{"id":null,"code":"PREP3610","name":{"valueFi":"Systems Thinking and Complexity-Aware Methodologies","valueEn":"Systems Thinking and Complexity-Aware Methodologies","valueSv":""},"credits":5.0,"minCredits":5,"maxCredits":5,"tags":[{"code":"opinfi-teema-safety_security_and_risk_management","title":{"valueFi":"Opinfi teema - Turvallisuus ja riskienhallinta","valueEn":"Opinfi theme - Safety, security and risk management","valueSv":"Opinfi tema - Säkerhet och riskhantering"}},{"code":"opinfi-teema-society_and_interaction","title":{"valueFi":"Opinfi teema - Yhteiskunta ja vuorovaikutus","valueEn":"Opinfi theme - Society and interaction","valueSv":"Opinfi tema - Samhälle och interaktion"}}],"createdAt":1790533924428,"contentList":[{"title":{"valueFi":"Osaamistavoitteet","valueEn":"Learning outcomes","valueSv":""},"content":{"valueFi":"By the end of this course, students will be able to\r\n•\tapply systems thinking and complexity theory to real-world problems and social phenomena\r\n•\tevaluate the limitations and strengths of non-complexity aware qualitative and quantitative research methods\r\n•\tdistinguish the cases in which complexity-aware methodologies provide complementary views to the topic at hand\r\n•\tanalyze the role of participatory methods in making sense of complex social environments\r\n•\tconduct a research project based on one of the covered complexity-aware research methods","valueEn":"By the end of this course, students will be able to\r\n•\tapply systems thinking and complexity theory to real-world problems and social phenomena\r\n•\tevaluate the limitations and strengths of non-complexity aware qualitative and quantitative research methods\r\n•\tdistinguish the cases in which complexity-aware methodologies provide complementary views to the topic at hand\r\n•\tanalyze the role of participatory methods in making sense of complex social environments\r\n•\tconduct a research project based on one of the covered complexity-aware research methods","valueSv":""}},{"title":{"valueFi":"Sisältö","valueEn":"Content","valueSv":""},"content":{"valueFi":"This is a Master’s level advanced course that requires applicable higher education studies in the field. Please also check prerequisites.\r\n\r\nThis course introduces students to systems thinking and complexity theory as essential tools for understanding preparedness, resilience and security challenges.\r\n\r\nStudents will explore why complexity-aware methodologies are needed and how they complement traditional qualitative and quantitative approaches. Through case studies and practical exercises, the course emphasizes non-reductionist strategies for analyzing resilience in complex environments.\r\n\r\nThe course covers both more quantitatively and qualitatively aligned complexity-aware methods, including network analysis, Qualitative Comparative Analysis (QCA) and its derivatives, participatory systems mapping, and case study approaches. Students will learn to critically assess the strengths and limitations of conventional research methods and apply complexity-aware techniques to resilience-related challenges.\r\n\r\nBy the end of the course, students will be able to design and conduct a research project using one of the covered methodologies, gaining practical experience in applying systems thinking to resilience practice and research. The course is intended for master's level students.\r\n\r\nCourse content:\r\n•\tIntroduction to systems thinking and complexity theory\r\n•\tWhy are complexity-aware methodologies needed?\r\n•\tCase study applications of the systems approach\r\n•\tComplexity-aware research methods and methodologies: network analysis, Qualitative Comparative Analysis and its derivatives, Participatory Systems Mapping, case study","valueEn":"This is a Master’s level advanced course that requires applicable higher education studies in the field. Please also check prerequisites.\r\n\r\nThis course introduces students to systems thinking and complexity theory as essential tools for understanding preparedness, resilience and security challenges.\r\n\r\nStudents will explore why complexity-aware methodologies are needed and how they complement traditional qualitative and quantitative approaches. Through case studies and practical exercises, the course emphasizes non-reductionist strategies for analyzing resilience in complex environments.