MBAX 6007
Complexity & Systems Thinking Dynamics
Midterms (Qns & Ans)
2025
1. Which of the following best describes a complex adaptive
system?
- A) A system with linear cause-and-effect relationships
- B) A system with predictable outcomes
- C) A system with interconnected and interdependent
components that adapt and evolve
- D) A system with isolated components
- ANS: C
- Rationale: Complex adaptive systems are characterized by
interconnected and interdependent components that adapt and
evolve over time.
©2024/2025
,2. In systems thinking, what is meant by "feedback loops"?
- A) Linear cause-and-effect relationships
- B) Circular processes where outputs of a system are fed back
as inputs
- C) Random interactions between system components
- D) Independent actions of system components
- ANS: B
- Rationale: Feedback loops are circular processes where the
outputs of a system are fed back into the system as inputs,
influencing future behavior.
3. Which of the following is an example of emergent behavior in
a complex system?
- A) Predictable outcomes based on initial conditions
- B) Behavior that arises from the interactions of system
components
- C) Behavior that is imposed by an external controller
- D) Behavior that remains constant over time
- ANS: B
- Rationale: Emergent behavior arises from the interactions of
system components and cannot be predicted solely based on the
properties of individual components.
©2024/2025
, Fill-in-the-Blank Questions
4. In systems thinking, a __________ is a representation of the
relationships and interactions within a system.
- ANS: model
- Rationale: A model is used to represent the relationships
and interactions within a system, helping to understand and
analyze its behavior.
5. The concept of __________ refers to the ability of a system to
maintain stability and function despite external disturbances.
- ANS: resilience
- Rationale: Resilience is the ability of a system to maintain
stability and function despite external disturbances.
6. In complexity theory, __________ refers to the point at which
a system undergoes a significant change in behavior or structure.
- ANS: tipping point
- Rationale: A tipping point is the point at which a system
undergoes a significant change in behavior or structure.
True/False Questions
7. Complex systems are always predictable.
©2024/2025
, - ANS: False
- Rationale: Complex systems are not always predictable due
to their interconnected and adaptive nature.
8. Systems thinking emphasizes the importance of understanding
individual components in isolation.
- ANS: False
- Rationale: Systems thinking emphasizes understanding the
relationships and interactions between components, rather than
focusing on individual components in isolation.
9. Emergent behavior in a complex system can be predicted by
analyzing the properties of individual components.
- ANS: False
- Rationale: Emergent behavior arises from the interactions of
system components and cannot be predicted solely based on the
properties of individual components.
Multiple Response Questions
10. Which of the following are characteristics of complex
adaptive systems? (Select all that apply)
- A) Interconnected components
- B) Linear cause-and-effect relationships
©2024/2025
Complexity & Systems Thinking Dynamics
Midterms (Qns & Ans)
2025
1. Which of the following best describes a complex adaptive
system?
- A) A system with linear cause-and-effect relationships
- B) A system with predictable outcomes
- C) A system with interconnected and interdependent
components that adapt and evolve
- D) A system with isolated components
- ANS: C
- Rationale: Complex adaptive systems are characterized by
interconnected and interdependent components that adapt and
evolve over time.
©2024/2025
,2. In systems thinking, what is meant by "feedback loops"?
- A) Linear cause-and-effect relationships
- B) Circular processes where outputs of a system are fed back
as inputs
- C) Random interactions between system components
- D) Independent actions of system components
- ANS: B
- Rationale: Feedback loops are circular processes where the
outputs of a system are fed back into the system as inputs,
influencing future behavior.
3. Which of the following is an example of emergent behavior in
a complex system?
- A) Predictable outcomes based on initial conditions
- B) Behavior that arises from the interactions of system
components
- C) Behavior that is imposed by an external controller
- D) Behavior that remains constant over time
- ANS: B
- Rationale: Emergent behavior arises from the interactions of
system components and cannot be predicted solely based on the
properties of individual components.
©2024/2025
, Fill-in-the-Blank Questions
4. In systems thinking, a __________ is a representation of the
relationships and interactions within a system.
- ANS: model
- Rationale: A model is used to represent the relationships
and interactions within a system, helping to understand and
analyze its behavior.
5. The concept of __________ refers to the ability of a system to
maintain stability and function despite external disturbances.
- ANS: resilience
- Rationale: Resilience is the ability of a system to maintain
stability and function despite external disturbances.
6. In complexity theory, __________ refers to the point at which
a system undergoes a significant change in behavior or structure.
- ANS: tipping point
- Rationale: A tipping point is the point at which a system
undergoes a significant change in behavior or structure.
True/False Questions
7. Complex systems are always predictable.
©2024/2025
, - ANS: False
- Rationale: Complex systems are not always predictable due
to their interconnected and adaptive nature.
8. Systems thinking emphasizes the importance of understanding
individual components in isolation.
- ANS: False
- Rationale: Systems thinking emphasizes understanding the
relationships and interactions between components, rather than
focusing on individual components in isolation.
9. Emergent behavior in a complex system can be predicted by
analyzing the properties of individual components.
- ANS: False
- Rationale: Emergent behavior arises from the interactions of
system components and cannot be predicted solely based on the
properties of individual components.
Multiple Response Questions
10. Which of the following are characteristics of complex
adaptive systems? (Select all that apply)
- A) Interconnected components
- B) Linear cause-and-effect relationships
©2024/2025
