Through my studies at Saïd Business School, University of Oxford, I had the opportunity to hear Felix Reed-Tsochas’ approach to system thinking. One of the key takeaways from Felix Reed-Tsochas’ class was his explanation on the difference between complicated and complex.
Understanding this difference is paramount in order to understand major programmes. The image clearly demonstrates why major programmes are complex rather than complicated; therefore applying methodology that is designed for complicated problems will not help in a complex system—in fact, applying this methodology hurts a major programme.
Can you think of a major programme that is not a complex system?