[Music] systems-thinking means understanding how systems are interconnected as well as understanding the dynamics within systems a system is a configuration of parts connected and joined together by a web of relationships or networks sisters thinking is nonlinear this means that in systems cause and effect are not necessarily linked or connected with simple step-by-step chains connections between human and natural systems are of particular interest because they offer excellent examples of cascading effects cascading effects means that what might seem to be a simple outcome of a given system can actually have a series of effects on other interconnected systems let's consider the following quick example of system sinking when looking at a hot dog you might see a delicious ballpark fan-favorite however have you ever considered how many miles steps or networks it takes to produce a hot dog with all your favorite toppings think about all the unique steps that are involved in producing just mustard mustard seeds come from India and some of our favorite fancy mustards are prepared in France beyond the mustard seeds mustards require tumeric also made in India and paprika from Hungary or the Netherlands in addition salt water and white vinegar are also needed considering the system that is involved in producing simply one condiment can be complex let alone thinking about the entire process that is necessary to produce a fully-loaded hot dog people are not particularly well equipped for systems thinking it's much easier to understand and interact with simple linear cause-and-effect chains the more complex the system dynamics the more difficult it is to know how decisions will play out oftentimes decisions or actions at one point have an impact on another component within the system for example thinking about our ballpark hot dog if mustard seed production is decreased by warmer weather patterns one year then the price for this key ingredient is likely to rise this in turn could limit production making mustard seed more expensive and/or not as readily available with in-system sinking it is important to see the interconnected nature of all the elements and to understand that reacting to a problem in one part of the system may have unintended consequences on other components or the process as a whole systems thinking does not claim complete knowledge rather system sinking is about assessing the degree of system complexity analyzing system dynamics and making decisions that reduce the risk of negative outcomes to develop systems thinking explore how things might change under different circumstances look at possible associations and connections beyond the information that is being presented consider conducting an institutional analysis which includes a robust review of existing practices mechanisms and procedures currently in place share your findings with relevant stakeholders and discuss both hidden and visible flows seek possible explanations and relationships think more globally about how you are part of major economic environmental and social systems consider how these systems directly impact one another and how they influence the immediate systems you work within you