diagrams allow us to think in new ways and approach problems differently. Learn five invaluable diagramming techniques with this video series and quiz

Activity
30 mins
Systems diagramming free course icon level 1: introductory icon

Digital & Computing

Systems diagramming

Please note: This course contains a Flash activity which is no longer playable. It is being updated. This course can still be studied, but you may like to postpone your study for now if you would rather have the full experience.

Free course
12 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 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
Understanding systems thinking in practice (STiP) free course icon level 3: advanced icon

Science, Maths & Technology

Understanding systems thinking in practice (STiP)

With media and political attention given to systemic failure, systems thinking is increasingly advocated as an alternative way of managing human interventions associated with socio-economic and environmental development. So what is systems thinking? Why might systems approaches provide better support for strategic planning? Moreover, how might ...

Free course
16 hrs
Successful IT systems free course icon level 3: advanced icon

Digital & Computing

Successful IT systems

Information technology (IT) systems are a critical part of our world, in business and the public and voluntary sectors. They are often highly complex and interconnected combinations of technology, organisations and people. Success and failure of IT systems can be seen in many different settings. Many are highly successful; others fail, sometimes...

Free course
9 hrs
Systems Thinking Hub collection icon

Society, Politics & Law

Systems Thinking Hub

Welcome! Check out our fantastic range of FREE resources on systems thinking in practice.

Collection
Systems thinking and practice free course icon level 2: intermediate icon

Digital & Computing

Systems thinking and practice

What is systems thinking and practice? The essence of systems thinking and practice is in 'seeing' the world in a particular way, because how you 'see' things affects the way you approach situations or undertake specific tasks. This free course will help you to learn about the problems of defining a system and meet some of the key concepts used ...

Free course
8 hrs

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?