Course Content
Introduction to Systematic Success
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I. Introduction to Systematic Success
00:00
Reflecting on Systems
Understanding Systematic Management
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II. Understanding Systematic Management
00:00
Addressing Complexity: Requisite Variety
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III. Addressing Complexity: Requisite Variety
00:00
3
Aligning Personal and Business Profiles
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IV. Aligning Personal and Business Profiles
00:00
Intelligent Value Generation
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V. Intelligent Value Generation
00:00
Core Systems Ideas
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VI. Core Systems Ideas
00:00
Beyond Profits: Fulfilling Higher Order Needs
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VII. Beyond Profits: Fulfilling Higher Order Needs
00:00
Scaling in the Optimal Range
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VIII. Scaling in the Optimal Range
00:00
Complementary Resources
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IX. Complementary Resources
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Technology as a Lever
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X. Technology as a Lever
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Leveraging Technology
Design Thinking: A Subset of Systems Thinking
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XI. Design Thinking: A Subset of Systems Thinking
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Design Thinking
Strategic Planning as a Systems Approach
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XII. Strategic Planning as a Systems Approach
00:00
Organizational Analysis
Environmental Scan
Strategy
Business Ecosystem Intelligence
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XIII. Business Ecosystem Intelligence
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Ecosystem Business Intelligence
Small Business Logic: Goals, Decisions, and Throughput
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XIV. Small Business Logic: Goals, Decisions, and Throughput
00:00
Viable Systems Model
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XV. Viable Systems Model
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Reflecting on Business as a System of Subsystems Embedded in an Ecosystem
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XVI. Reflecting on Business as a System of Subsystems Embedded in an Ecosystem
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Subsystems and Ecosystems
The Core System Management Cycle
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XII. The Core System Management Cycle: Goal-Setting to Lesson-Learning
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Management Cycle
Navigating Complexity: Systems Thinking as a Lifelong Practice
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XVI. Navigating Complexity: Systems Thinking as a Lifelong Practice
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Navigating Complexity
Systematic Management
About Lesson

Anatomy of a Viable System:

The Viable Systems Model (VSM) provides a lens through which we can understand the internal structures and functions essential for the viability of your business. Explore the five subsystems within the VSM, each serving a specific role in maintaining the adaptability, resilience, and efficiency of your overall enterprise.

System 1: Operations:

System 1 focuses on the day-to-day operations of your business. From production processes to customer service, this subsystem ensures that routine tasks are executed efficiently. Understand the importance of streamlined operations in contributing to the overall viability of your business.

System 2: Coordination:

Coordination, or System 2, involves aligning various elements within your business to work in harmony. From departments to teams, coordination ensures that different parts of your business are synchronized, contributing to adaptability and responsiveness in a dynamic business environment.

System 3: Control:

Control mechanisms within System 3 oversee the performance of operations and coordination. Learn how feedback loops, key performance indicators (KPIs), and monitoring mechanisms contribute to maintaining standards, identifying areas for improvement, and ensuring the overall health of your business.

System 4: Intelligence:

Intelligence, represented by System 4, involves gathering and analyzing information from both internal and external sources. This subsystem enables your business to stay informed about market trends, competitor activities, and emerging opportunities, fostering adaptability and informed decision-making.

System 5: Policy:

Policy, the fifth subsystem, establishes the overarching principles and guidelines that guide decision-making across the organization. Explore how a well-defined policy framework contributes to consistency, ethical conduct, and a shared vision, aligning your business with its broader goals.

Note: In reality, all subsystems are interconnected. Control is not necessarily central.

Case Studies in Viable Systems:

Delve into case studies of businesses that have effectively applied the Viable Systems Model. These examples showcase how a holistic understanding of internal subsystems contributes to the overall viability and sustainability of enterprises. Learn from these real-world instances as you consider implementing VSM within your business.

Interactive VSM Workshop:

In our interactive workshop, we’ll engage in a Viable Systems Model exercise. Identify the subsystems within your business, assess their interactions, and explore areas for improvement. This hands-on activity will empower you to apply the principles of VSM, enhancing the overall viability of your enterprise.

Transition to Reflecting on Business as a System of Subsystems:

As we conclude our exploration of the Viable Systems Model, let’s transition to a moment of reflection. Join me in understanding that your business is not a monolithic entity but a system of interconnected subsystems. This realization sets the stage for optimizing the functioning of each part to ensure the overall success of your enterprise.

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