T205A – SYSTEMS’ THINKING THEORY & PRACTICE
2017/2018 SEMESTER II – Spring 2018
T205 A -TMA- Semester II - 2017 – 2018
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Introduction
This TMA has one question with three sub sections. You should answer them all. The questions in this assignment are all about different aspects of the process of exploring a complex situation.
Question 1 (100% marks)
You are strongly advised to use the AOU e-library to locate additional relevant resources which can support your analysis and argument. This will earn you extra points.
(a) Read through the attached article “Case II: Conflict Recognition-The Case of the Misdirected Faculty”, as you read through the article, create one Spray diagram to summarize the different ideas of the article respecting the conventions, and techniques. It is advised that students submit hand drawn diagrams as opposed to computer generated ones. Photocopies of diagrams should not be accepted. Reflect on your diagram in no more than 200 words. (15 Marks)
(b) Based on what you learned in T205A (T552/Diagramming), and on the content of the article, and taking conflict as your system of interest draw a System Map diagram to show all the components of such a system. The system map should include all the components of the system paying special attention to the grouping and the hierarchy. Reflect on your diagram in no more than 200 words (15 Marks)
(c) Based on what you learned in T205A concept files 01, 02, and T551 Linear Programming:
1- Analyze the type of situations discussed in the case; justify your answer based on what you learned in T551 linear programing (Word Count 400; 10 Marks).
2- Assess the validity of applying each of the three ways of thinking (causal, logical, and reductionist) for understanding the problem discussed in the case. (Word Count 500; 15 Marks).
3- Discuss the different types of contracts which govern the relationship between employers and their employees and assess how each one is manifested in the case. Analyze whether a breach has occurred and what are its causes and effects (Word Count 500; 15 Marks).
4- Discuss the concepts of communication, active listening, employee empowerment, motivation and PRP, and assess how the head of the department in the article is applying those when dealing with his subordinates. (Word count 600 Marks, 15 Marks).
5- Describe what is meant by conflict, its nature and sources. Then analyze the sources of the conflict in the case and assess how and whether applying the systems approach to the problem in the case can improve and enlighten understanding (Word Count 600; 10 Marks).
6- Using a systems’ approach, and relying on concepts covered in concept file 02, assess possible ways for resolving the conflict taking place. (Word count 300, 05 Marks)
(2000 words) (70 marks) (Please see guidance below)
2017/2018 SEMESTER II – Spring 2018
T205 A -TMA- Semester II - 2017 – 2018
_____________________________________
Introduction
This TMA has one question with three sub sections. You should answer them all. The questions in this assignment are all about different aspects of the process of exploring a complex situation.
Question 1 (100% marks)
You are strongly advised to use the AOU e-library to locate additional relevant resources which can support your analysis and argument. This will earn you extra points.
(a) Read through the attached article “Case II: Conflict Recognition-The Case of the Misdirected Faculty”, as you read through the article, create one Spray diagram to summarize the different ideas of the article respecting the conventions, and techniques. It is advised that students submit hand drawn diagrams as opposed to computer generated ones. Photocopies of diagrams should not be accepted. Reflect on your diagram in no more than 200 words. (15 Marks)
(b) Based on what you learned in T205A (T552/Diagramming), and on the content of the article, and taking conflict as your system of interest draw a System Map diagram to show all the components of such a system. The system map should include all the components of the system paying special attention to the grouping and the hierarchy. Reflect on your diagram in no more than 200 words (15 Marks)
(c) Based on what you learned in T205A concept files 01, 02, and T551 Linear Programming:
1- Analyze the type of situations discussed in the case; justify your answer based on what you learned in T551 linear programing (Word Count 400; 10 Marks).
2- Assess the validity of applying each of the three ways of thinking (causal, logical, and reductionist) for understanding the problem discussed in the case. (Word Count 500; 15 Marks).
3- Discuss the different types of contracts which govern the relationship between employers and their employees and assess how each one is manifested in the case. Analyze whether a breach has occurred and what are its causes and effects (Word Count 500; 15 Marks).
4- Discuss the concepts of communication, active listening, employee empowerment, motivation and PRP, and assess how the head of the department in the article is applying those when dealing with his subordinates. (Word count 600 Marks, 15 Marks).
5- Describe what is meant by conflict, its nature and sources. Then analyze the sources of the conflict in the case and assess how and whether applying the systems approach to the problem in the case can improve and enlighten understanding (Word Count 600; 10 Marks).
6- Using a systems’ approach, and relying on concepts covered in concept file 02, assess possible ways for resolving the conflict taking place. (Word count 300, 05 Marks)
(2000 words) (70 marks) (Please see guidance below)