\r\n\r\nThe course covers both more quantitatively and qualitatively aligned complexity-aware methods, including network analysis, Qualitative Comparative Analysis (QCA) and its derivatives, participatory systems mapping, and case study approaches. Students will learn to critically assess the strengths and limitations of conventional research methods and apply complexity-aware techniques to resilience-related challenges.\r\n\r\nBy the end of the course, students will be able to design and conduct a research project using one of the covered methodologies, gaining practical experience in applying systems thinking to resilience practice and research. The course is intended for master's level students.\r\n\r\nCourse content:\r\n•\tIntroduction to systems thinking and complexity theory\r\n•\tWhy are complexity-aware methodologies needed?\r\n•\tCase study applications of the systems approach\r\n•\tComplexity-aware research methods and methodologies: network analysis, Qualitative Comparative Analysis and its derivatives, Participatory Systems Mapping, case study","valueSv":""}},{"title":{"valueFi":"Suoritustavat","valueEn":"Study and assessment methods","valueSv":""},"content":{"valueFi":"Students are assessed based on the group project and self-assessment of their participation and contribution in the group work.","valueEn":"Students are assessed based on the group project and self-assessment of their participation and contribution in the group work.","valueSv":""}},{"title":{"valueFi":"Toteutustavat","valueEn":"Implementation methods","valueSv":""},"content":{"valueFi":"Organised as a series of intensive workshop days on campus, consisting of lectures, workshops related to lecture topics and a group project. Group project will require group work outside of the lecture times. Attendance is mandatory.","valueEn":"Organised as a series of intensive workshop days on campus, consisting of lectures, workshops related to lecture topics and a group project. Group project will require group work outside of the lecture times. Attendance is mandatory.","valueSv":""}},{"title":{"valueFi":"Oppimateriaalit","valueEn":"Learning materials","valueSv":""},"content":{"valueFi":"Core reading\r\n\r\n•\tBarbrook-Johnson, P. & Penn, A. S. (2022). Systems Mapping: How to build and use causal models of systems. Palgrave Macmillan.\r\n•\tByrne, D. & Ragin, C. C. (2009). The SAGE Handbook of Case-Based Methods. SAGE Publications.\r\n•\tCastellani, B. & Gerrits, L. (2024). The Atlas of Social Complexity. Edward Elgar.\r\n•\tGeyer, R. & Rihani, S. (2010). Complexity and Public Policy: A New Approach to 21st Century Politics, Policy and Society. Routledge.\r\n•\tRihoux, B. & Ragin, C. C. (2009). Configurational Comparative Methods: Qualitative Comparative Analysis (QCA) and Related Techniques. Sage Publications.\r\n•\tScott, J. (2013). Social Network Analysis. Sage Publications.\r\n•\tUngar, M. (ed.), Multisystemic Resilience: Adaptation and Transformation in Contexts of Change. Oxford Academic.\r\n\r\nAdditional literature\r\n\r\n•\tCapra, F. & Luisi, P. L. (2014). The Systems View of Life. A Unifying Vision. Cambridge University Press.\r\n•\tCilliers, P. (1998). Complexity and Postmodernism Understanding Complex Systems. Routledge.\r\n•\tDay, A. (2025). The Forever Crisis. Adaptive Global Governance for an Era of Accelerating Complexity. Routledge.\r\n•\tIson, R., & Straw, E. (2020). The Hidden Power of Systems Thinking. Governance in a Climate Emergency. Routledge.\r\n•\tJackson, Michael C. (2019). Critical Systems Thinking and the Management of Complexity. Chichester: John Wiley & Sons.\r\n•\tMorçöl, G. (2023). Complex Governance Networks Foundational Concepts and Practical Implications. New York, NY: Routledge.\r\n•\tMowles, C. (2022). Complexity. A Key Idea for Business and Society. London: Routledge.\r\n•\tRichardson, K. A. (2008). Managing complex organizations: complexity thinking and the science and art of management.”Emergence: Complexity and Organization 20(2), 13–\r\n\r\nOther articles, examples of the application on the methods, and literature suggested by the teacher(s).","valueEn":"Core reading\r\n\r\n•\tBarbrook-Johnson, P. & Penn, A. S. (2022). Systems Mapping: How to build and use causal models of systems. Palgrave Macmillan.