WGU D459 TASK 3 - TASK 3 FOR INTRO TO
SYSTEMS THINKING AND APPLICATIONS
Introduction to Systems Thinking and Applications (Western Governors
University)
, WGU's Four-Step Tool (based on "Six Steps to Thinking Systemically" by Michael Goodman
and Richard Karash)
The Iceberg Tool is a way to see how the structure (that is, the background of the case) ties together the individual
events and the patterns and trends that emerge from recurring events. Using the Iceberg Tool allows you to see
the basic facts and interconnections, an important first step.
STEP 1: Complete an Iceberg Tool for this case study.
Iceberg Tool to Understand Patterns and Structure
Questions to Ask
1. What are the key events in this case study?
The key events in this case study include Ms. Jackson brought in art supplies for a
craft cart, a couple students using more supplies than others, and arguments between
students.
2. What patterns do you notice in the key events of this case study?
A couple patterns I noticed were the students used more materials to impress
their teacher and get higher grades, and arguments between students were more
likely when there were fewer supplies available.
3. What structure(s) explain the patterns of events in this case study?
A structure that explains the patterns of events in this study is the students are
more inclined to use supplies, causing less supplies to be available.This leaves a higher
SYSTEMS THINKING AND APPLICATIONS
Introduction to Systems Thinking and Applications (Western Governors
University)
, WGU's Four-Step Tool (based on "Six Steps to Thinking Systemically" by Michael Goodman
and Richard Karash)
The Iceberg Tool is a way to see how the structure (that is, the background of the case) ties together the individual
events and the patterns and trends that emerge from recurring events. Using the Iceberg Tool allows you to see
the basic facts and interconnections, an important first step.
STEP 1: Complete an Iceberg Tool for this case study.
Iceberg Tool to Understand Patterns and Structure
Questions to Ask
1. What are the key events in this case study?
The key events in this case study include Ms. Jackson brought in art supplies for a
craft cart, a couple students using more supplies than others, and arguments between
students.
2. What patterns do you notice in the key events of this case study?
A couple patterns I noticed were the students used more materials to impress
their teacher and get higher grades, and arguments between students were more
likely when there were fewer supplies available.
3. What structure(s) explain the patterns of events in this case study?
A structure that explains the patterns of events in this study is the students are
more inclined to use supplies, causing less supplies to be available.This leaves a higher
