Systems thinking is an approach that implies focusing the analysis on observation of interrelation in the system through the course of time and within the context of other more extensive systems. For example, in an article on human-centered crash analysis, Adanu et al. (2019) incorporated the systems thinking approach to provide a multilevel framework to better understand factors that cause human-centered crashes. Another study conducted by Desbois et al. (2021) used systems thinking approach to identify and assess the feasibility of potential interventions that could be used to reduce antibiotic involvement in tilapia farming in Egypt. Thus, system thinking is appropriate in cases where there is a need to detect valuable connections and identify issues within the work of the system’s segments.
On the other hand, the strategic planning approach is a systematic process that implies setting strategic objectives and involves valuable aspects, such as organizational priorities and energy and resources management. For example, in researching protecting coastlines from oil spills, Grubesic et al. (2019), implemented a strategic planning approach to fit the response resources in limited budgeting. Alternatively, in a study on virtual museums exhibitions, Kamariotou et al. (2021), utilized the strategic planning approach to define key elements in the development of digital museums. Because strategic planning features different sides of the subject, the approach is appropriate in determining different aspects of future development.
The two approaches are not interchangeable because they serve to achieve different goals. Both approaches are similar in viewing the system in the context of different conditions, such as connections in the systems thinking approach and factors in the strategic planning approach. However, systems thinking helps evaluate the system’s work in the context of existing connections, while strategic planning allows altering or making new connections to improve the overall work. Strategic planning also differs from systems thinking as it implements the feature of fitting specific criteria, like resource limitation or goal achievement. I can see myself as an agent of change as I believe that changes imply overcoming obstacles and improving the overall work of the system.
References
Adanu, E. K., Penmetsa, P., Wood, D., & Jones, S. L. (2019). Incorporating systems thinking approach in a multilevel framework for human-centered crash analysis. Transportation Research Interdisciplinary Perspectives, 2, 1-8.
Desbois, A. P., Garza, M., Eltholth, M., Hegazy, Y. M., Mateus, A., Adams, A., Little, D. C., Høg, E., Mohan, C. V., Ali, S., & Brunton, L. A. (2021). Systems-thinking approach to identify and assess feasibility of potential interventions to reduce antibiotic use in tilapia farming in Egypt.Aquaculture, 540, 1-11.
Grubesic, T. H., Nelson, J. R., & Wei, R. (2019). A strategic planning approach for protecting environmentally sensitive coastlines from oil spills: Allocating response resources on a limited budget.Marine Policy, 108, 1-10.
Kamariotou, V., Kamariotou, M., & Kitsios, F. (2021). Strategic planning for virtual exhibitions and visitors’ experience: A multidisciplinary approach for museums in the digital age.Digital Applications in Archaeology and Cultural Heritage, 21, 1-11.