Systems Thinking and Beyond

Dr Joseph Kasser
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The AI team take a deep dive into successful innovative tools, practical and conceptual applications of systems thinking and beyond and systems engineering to various types of problems, summarizing the concepts behind the successes and usually drawing general conclusions for how the concepts may be used in other situations. The opinions expressed by the AI team in each deep dive are their own and have not been edited in any way. While systems thinking provides an understanding of the problematic situation, you need to go beyond systems thinking to create solutions, especially innovative solutions. Join my LinkedIn group (Tackling complex problems) and discuss the content of the podcasts (https://www.linkedin.com/groups/13991392/)

Episodes

  1. 3D AGO

    Proposed Principles for Systems Engineering: From Science to Practice

    The AI team takes a deep dive into Prof Joseph Kasser's draft manuscript which proposes a scientific foundation for systems engineering to resolve the discipline's long-standing identity crisis and its conflation with management. The framework moves away from defining the field by observed workplace roles (Systems Engineering The Role (SETR) , instead focusing on Systems Engineering The Activity (SETA) as an enabling discipline grounded in objective system science axioms. This structure is organized into a four-layer hierarchy that translates universal truths about systems into action-oriented systems engineering principles. These proposed principles require systems engineers to produce verifiable outputs, such as interaction architectures and unintended consequence registers, ensuring designs are rooted in system science rather than heuristics. Ultimately, the proposal seeks to begin to provide a rigorous conceptual scaffold that justifies the value of systems engineering through measurable outcomes and ethical accountability.

    25 min

  2. FEB 28

    Does INCOSE Have Any Principles?

    The AI team takes a deep dive into the 15 INCOSE Systems Engineering Principles and an iterative AI analysis of those principles. The AI team critique INCOSE for not defining principles, but stating 'so-called' principles as "transcendent truths" that explicitly avoid "how-to" methods, effectively turning engineering into philosophy. True engineering principles, such as Ohm’s Law, must be mathematical, predictive, and falsifiable. An analysis of the language in the 15 principles found that 89% of the INCOSE document is management-focused, dealing with organizational structures and stakeholder consensus rather than physics. The AI team also describe Principle 6 (Progressive Understanding) as a tautology and Principle 13 (Discipline Integration) as mere "stamp collecting", namely observing disciplines without providing the mathematical "glue" to integrate them. The AI team highlight the irony that the only mathematically proven sections in the INCOSE text are labelled as hypotheses, while vague management advice is presented as transcendent truth. The AI team also critique the INCOSE principles for employing circular logic and tautologies that describe goals as the methods for reaching them, effectively offering "vague life advice" rather than engineering rigor. The AI critique contrasts INCOSE with the seven Kasser and Hitchins principles (2011) which provide a prescriptive "recipe" for success based on a singular objective and rigorous partitioning of subsystems. The fact that hard engineering bodies like the IEEE and AIAA signed off on these principles is seen by the AI as a worrying sign that the industry is confusing "meeting agendas with blueprints". Ultimately, the AI team warn that drifting from hard, verifiable principles to "soft, vibes-based management" is actively dangerous for safety-critical systems such as autonomous cars or nuclear plants. It suggests that if the guardians of engineering continue to prioritize consensus over physics, real-world-changing engineering might eventually move away from legacy institutions toward small, focused teams that "care a whole lot more about the math than the meeting minutes. Why not download the INCOSE principles document and decide for yourself? References Systems Engineering Principles, https://www.incose.org/wp-content/uploads/legacy/professional-development-portal/pdp-pdf-non-webinar-documents/systems_engineering_principles_book_v12_watson.pdf?utm_source=chatgpt.com, accessed 20 February 2026 Kasser, J. E. and Hitchins, D. K., Unifying systems engineering: Seven principles for systems engineered solution systems, proceedings of the 21st International Symposium of the INCOSE, Denver, 2011.

