2 Systems Engineering, Systems Thinking, System Dynamics: Complementary Viewpoints

Abstract Systems Engineering is one of several disciplines that deal with the development and operation of complex systems. Systems Thinking and System Dynamics have different origins than Systems Engineering, and have been successful in providing methods for understanding complex systems. Comparing the definitions of these disciplines indicates there is common ground in the problems‐solving approaches used by each. Systems Thinking and System Dynamics are examined to identify practices and methods that could be useful to Systems Engineers in understanding complex technical systems and evaluating changes to improve system performance.