Fundamentals of Systems Thinking

A system is a set of interconnected elements that are organized in such a way to achieve a purpose. Structure and feedback are fundamental properties of all systems and determine system behavior-whether successful or failed. Systems thinking is a methodology used to create structural explanations for why things are happening so we are in a better position to identify long-term strategies that will fundamentally improve system performance. This article addresses the origins of systems thinking and briefly describes a methodology that has been used primarily in business management but has application in veterinary medicine as well.