    20 min

  3. FEB 22

    Mastering Agentic AI:

    The AI team takes a deep dive into Agentic AI for Dummies. The book provides an introduction to a transformative technology that moves beyond simple content generation to proactive decision-making and independent action. Unlike traditional software, these systems utilize multi-agent coordination and adaptive behavior to complete complex, multi-step goals with minimal human oversight. The material details the technical architecture required for these agents, emphasizing the importance of memory modules, reasoning engines, and tool integration through APIs. It also provides a practical framework for planning and deployment, highlighting the shift from static applications to dynamic, personalized workflows across various industries. Furthermore, the source addresses critical ethical and safety considerations, such as maintaining human control and implementing robust guardrails to prevent unintended consequences. Ultimately, it explores how this shift toward autonomous agency will redefine professional roles and the global digital economy.

    16 min

  4. FEB 15

    Applying AI in Learning & Development

    The AI team takes a deep dive into the book Applying AI in Learning & Development. The author, Josh Cavalier explores the transformative role of generative artificial intelligence within the modern workplace. The text provides a comprehensive roadmap for education professionals to transition from traditional content creation to AI-enhanced performance consulting. Key concepts include the Human-AI Task Scale, the mechanics of multimodal systems, and the strategic use of structured prompting frameworks like TRACI. Beyond technical implementation, the author emphasizes the importance of data privacy, ethical guardrails, and human-centric design to ensure technology amplifies rather than replaces human expertise. Ultimately, the source serves as a practical guide for building future-ready capabilities through automated workflows and personalized learning ecosystems.

    19 min

  5. FEB 8

    Fuzzy Thinking: When Systems Fail

    In this analytical deep dive, the AI team explores the multifaceted work of Professor Ahmad Hijazi, Dean of the Business School at PU and head of a dedicated innovation incubator. Hijazi’s research challenges the traditional boundaries of management by examining the “architecture of creative judgment” at the “edge of knowledge”. The AI team investigate his premise that while systems thinking is a vital tool, it can become misleading if applied too rigidly to complex, real-world problems. The AI team breaks down Hijazi’s unique synthesis of commercial leadership experience, spanning sales, marketing, and product management with his academic focus on responsible thinking within systems that refuse to be fully categorized. A central theme of the analysis is Hijazi’s concept of “approximate thinking,” as seen in his work “Fuzzy on the Dark Side,” which offers a framework for navigating the limits of traditional models (https://ahijazi.website/fuzzy-on-the-dark-side-approximate-thinking/). Furthermore, The AI team explore how Hijazi integrates the practical application of creativity through fiction-writing and myth, including his engagement with the figure of Prometheus. By blending these narrative tools with innovation theory, Hijazi provides a roadmap for fermenting discussion on how to lead when data is incomplete. Join the AI team as they decode how Hijazi’s theories help modern innovators find clarity in the "dark side" of complex systems. if you like what you hear, check out Prometheus at https://www.youtube.com/@Prometheus_Shot

    13 min

  6. FEB 1

    Fishing for DX: Tools, Techniques, and Lessons Learned

    The AI team takes a deep dive into a presentation by Joseph Kasser (G3ZCZ and VK5WU) which explores the evolving techniques and technologies used to achieve long-distance amateur radio contacts, or DXing, over several decades. The author draws a creative parallel between fishing and radio communication, noting that both require specialized tools, an understanding of the environment, and significant patience. By chronicling personal experiences across various global locations, the slides highlight the transition from manual Morse code and basic wire antennas to automated computer systems and satellite links. Key lessons emphasize that while location and propagation are vital, the integration of software can significantly improve the efficiency of making contacts. Ultimately, the source serves as a historical overview of how digital innovation has transformed a traditional hobby into a sophisticated technical pursuit. An updated presentation can be made to your radio club, contact G3ZCZ to set it up.

    14 min

  7. JAN 12

    Extending the Technology Readiness Level (TRL) over the entire system lifecycle

    The AI team takes a deep dive into a technical paper which critiques the traditional Technology Readiness Level (TRL) metric for its inability to predict future progress or address the later stages of a system's life. By applying holistic thinking perspectives, the author argues for a shift from measuring static maturity to evaluating long-term technology availability. This approach introduces the dynamic TRL (dTRL), which utilizes historical data to forecast when a technology will actually be ready for integration. It is similar to the use of Earned Value Analysis which can be used to forecast project cost and schedule. Furthermore, the text proposes the Technology Availability Window of Opportunity (TAWOO) as a comprehensive framework that extends beyond development to include obsolescence and material shortages. Ultimately, the source demonstrates that holistic problem-solving broadens the project manager's scope, ensuring technology is supported from its initial conception through its eventual retirement. These conceptual tools aim to reduce programmatic risk by providing a more complete vision of the entire technology lifecycle. Further details may be found in the technical paper, Kasser, J.E., Applying Holistic Thinking to the Problem of Determining the Future Availability of Technology, IEEE Transactions on Systems, Man, and Cybernetics: Systems, Volume 46, Number 3, 2016.

