Subject: system archetypes

Posted by Lees Stuntz on 10/12/2005

Message:

I think this exchange is interesting for the K-12 folks. It raises a real question- how and where do we use archetypes?

Lees
Lees N. Stuntz
Creative Learning Exchange
stuntzln@clexchange.org
www.clexchange.org

27 Central St.
Acton MA 01720
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Begin forwarded message:


From: "John Gunkler jgunkler sprintmail.com"
Date: September 23, 2005 6:30:10 AM EDT
To: SDMAIL@listserv.albany.edu
Subject: QUERY System archetypes with improvements (SD5545)
Reply-To: system dynamics listserve

Posted by "John Gunkler"
As a way of introducing the power of system dynamics to the uninitiated, I
have always wanted to use the "system archetypes" described so well by
Daniel Kim (and others.) But, the first question that comes to mind (both
my mind, I must admit, as well as my clients' minds) is -- "OK, so we're in
a situation much like that, how do we best deal with it?"

How powerful would it be in promoting the use of SD if we could describe
realistic problem situations in which people can see themselves, then offer
them a concrete starting place for getting out of the dilemma that they've
probably given up hope for?

I have seen only a couple of the archetypes described along with potentially
ameliorating actions (policies).

I suppose I am just supposed to be smart enough to figure these out myself
-- and, given time, I probably could -- but if it has already been done, I'd
appreciate a reference to sources. Do any of you know sources of answers to
the question: "What can we do when we're in this archetypal situation?"
Posted by "John Gunkler"
posting date Thu, 22 Sep 2005 11:45:24 -0500




Begin forwarded message:


From: "Joel Rahn jrahn sympatico.ca"
Date: September 24, 2005 7:13:25 AM EDT
To: SDMAIL@listserv.albany.edu
Subject: REPLY System archetypes with improvements (SD5546)
Reply-To: system dynamics listserve

Posted by Joel Rahn
Wolstenholme's classification of archetypes includes both 'problem' and
'solution' versions. See:
"Towards the definition and use of a core set of archetypal structures
in system dynamics", E. F. Wolstenholme, SDR 19, 7-26 (2003) for
complete details. In the spirit of archetypes, the 'solutions' require
some effort to adapt them to a specific problem-situation.
Joel Rahn
Posted by Joel Rahn
posting date Fri, 23 Sep 2005 07:48:23 -0400




Begin forwarded message:


From: "DGPacker aol.com"
Date: October 6, 2005 7:30:36 AM EDT
To: SDMAIL@listserv.albany.edu
Subject: REPLY System archetypes with improvements (SD5559)
Reply-To: system dynamics listserve

Posted by DGPacker@aol.com
In the workshops and counseling sessions we have done, we use archetypes as a
powerful way of introducing people to see structures that create many
problems they face. We then probe with them the ways that the sturcture could be
changed to achieve their goals--by eliminating links, adding links, changing
polarity, creating new feedback loops or simply reducing the unfavorable impact
of loops that cause problems. This is necessary and very valuable work and
provides learning about systems as well as real insight into real issues in a
surprising number of cases. (I would note that Pegasus Communications
(pegasuscom.com) has some valuable materials that support these efforts.)

Dave Packer
Systems Thinking Collaborative
www.stcollab.com
Posted by DGPacker@aol.com
posting date Wed, 5 Oct 2005 08:47:10 EDT