\r\n•\tByrne, D. & Ragin, C. C. (2009). The SAGE Handbook of Case-Based Methods. SAGE Publications.\r\n•\tCastellani, B. & Gerrits, L. (2024). The Atlas of Social Complexity. Edward Elgar.\r\n•\tGeyer, R. & Rihani, S. (2010). Complexity and Public Policy: A New Approach to 21st Century Politics, Policy and Society. Routledge.\r\n•\tRihoux, B. & Ragin, C. C. (2009). Configurational Comparative Methods: Qualitative Comparative Analysis (QCA) and Related Techniques. Sage Publications.\r\n•\tScott, J. (2013). Social Network Analysis. Sage Publications.\r\n•\tUngar, M. (ed.), Multisystemic Resilience: Adaptation and Transformation in Contexts of Change. Oxford Academic.\r\n\r\nAdditional literature\r\n\r\n•\tCapra, F. & Luisi, P. L. (2014). The Systems View of Life. A Unifying Vision. Cambridge University Press.\r\n•\tCilliers, P. (1998). Complexity and Postmodernism Understanding Complex Systems. Routledge.\r\n•\tDay, A. (2025). The Forever Crisis. Adaptive Global Governance for an Era of Accelerating Complexity. Routledge.\r\n•\tIson, R., & Straw, E. (2020). The Hidden Power of Systems Thinking. Governance in a Climate Emergency. Routledge.\r\n•\tJackson, Michael C. (2019). Critical Systems Thinking and the Management of Complexity. Chichester: John Wiley & Sons.\r\n•\tMorçöl, G. (2023). Complex Governance Networks Foundational Concepts and Practical Implications. New York, NY: Routledge.\r\n•\tMowles, C. (2022). Complexity. A Key Idea for Business and Society. London: Routledge.\r\n•\tRichardson, K. A. (2008). Managing complex organizations: complexity thinking and the science and art of management.”Emergence: Complexity and Organization 20(2), 13–\r\n\r\nOther articles, examples of the application on the methods, and literature suggested by the teacher(s).","valueSv":""}},{"title":{"valueFi":"Lisätiedot","valueEn":"Further information","valueSv":""},"content":{"valueFi":"For open university students: This is a Master’s level advanced course that requires applicable higher education studies in the field, along with basic knowledge of the main forms of qualitative, quantitative and mixed research methods. For example, bachelor's degree or equivalent studies in social sciences or related fields.\r\n\r\nOpen to master's students in Administrative Sciences. Basic knowledge of the main forms of qualitative, quantitative and mixed research methods.\r\n\r\nOpintojakson nimi suomeksi: Systeemiajattelu ja kompleksisuustietoiset metodologiat","valueEn":"For open university students: This is a Master’s level advanced course that requires applicable higher education studies in the field, along with basic knowledge of the main forms of qualitative, quantitative and mixed research method. For example, bachelor's degree or equivalent studies in social sciences or related fields.\r\n\r\nOpen to master's students in Administrative Sciences. Basic knowledge of the main forms of qualitative, quantitative and mixed research methods.","valueSv":""}},{"title":{"valueFi":"Kurssikirjallisuus","valueEn":"Literature","valueSv":""},"content":{"valueFi":"1. Barbrook-Johnson, P. & Penn, A. S. (2022). Systems Mapping: How to build and use causal models of systems. Palgrave Macmillan. 978-3-031-01919-7\n2. Byrne, D. & Ragin, C. C. (2009). The SAGE Handbook of Case-Based Methods. SAGE Publications. 9781446249413\n3. Castellani, B. & Gerrits, L. (2024). The Atlas of Social Complexity. Edward Elgar. 9781789909517\n4. Geyer, R. & Rihani, S. (2010). Complexity and Public Policy: A New Approach to 21st Century Politics, Policy and Society. Routledge. 9780415556637\n5. Rihoux, B. & Ragin, C. C. (2009). Configurational Comparative Methods: Qualitative Comparative Analysis (QCA) and Related Techniques. Sage Publications 9781452226569\n6. Ungar, M. (ed.), Multisystemic Resilience: Adaptation and Transformation in Contexts of Change. Oxford Academic. 9780197541159\n7. Scott, J. (2013). Social Network Analysis. Sage Publications. 9781529716597","valueEn":"1. Barbrook-Johnson, P. & Penn, A. S. (2022). Systems Mapping: How to build and use causal models of systems. Palgrave Macmillan. 