This module is discontinued in the selected year. The information shown below is for the academic year that the module was last running in, prior to the year selected.
2019/20 Undergraduate Module Catalogue
COMP2921 Systems Thinking
10 creditsClass Size: 80
Module manager: O. A. Johnson
Email: o.a.johnson@leeds.ac.uk
Taught: Semester 1 (Sep to Jan) View Timetable
Year running 2019/20
Module replaces
Business Applications (Level 2, 20 credit) relates to the former degree program and will be discontinued.This module is not approved as a discovery module
Module summary
The module will help students develop a richer understanding of the relationship between data and systems. Data is produced by business information systems and often reflects the people, processes and technologies that use it. The module introduces a range of powerful systems thinking approaches to the understanding and analysis of data through its context. Students will learn how to apply approaches to complexity and thinking including system theory, soft systems method, networks and thinking differently.Objectives
The module will help students develop a richer understanding of the relationship between data and systems. Data is produced by business information systems and often reflects the people, processes and technologies that use it.The module introduces a range of powerful systems thinking approaches to the understanding and analysis of data through its context. Students will learn how to apply approaches to complexity and thinking including system theory, soft systems method, networks and thinking differently.
Learning outcomes
On completion of this module students should be able to:
• Understand the nature of information systems and the relationship between data and system and be able to apply this understanding to applied computing challenges.
• Apply a range of practical systems thinking techniques to the analysis of complex, real world scenarios.
• Be able to apply a systems thinking framework to modelling, making sense of data and analytical thinking
Skills outcomes
Process modelling, Soft Systems Method, data analytics, process analytics.
Syllabus
The module will introduce students to systems thinking and develop practical skills in applying systems thinking to data and systems.
Data in Action – information and systems, the nature and role of data in modern systems, data in a layered software architecture, data in decision making, a process perspective on data capture and use.
Systems Theory – Origins ABC (Aristotle, Bertalanffy, Chaos Theory), from social systems to computer systems, using systems theory as an analytical framework, emergence, categorising problem spaces with the Cynefin framework (simple, complicated, complex, chaotic), applications of systems theory and practical work.
Soft Systems Method – Checkland, a systematic method of enquiry, rich pictures, Analysis 1,2,3, purposeful activity modelling, The SSM Method, case studies and practical work.
Advanced Systems Thinking – systems theory in cybernetics, heuristics, dynamic systems and simulation, Kahneman’s thoughts about thinking, thinking differently (de Bono, thinking hats, wordplay, breaking the rules), brainstorming, divergent and convergent thinking, mind maps.
Applications of Systems Thinking – applying systems thinking to problems, rethinking our understanding of systems, thinking about data and processes, data analytics in an uncertain world.
Teaching methods
Delivery type | Number | Length hours | Student hours |
Class tests, exams and assessment | 2 | 2.00 | 4.00 |
Fieldwork | 2 | 8.00 | 16.00 |
Lecture | 12 | 1.00 | 12.00 |
Seminar | 8 | 1.00 | 8.00 |
Private study hours | 60.00 | ||
Total Contact hours | 40.00 | ||
Total hours (100hr per 10 credits) | 100.00 |
Private study
Students will be provided with a recommended reading list including books, text book chapters, case studies and online resources. They will receive weekly guidance on where to focus this reading and advice on how it links to module content.Opportunities for Formative Feedback
Eight seminars based on discussion and short exercises.One formative peer and tutor assessed presentation will be used part way through the module.
E-mail and VLE resources will be used to provide feedback and support to students
Methods of assessment
Coursework
Assessment type | Notes | % of formal assessment |
Report | 1000 word project report | 20.00 |
Practical | 1000 word description of the practical tasks | 20.00 |
Total percentage (Assessment Coursework) | 40.00 |
Normally resits will be assessed by the same methodology as the first attempt, unless otherwise stated
Exams
Exam type | Exam duration | % of formal assessment |
Unseen exam | 2 hr 00 mins | 60.00 |
Total percentage (Assessment Exams) | 60.00 |
Normally resits will be assessed by the same methodology as the first attempt, unless otherwise stated
Reading list
The reading list is available from the Library websiteLast updated: 30/04/2019
Browse Other Catalogues
- Undergraduate module catalogue
- Taught Postgraduate module catalogue
- Undergraduate programme catalogue
- Taught Postgraduate programme catalogue
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