Background Systems Thinking (ST) has recently been promoted as an important approach to health systems strengthening. However, ST is not common practice, particularly in Low- and Middle-Income Countries (LMICs). This paper seeks to explore the barriers that may hinder its application in the Eastern Mediterranean Region (EMR) and possible strategies to mitigate them.   Methods A survey consistin...

Exploration of issues associated with the introduction and the application of various systems thinking methods and techniques in the analysis and design of complex work systems in a large public sector organisation. Action research approach to introducing and skilling people in the use of systems thinking techniques and in exploring the concept of methodological pluralism. Highlights significan...

The paper investigates systems thinking and systems engineering. After a short literature review, the paper presents, as a means for systems thinking, twelve thinking tracks. The tracks can be used as creativity starter, checklist, and as means to investigate effects of design decisions taken early in the process. Tracks include thinking about time, risk and safety, and different types of life-...

This paper explores the question of what systems thinking adds to the field of global health. Observing that elements of systems thinking are already common in public health research, the article discusses which of the large body of theories, methods, and tools associated with systems thinking are more useful. The paper reviews the origins of systems thinking, describing a range of the theories...

Abstract We face complex global issues such as climate change that challenge our ability humans to manage them. Models have been used a pivotal science and engineering tool investigate, represent, explain, predict phenomena or solve problems involve multi-faceted systems across many fields. To fully explain using models requires both thinking (ST) computational (CT). This study proposes theoret...

Health systems have entered a third era embracing whole systems thinking and posing complex policy and management challenges. Understanding how such systems work and agreeing what needs to be put in place to enable them to undergo effective and sustainable change are more pressing issues than ever for policy-makers. The theory-policy-practice-gap and its four dimensions, as articulated by Chini...