Task I: Applying Systems Thinking Basics
Introduction to Systems and Applications: D459
Western Governors University
, Task I: Applying Systems Thinking Basics
A 1: Case study 1 focuses on Wilde’s Bramble, an organic food company started by
Alder and Calla Wilde. They are a rural couple that grew up in Vermont lived off the farmland
of their parents. This inspired a love for organic produce and a passion for farming. At the start
of their journey, they would vendor at local farmer markets, and soon word of mouth spread that
their produce was fresh, high-quality, and delicious. As their business grew, they began selling to
local shops and restaurants. To keep up with the increasing demand for their produce, the
Wilde’s used their savings to lease more farmland. In addition, the increase in workable land
required equipment, power, and a new barn. However, the costs proved too much to keep up
with. The Wildes began relying on credit cards to cover costs. As the monthly payments
increased, the couple took out a mortgage on their farm and Calla got a second job. What once
was a lucrative business was now overtaking their finances, and no amount of extra cash was
proving enough to help prevent the debt from overwhelming them (WGU, 2025).
Key Events:
- The Wildes begin their small business selling produce from the farmland inherited
from their parents.
- The Wildes vendor at local farmers markets, impressing their community with the
fresh, delicious, and high-quality produce.
- The Wildes experience a boom in demand due to the popularity of their produce. They
begin vending to local shops and restaurants.
- The Wildes dip into their savings to afford a lease of extra farmland to help support
the demand.
Introduction to Systems and Applications: D459
Western Governors University
, Task I: Applying Systems Thinking Basics
A 1: Case study 1 focuses on Wilde’s Bramble, an organic food company started by
Alder and Calla Wilde. They are a rural couple that grew up in Vermont lived off the farmland
of their parents. This inspired a love for organic produce and a passion for farming. At the start
of their journey, they would vendor at local farmer markets, and soon word of mouth spread that
their produce was fresh, high-quality, and delicious. As their business grew, they began selling to
local shops and restaurants. To keep up with the increasing demand for their produce, the
Wilde’s used their savings to lease more farmland. In addition, the increase in workable land
required equipment, power, and a new barn. However, the costs proved too much to keep up
with. The Wildes began relying on credit cards to cover costs. As the monthly payments
increased, the couple took out a mortgage on their farm and Calla got a second job. What once
was a lucrative business was now overtaking their finances, and no amount of extra cash was
proving enough to help prevent the debt from overwhelming them (WGU, 2025).
Key Events:
- The Wildes begin their small business selling produce from the farmland inherited
from their parents.
- The Wildes vendor at local farmers markets, impressing their community with the
fresh, delicious, and high-quality produce.
- The Wildes experience a boom in demand due to the popularity of their produce. They
begin vending to local shops and restaurants.
- The Wildes dip into their savings to afford a lease of extra farmland to help support
the demand.
