Resolving IT complexity through systems thinking
Systems thinking is an approach to evaluate the complexity of large systems not as a collection of individuals parts but rather the interactions between the elements that participate in the system. I discuss this subject at great length in Chapter 4, Systems Thinking, of the book Scaling Scrum Across Modern Enterprises, introducing 17 CLDs related to Scrum-based Agile practices. So we'll only touch briefly on the subject of systems thinking within this book.
Systems thinking also aids in analyzing other complex business processes, including the interactions of connected value streams. However, in this book, the primary focus is on using value stream mapping to evaluate and improve business processes. Still, systems thinking is a precursory activity to value stream mapping. As a result, Lean-Agile practitioners must understand the vernacular of systems thinking, analyze system-level cause and effects, evaluate approaches to reduce...