WGU D458 Systems Thinking Task 2 Case Study
Analysis |Passed on First Attempt |Latest
Update with Complete Solution
10/4/2025
WGU - D458
Systems Thinking
Task 2
Case Study 1
Part A.
I chose to analyze case study 1 through the “Fixes that Fail,” archetype. In this archetype,
our reading describes a “fixes that fail” problem as a problem that “cries out for a resolution.” (Kim,
1992) Digging deeper into this type we see that a temporary fix is a solution that carries unintended
consequences that can actually exacerbate problems and unintentionally make problems worse.
When you break down case study one, you see that homelessness is an ongoing problem
that cannot be solved by using temporary housing because it is only placing a band aid on the
problem and providing temporary relief to stop the bleeding. If Middlesex County wants to solve
their homeless crisis, the real root cause needs to be analyzed and addressed, which is the basis of
the FTF archetype. Without addressing issues like lack of affordable housing and a poverty crisis,
the problem will only continue to spread like a virus, and if building and continuing to implement
shelters the county will continue to use their limited resources until funds run out. The other risk of
this problem is that a temporary solution hides the problem from the general public, so they are
under the impression that things are “fixed,” which desensitizes them and there will be little public
support for intervention.
Part B.
Analysis |Passed on First Attempt |Latest
Update with Complete Solution
10/4/2025
WGU - D458
Systems Thinking
Task 2
Case Study 1
Part A.
I chose to analyze case study 1 through the “Fixes that Fail,” archetype. In this archetype,
our reading describes a “fixes that fail” problem as a problem that “cries out for a resolution.” (Kim,
1992) Digging deeper into this type we see that a temporary fix is a solution that carries unintended
consequences that can actually exacerbate problems and unintentionally make problems worse.
When you break down case study one, you see that homelessness is an ongoing problem
that cannot be solved by using temporary housing because it is only placing a band aid on the
problem and providing temporary relief to stop the bleeding. If Middlesex County wants to solve
their homeless crisis, the real root cause needs to be analyzed and addressed, which is the basis of
the FTF archetype. Without addressing issues like lack of affordable housing and a poverty crisis,
the problem will only continue to spread like a virus, and if building and continuing to implement
shelters the county will continue to use their limited resources until funds run out. The other risk of
this problem is that a temporary solution hides the problem from the general public, so they are
under the impression that things are “fixed,” which desensitizes them and there will be little public
support for intervention.
Part B.
