Gain thinking skills to navigate real-world complexities

What is Boundary ?

A boundary separates a system from its environment. The borders of the system, determined by the observer(s), which define where control action can be taken: a particular area of responsibility to achieve system purposes.
Boundaries are critical in establishing the identity of the system. The decision on where to draw a system’s boundary largely depends on the purpose of the discussion or analysis at hand.

Additional Glossary Terms

Causal Loop

Causal loop refers to the representation of cause-and-effect relationships between variables or components in a system. Causal loops and feedback loops are often used interchangeable. A feedback loop is a

Hierarchies

Systems are generally complex wholes made up of smaller subsystems. This nesting of systems within other systems is what is implied by hierarchy.

Complex Adaptive Systems

A “Complex Adaptive System” is a collection of diverse, interconnected entities that adapt and interact with each other, leading to emergent behaviours and patterns. These systems are characterized by their

Patterns

A pattern is a recurring solution that addresses a specific problem within a particular context, linking the problem, solution, and context together. It serves as a tool to externalize and

Tektology

Alexander Bogdanov coined the term “tektology” or “the science of structures” from the Greek word “tekton” which means “builder.” Tektology was the initial effort in the history of science to

VUCA

VUCA is an acronym representing Volatility, Uncertainty, Complexity, and Ambiguity. It’s a term used to describe the multifaceted and challenging environment that organizations navigate today. The concept, which originated in