978-3-031-01919-7\n2. Byrne, D. & Ragin, C. C. (2009). The SAGE Handbook of Case-Based Methods. SAGE Publications. 9781446249413\n3. Castellani, B. & Gerrits, L. (2024). The Atlas of Social Complexity. Edward Elgar. 9781789909517\n4. Geyer, R. & Rihani, S. (2010). Complexity and Public Policy: A New Approach to 21st Century Politics, Policy and Society. Routledge. 9780415556637\n5. Rihoux, B. & Ragin, C. C. (2009). Configurational Comparative Methods: Qualitative Comparative Analysis (QCA) and Related Techniques. Sage Publications 9781452226569\n6. Ungar, M. (ed.), Multisystemic Resilience: Adaptation and Transformation in Contexts of Change. Oxford Academic. 9780197541159\n7. Scott, J. (2013). Social Network Analysis. Sage Publications. 9781529716597","valueSv":"1. Barbrook-Johnson, P. & Penn, A. S. (2022). Systems Mapping: How to build and use causal models of systems. Palgrave Macmillan. 978-3-031-01919-7\n2. Byrne, D. & Ragin, C. C. (2009). The SAGE Handbook of Case-Based Methods. SAGE Publications. 9781446249413\n3. Castellani, B. & Gerrits, L. (2024). The Atlas of Social Complexity. Edward Elgar. 9781789909517\n4. Geyer, R. & Rihani, S. (2010). Complexity and Public Policy: A New Approach to 21st Century Politics, Policy and Society. Routledge. 9780415556637\n5. Rihoux, B. & Ragin, C. C. (2009). Configurational Comparative Methods: Qualitative Comparative Analysis (QCA) and Related Techniques. Sage Publications 9781452226569\n6. Ungar, M. (ed.), Multisystemic Resilience: Adaptation and Transformation in Contexts of Change. Oxford Academic. 9780197541159\n7. Scott, J. (2013). Social Network Analysis. Sage Publications. 9781529716597"}},{"title":{"valueFi":"Esitietovaatimukset","valueEn":"Prerequisites","valueSv":""},"content":{"valueFi":"For students at the University of Vaasa: This is an advanced-level course for master's degree studies. Therefore, at least a bachelor's degree or completed bachelor's level courses are required.\r\n\r\nFor open university students: This is a Master’s level advanced course that requires applicable higher education studies in the field. For example, bachelor's degree or equivalent studies in social sciences or related fields.","valueEn":"For students at the University of Vaasa: This is an advanced-level course for master's degree studies. Therefore, at least a bachelor's degree or completed bachelor's level courses are required.\r\n\r\nFor open university students: This is a Master’s level advanced course that requires applicable higher education studies in the field. For example, bachelor's degree or equivalent studies in social sciences or related fields.","valueSv":""}},{"title":{"valueFi":"Arviointiasteikko","valueEn":"Grading scale","valueSv":""},"content":{"valueFi":"0-5","valueEn":"0-5","valueSv":"0-5"}},{"title":{"valueFi":"Arviointikriteerit","valueEn":"Assessment criteria","valueSv":""},"content":{"valueFi":"","valueEn":"","valueSv":""}},{"title":null,"content":{"valueFi":"","valueEn":"","valueSv":""}},{"title":null,"content":{"valueFi":"","valueEn":"","valueSv":""}},{"title":null,"content":{"valueFi":"","valueEn":"","valueSv":""}},{"title":{"valueFi":"Kielet","valueEn":"Languages","valueSv":""},"content":{"valueFi":"englanti","valueEn":"English","valueSv":"engelska"}},{"title":{"valueFi":"Taso","valueEn":"Level","valueSv":""},"content":{"valueFi":"Syventävät opinnot","valueEn":"Advanced level studies","valueSv":""}},{"title":{"valueFi":"Oppiaine","valueEn":"Subject","valueSv":""},"content":{"valueFi":"","valueEn":"","valueSv":""}},{"title":{"valueFi":"Vastuuhenkilöt","valueEn":"Person in charge","valueSv":""},"content":{"valueFi":"Petri Uusikylä, Ville-Pekka Niskanen","valueEn":"Petri Uusikylä, Ville-Pekka Niskanen","valueSv":"Petri Uusikylä, Ville-Pekka Niskanen"}},{"title":{"valueFi":"Luokittelu","valueEn":"Classification","valueSv":""},"content":{"valueFi":"Opinfi teema - Turvallisuus ja riskienhallinta, Opinfi teema - Yhteiskunta ja vuorovaikutus","valueEn":"Opinfi theme - Safety, security and risk management, Opinfi theme - Society and interaction","valueSv":"Opinfi tema - Säkerhet och riskhantering, Opinfi tema - Samhälle och interaktion"}},{"title":{"valueFi":"Linkit","valueEn":"Links","valueSv":""},"content":{"valueFi":"","valueEn":"","valueSv":""}}]}