Overview

Thinking in systems allows you to view problems as parts of a whole and gives you a tool set to address those problems. In this ac�vity, you will use your knowledge of

systems

thinking methodologies to analyze a scenario and map the rela�onships between the parts of a system.

Prompt

To successfully complete this ac�vity, address the following:

1. Define the following systems-thinking concepts in your own words:

1. Systems thinking

2. Collec�on

3. Feedback loop

4. Stock and flow diagram

5. Causal loop diagram

2. The following scenario describes the system used for fulfilling an online order at Lost Pines Outfi�ers, a medium-sized outdoor clothing store. Read this scenario and create a

basic map of the system using Microso� Visio.

Lost Pines Outfi�ers (LPO) Online

When a customer places an order through LPO’s online portal, the order is sent directly to the warehouse, where an associate takes (pulls) the selected items

from warehouse shelves. Warehouse associates use a single computer to track incoming orders, locate items in inventory, and pull inventory for fulfillment. Once

LPO’s warehouse associates have pulled the items from inventory, they manually update the inventory tracking system and the item is sent to the fulfilment

department. In the fulfillment department, associates package the items for delivery to customers and assign the shipment a tracking number through the U.S.

Postal Service. Once the order has shipped, an associate in LPO’s fulfillment department manually checks the tracking informa�on and updates the order’s

delivery status. Once the customer receives the order, an associate sends a card, thanking them for their purchase and reques�ng they leave a review of the item

and their experience shopping with Lost Pines Outfi�ers.

3. Once you have mapped this system, you will map rela�onships contained within the system. First, iden�fy rela�onships within your system diagram that represent feedback

loops, and represent those loops within your model. Then, iden�fy a rela�onship within the system that could be modeled with a stock and flow or causal loop diagram, and

model that diagram in Visio.

4. Compose a brief, 250- to 500-word summary of the given system, as well as the rela�onships present in this system. In your summary, describe the system, feedback loops, and

other archetypes you iden�fied within the system.

Guidelines for Submission

Upload a Word document that must include your wri�en descrip�ons and your diagram of the system.

Systems Thinking Project Milestone Rubric

Criteria Exemplary (100%) Proficient (85%) Needs Improvement (55%) Not Evident (0%) Value

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Criteria Exemplary (100%) Proficient (85%) Needs Improvement (55%) Not Evident (0%) Value

Systems Thinking

Submission exceeds the

proficient criteria and displays

excep�onal accuracy, clarity,

logic and

detail

Defines and gives an example

of systems thinking

Shows progress toward

proficiency, but with errors or

omissions; areas for

improvement may include

accuracy, clarity, logic, or

detail

Does not a�empt criterion 12

Collec�ons Submission exceeds the

proficient criteria and displays
excep�onal accuracy, clarity,

logic and detail

Describes collec�ons and how

they are dis�nguished from

systems
Shows progress toward
proficiency, but with errors or
omissions; areas for
improvement may include
accuracy, clarity, logic, or
detail

Does not a�empt criterion 12

Feedback Loops, Stock and

Flow, and Causal Loops

Submission exceeds the
proficient criteria and displays
excep�onal accuracy, clarity,
logic and detail

Defines feedback loops, stock

and flow diagrams, and causal

loop diagrams, and gives an

example of each

Shows progress toward
proficiency, but with errors or
omissions; areas for
improvement may include
accuracy, clarity, logic, or
detail
Does not a�empt criterion 12

System Modeling Submission exceeds the

proficient criteria and displays
excep�onal accuracy, clarity,
logic and detail

Models a given system using

Microso� Visio

Shows progress toward
proficiency, but with errors or
omissions; areas for
improvement may include
accuracy, clarity, logic, or
detail
Does not a�empt criterion 12

Rela�onship Modeling Submission exceeds the

proficient criteria and displays
excep�onal accuracy, clarity,
logic and detail

Models a stock and flow or

causal loop diagram based on

a

given system

Shows progress toward
proficiency, but with errors or
omissions; areas for
improvement may include
accuracy, clarity, logic, or
detail
Does not a�empt criterion 12

Criteria Exemplary (100%) Proficient (85%) Needs Improvement (55%) Not Evident (0%) Value

System Descrip�on Submission exceeds the

proficient criteria and displays
excep�onal accuracy, clarity,
logic and detail

Iden�fies and describes the

parts of a given system

Shows progress toward
proficiency, but with errors or
omissions; areas for
improvement may include
accuracy, clarity, logic, or
detail
Does not a�empt criterion 12

System Interac�ons Submission exceeds the

proficient criteria and displays
excep�onal accuracy, clarity,
logic and detail

Summarizes the interac�ons

and rela�onships within a

given system
Shows progress toward
proficiency, but with errors or
omissions; areas for
improvement may include
accuracy, clarity, logic, or
detail

Does not a�empt criterion 13

Ar�cula�on of Response Exceeds proficiency in an

excep�onally clear, insigh�ul,

sophis�cated, or crea�ve

manner

Clearly conveys meaning with

correct grammar, sentence

structure, and spelling,

demonstra�ng an

understanding of audience

and purpose

Shows progress toward

proficiency, but with errors in

grammar, sentence structure,

and spelling, nega�vely

impac�ng readability

Submission has cri�cal

errors

in grammar, sentence

structure, and spelling,

preven�ng understanding of

ideas

10

Cita�ons and A�ribu�ons

A�ributes sources where

applicable using cita�on

methods with very few minor

errors
A�ributes sources where

applicable, but with consistent

minor errors

A�ributes sources where

applicable, but with major

errors

Does not a�ribute sources

where applicable

5

Total: 100%