    11 min

  8. 12/26/2025

    Seeing the Forest for the Trees

    The AI team takes a deep dive into Dennis Sherwood's 2007 book Seeing the Forest for the Trees, a manager's guide to applying systems thinking, which provides managers with a structured framework to navigate and master the inherent complexity of organizational life. By utilizing causal loop diagrams, leaders can visualize the interconnected nature of business problems, moving beyond the linear, isolated perspectives often found in traditional spreadsheets. The text distinguishes between reinforcing loops, which act as engines for exponential growth or decline, and balancing loops, which stabilize systems toward specific goals. Through various case studies, such as back-office staffing and global warming, Sherwood illustrates how time delays and feedback mechanisms frequently lead to unintended consequences. Ultimately, the author argues that adopting this holistic view fosters wisdom and better teamwork by making individual mental models explicit and shared. This approach transforms the management of an organization into a more robust process of "taming" complexity rather than being overwhelmed by it. As listeners to this podcast should be aware, there is more to systems thinking than using causal loops. However the book is an excellent souirce of informationon causal loops.

    15 min

  9. 12/21/2025

    PRINCE2 for Dummies: a book review

    The AI team taxes a deep dive in the book 'PRINCE2 for Dummies'. Despite its title, the book is a comprehensive guidebook serving as a practical manual for individuals entering the field of project management. It provides a structured framework for the entire project life cycle, from drafting a business case and project charter to final closure and retrospection. Key instructional areas include building a Work Breakdown Structure (WBS), managing resource allocation, and navigating various organizational environments. The authors emphasize the human element by offering strategies for leading diverse teams, managing stakeholder expectations, and improving communication. Additionally, the text covers essential technical tools, such as Gantt charts, network diagrams, and Earned Value Management, for tracking performance. Ultimately, the source aims to equip readers with the mindset and technical skills required to deliver successful results in traditional, Agile, or hybrid settings.

    16 min

  10. 12/16/2025

    Managing Successful Projects with PRINCE2®

    The AI team takes a deep dive into the PeopleCert book Managing Successful Projects with PRINCE2 (2023) which serves as a comprehensive guide to the project management methodology. The content covers the seven PRINCE2 principles, such as "ensure continued business justification" and "focus on products," and introduces the seven practices: Business Case, Organizing, Plans, Quality, Risk, Issues, and Progress, which describe essential project management aspects. Furthermore, the source details the project lifecycle processes, including (1) Starting up a project, (2) Directing a project, (3) Initiating a project, (4) Controlling a stage, (5) Managing a stage boundary, (6) Managing product delivery, and (7) Closing a project, explaining the activities, objectives, and responsibilities for each. It also outlines the various management products such as the Business Case, Risk Register, and Issue Report, which are crucial for effective control and communication within a project's framework, emphasizing the importance of tailoring the method to suit different project contexts and scales. The book is available on Amazon, together with similar books on managing projects with PRINCE2

    14 min
  • 10 Episodes

About

The AI team take a deep dive into successful innovative tools, practical and conceptual applications of systems thinking and beyond and systems engineering to various types of problems, summarizing the concepts behind the successes and usually drawing general conclusions for how the concepts may be used in other situations. The opinions expressed by the AI team in each deep dive are their own and have not been edited in any way. While systems thinking provides an understanding of the problematic situation, you need to go beyond systems thinking to create solutions, especially innovative solutions. Join my LinkedIn group (Tackling complex problems) and discuss the content of the podcasts (https://www.linkedin.com/groups/13991392/)

Information

  • Creator
    Dr Joseph Kasser
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2026
  • Episodes
    10
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2024-2025 Joseph Kasser
  • Show Website
    Systems Thinking and Beyond

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