Open Distance Learning Network/Systems concepts: Innovation Systems, Value Chains, And Livelihood Systems

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                              MODULE 1 Multi-stakeholder Partnerships

Unit 2:

Systems concepts: Innovation Systems, Value Chains, And Livelihood Systems

Systems Thinking

A System is an arrangement of physical components related in such a way that they act as a whole. There different types of systems and systems approach under systems concepts. In this class, we will look at the characteristics of a system, define what a system is, the systems approaches, a farm as a system, the types of systems and their frameworks, the external and internal factors, and the driving forces.

Requirements

Class Requirements: Successfully complete assignments by the due date.

Software Requirements: You must have internet connections to access the content and registered with wikieducator.org- with knowledge how it works.



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Objectives

Systems Thinking

  • Describe the Characteristics of a System
  • Definition of a System
  • Understand the Systems vs conventional thinking
  • Define the Systems approaches
  • Describe the Systems constructs
  • Understand the Systems diagram
  • Analyze the Systems Diagrams
  • Analyze the farm as System
  • Describe System Stylised Flow Charts
  • Name the types Systems
  • Describe and analyze an Innovation System
  • Describe a Value Chain System
  • Analyze the Livelihood Systems
  • Explain the Internal and External Factors
  • Describe the driving forces



Unit1

These is the first Unit under Module 1 of the four themes of Multi-stakeholder Learning Cycles.The outcomes of the whole Unit are outlined above.The Unit is divided into 10 lessons each with the objectives,and assignments to be made at the end of each lesson.Important notes/tips are given in intervals for critical reading or noting.Web resources/references are given at the end of the whole Unit for further reading.




Lesson1: Systems Definition

A System is an arrangement of physical components related in such a way that they act as a whole.

What does a System have?

A System has components and interactions.



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Objectives

By the end of this lesson, students/farmers should be able to:

  • Define a System
  • Describe the System characteristics
  • Describe how Systems vs Conventional thinking


Definition of a System

A system is:

	An arrangement of physical components related in such a way that they act as a whole.
	Where the properties of the whole arise from the relationships between the component parts; and
	Something that has a purpose, or is of interest to someone. 


A system has;

“Components”



Characteristics of a System

“Interactions”


“Boundaries or Limits”


“Inputs / Outputs”

“Hierarchy”


“Hierarchy” of agricultural systems


“Emergent Property”



Systems vs Conventional Thinking

Conventional (Systematic) Thinking Systems (Systemic) Thinking
Focuses on the components Focuses on the interaction between the parts and organization
Does not recognize feedback Recognizes the importance of feedback both positive and negative
Follows a linear direction, logical step by step Open minded, unstructured with no set direction
Follows ideas related to causes and effects Captures the variety of ideas.
Looks for a dominant perspective or point of view – the “right” one. Takes account of different opinions and points of view.


Challenge!


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Activity
Text for your activity goes here. You can add bullet lists
  • What is a system
  • Using diagrams give the characteristics of a system





Lesson2: Systems Approach


There two system approaches.



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Objectives

By the end of this lesson, students/farmers should be able to:

  • Understand systems concept definition
  • Define a system from different perspectives
  • Name the types of systems concepts


The “Hard Systems” Approach

The “Soft Systems “Approach

Systems are “Constructs”



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Web Resources

My Web_Resources will go here:

  • one
  • two




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Case Study
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