Certificate in Systems Thinking in a Complex World

This foundational certificate establishes the analytical framework underpinning all ISESS programs. It equips professionals to understand complex socio-technical systems across infrastructure, governance, and institutional environments. Rather than addressing housing, utilities, or service delivery as isolated challenges, participants learn to analyze interconnected systems shaped by feedback loops, incentives, and structural constraints. The curriculum introduces boundary definition, stakeholder mapping, causal analysis, leverage-point identification, and unintended consequence assessment. Through applied public-sector case studies, participants develop practical competencies in diagnosing systemic failure patterns and designing structurally informed interventions. By the end of the program, participants are able to construct system maps, evaluate tradeoffs, and communicate systems insights effectively within multidisciplinary decision-making environments. Core Learning Outcomes Upon successful completion, participants will be able to: • Construct system boundary definitions and stakeholder maps for complex socio-technical challenges. • Develop causal loop diagrams and identify reinforcing and balancing feedback structures. • Diagnose leverage points and unintended consequences in public-sector systems. • Frame policy and infrastructure challenges using systems-based analytical language. • Communicate structured systems insights to multidisciplinary audiences. Schedule (6 Weeks | ~45 Hours) Week 1: Foundations of Systems Thinking & Complexity Week 2: System Boundaries, Stakeholders & Governance Week 3: Causal Loop Diagrams & Feedback Structures Week 4: Leverage Points & Policy Design Week 5: Applied Public-Sector Case Workshop Week 6: Capstone System Framing Project. Lead Faculty: Senior Systems Engineer with expertise in complexity science and public-sector reform.