Conference Session

A Systems Thinking Approach to Solving Problems

Collection

2010 Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Renee Stepler, Pennsylvania State University; Steve Garguilo, Johnson & Johnson Inc.; Khanjan Mehta, Pennsylvania State University; Sven Bilen, Pennsylvania State University

Tagged Divisions

Systems Engineering Constituent Committee

probability of success ofglobal development ventures. We provide simple yet compelling examples from two differentventures to illustrate the power of systems thinking to train innovative problem-solvers andincrease the probability of success of technology-based social entrepreneurial ventures in Africa.Introduction: Need for Systems ThinkingThere are many university initiatives that focus on technology-based solutions to address theneeds of marginalized communities—the poor, the underserved, i.e., those at the “Base of thePyramid”. The technology-based solutions are intended to be economically and sociallysustainable. These endeavors are usually well-meaning, creatively designed, and enthusiasticallydeployed, but do not achieve the sustainable impact