Practical Value of the Systems-based Evolutionary Learning Laboratory in Solving Complex Community Problems in Vietnam

This paper provides initial reflections on the practical value of the systems-based Evolutionary Learning Laboratory (ELLab) through a case study on improving the quality of life for women smallholder farmers in rural Haiphong, northern Vietnam. The first five steps were implemented during 2013-2014 providing valuable results that have made both practical and theoretical contributions with substantial implications to community development. The approach and framework helped to identify and engaged right stakeholders in problem analyses and decision making activities. Fuzzy problems within the complex web of life of the women and rural households were uncovered using relevant systems tools through a guided ELLab process. The ELLab helped to build capacity of local people for taking ownership of the process and outcomes to guarantee sustainability and long-term impacts. It also facilitated true participation and co-learning amongst stakeholders, making transformative learning occur. Contributions to action research are discussed

Where is this so-called “Fifth Discipline” if project failures, blown-out budgets, decision disasters and poor investments continue to plague our society?

We are living in a complex and ever changing world. Policy makers, managers and leaders today are expected to cope with increasing complexity, change, and diversity. Traditional and reductionist approaches have shown their inability to address such complex problems. Increasing complex issues and challenges in curating the conditions for a flourishing planet require new ways of thinking and a fresh approach to address the multi-dimensional and multidisciplinary nature of complexity. This paper argues that there is an urgent need for a societal change to deal with complexity in a world that focuses on reductionist approaches (breaking into parts; traditional linear thinking; seeking silver bullets). The need to step outside our collective 'comfort zone', develop new ways of thinking and act in the interest of our future is crucial. It is essential for future managers and leaders to be equipped with new ways of thinking that are systems thinking and design-led to deal with complex problems in a systemic, integrated and collaborative fashion - that is, finding long-lasting solutions to the root causes of issues rather than focusing on short-term fixes that doesn't work. System thinking offers a holistic and integrative way of appreciating all the major dimensions of a complex problem, and enables the formation of effective and long-term management strategies (systemic interventions). The paper provides examples of how taking systems thinking out into the real world could help shifting the mindsets of managers and decision makers to avoid project failures and money wasting in complex project management and discusses the importance of 'systems thinking' to become 'everyday language' and a main stream concept embedded in all walks of life

Using a systems-based Evolutionary Learning Laboratory to address the “ NEET - Not in Employment, Education, or Training” issue in Japan

The purpose of social design is to create a feasible solution in order to solve a particular problem. For some time, social designs have been made by social entrepreneurs using unauthorized methodologies formed through lessons from their own activities and experiences. They regard these methodologies as practical, but they are often difficult to design, especially in complex social systems where multiple stakeholders are involved. Participatory systems analysis (PSA) is another valuable methodology in social design, as it provides various stakeholders with the opportunity to share their mental models with each other, to recognize and understand issues, and to identify potential barriers and drivers towards creating solutions. This method is effective in developing a consensus for finding the best solutions.The purpose of this study was to create a model to design consensual solutions for an important social issue in Japan involving the high number of NEETS, a term referring to people who are “Not in Employment, Education, or Training.” The mental models of various stakeholders were integrated into a systems structure or causal loop model to develop an understanding of the interrelationships and patterns among the components of the model. The model was used to identify the main leverage points and systemic interventions that could help in solving the NEET problem. Bayesian Belief Network (BBN) modeling was then used for each of the identified leverage points to design an integrated systemic management and operational plan for addressing the NEET issue, which has not yet been successfully addressed in Japan. The systems models (CLM and BBN) were embedded in the Evolutionary Learning Laboratory to create a cyclical social design through which the solutions can be implemented

Dynamics and viability of the Critically Endangered Cat Ba Langur: A new perspective for conservation actions

The golden-headed or Cat Ba Langur (Trachypithecus poliocephalus poliocephalus) is an endemic species of Cat Ba Island in northern Vietnam. It is listed as a critically endangered species in the IUCN red list because of its small, isolated sub-populations and low population numbers. This study was undertaken to understand the trend of population development and the risk of extinction of the species in the future. This will help conservationists to minimize the risk of extinction, and develop better conservation strategies for this species. A number of methods were carried out to examine the conservation status and life history of the langurs. This included conducting in-depth interviews with 21 members of forest protection groups and 20 staff of the Cat Ba National Park, gathering secondary data from reports and other publications dating from 1997 onwards, and conducting field surveys. These information and data were then used to construct a simulation model for the dynamics and viability of the langur population. The study found that 12 groups of the langurs consisting of a total of 50 – 60 individuals with an average group size of 4.67 individuals survived on Cat Ba Island. Disturbed social structure is one of the most significant reasons causing the stable population in the past twelve years, and it is predicted to continue to stabilize in the next 10 years, reaching 86 individuals by 2050. The validation tests have confirmed that the model is sufficient to be used as a tool for policy analysis and decision making for conservationists on the island. The effects of reproducing population on birth rate, and birth rate are two factors which have the most influence on the number of langurs. This clearly implies that an increase in the reproducing population numbers and birth rate would have a significant effect on the growth of langur population in the long-term. Relocation of non-reproductive groups to reproductive units, strict protection and management are important strategies to save this critically endangered species from extinction.&nbsp