Certified Advanced Systems Thinking Practitioner (CASTP™)

Certified Advanced Systems Thinking Practitioner (CASTP™)

Length: 2 Days

This advanced course enhances participants’ problem-solving skills through the application of systems thinking, focusing on complex and dynamic challenges across various sectors.

Learning Objectives:

  • Deepen understanding of advanced systems thinking techniques.
  • Apply systems thinking to complex problem identification and solution design.
  • Develop comprehensive strategies for problem resolution across different scales and contexts.
  • Foster innovation and adaptability in problem-solving through systems approaches.

Target Audience: Experienced professionals and leaders in any field who are involved in solving complex problems and are seeking innovative and systematic approaches.

Course Content:

Module 1: Advanced Systems Thinking Concepts

  • Introduction to Systems Thinking
  • Systems Dynamics and Feedback Loops
  • Emergence and Complexity
  • Nonlinear Dynamics and Chaos Theory
  • Systems Archetypes
  • Systems Mapping Techniques

Module 2: Complex Systems and Dynamic Problems

  • Understanding Complex Adaptive Systems
  • Dealing with Uncertainty and Ambiguity
  • Identifying Dynamic Problem Structures
  • System Boundary Definition and Analysis
  • Causal Loop Diagramming
  • Stock and Flow Modeling

Module 3: Integrating Systems Thinking into Organizational Problem-Solving

  • Organizational Learning and Systems Thinking
  • Overcoming Silo Mentalities
  • Stakeholder Engagement and Participation
  • Building a Systems Thinking Culture
  • Tools for Systems Thinking in Organizations
  • Embedding Systems Thinking in Decision-Making Processes

Module 4: Case Studies: Complex Problem Resolution

  • Environmental Sustainability Challenges
  • Healthcare System Optimization
  • Urban Planning and Infrastructure Development
  • Supply Chain Management in Global Markets
  • Conflict Resolution and Peacebuilding
  • Business Process Improvement and Innovation

Module 5: Interactive Simulation: Systems Thinking and Problem-Solving

  • Introduction to Interactive Simulations
  • Scenario Building and Simulation Design
  • Dynamic Simulation Tools and Software
  • Model Validation and Calibration
  • Collaborative Simulation Exercises
  • Extracting Insights and Lessons Learned

Exam Domains:

  1. Foundations of Systems Thinking:
    • Understanding systems concepts and principles.
    • Identifying system elements, boundaries, and interconnections.
    • Recognizing feedback loops and system dynamics.
  2. System Analysis and Design:
    • Analyzing complex systems and their components.
    • Designing interventions and solutions for systemic issues.
    • Evaluating the effectiveness of system designs.
  3. Systems Leadership and Collaboration:
    • Applying systems thinking in leadership roles.
    • Facilitating collaboration within and across systems.
    • Managing complexity and uncertainty in organizational contexts.
  4. Systems Intervention and Change Management:
    • Implementing interventions to address systemic challenges.
    • Managing change processes using systems approaches.
    • Assessing the impact of interventions on system behavior.

Question Types:

  1. Multiple Choice:
    • Assessing foundational knowledge of systems thinking concepts.
    • Testing understanding of key principles and their applications.
  2. Scenario-Based Questions:
    • Presenting real-world situations requiring systems analysis and design.
    • Evaluating candidates’ ability to apply systems thinking to complex problems.
  3. Case Studies:
    • Analyzing case studies of organizational challenges from a systems perspective.
    • Identifying systemic issues and proposing appropriate interventions.
  4. Short Answer/Essay Questions:
    • Elaborating on systems thinking methodologies and their practical applications.
    • Discussing strategies for systems leadership, collaboration, and change management.

Passing Criteria:

  • To pass the CASTP™ Training exam, candidates must demonstrate proficiency across all exam domains.
  • Each domain will have a designated percentage of the overall score.
  • The passing score will be set at a predefined threshold, ensuring candidates have a comprehensive understanding of advanced systems thinking principles and their practical application.
  • Candidates will receive detailed feedback on their performance, including areas of strength and areas needing improvement.