62The Complete Guide to Systems Thinking and Learning
Tool #6
#5 Systems Question—
The
What
(Ends) or the
How
(Means)
Application of Systems Dynamics #4: Input—Transformation—Output Model
Are we dealing with means or ends? (the
What
or the
How
?)
#1The
What
(the ends)—multiple outcomes
#2The
How
(the means)—many different ways to achieve the same end/outcome; key is the
process, the fit, and the relationship between the parts
➥
➥➥
➥
For example:
In organizational and in personal terms, systems thinking is about
focusing on outcomes, by whatever definitions you want to use. In “A–B–C–D” terms,
the following clear terminology will help you understand how ...
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