[DSRP Evidence](https://dsrpevidence.org/)

# Cornell University Institute for Public Affairs Systems Thinking Course

## Details

**Authors** Cornell University

**Year** 2016-2021

**Publisher** Cornell University

**Kind of work** course

**Discipline** Systems Science

**Secondary disciplines** Public Policy

**Reading level** beginner

**Kind of engagement** applications

[Read it](cornell.edu)

## In authors' words

### What they set out to do (purpose)

This describes how Derek and Laura Cabrera incorporated systems thinking, systems mapping, and systems leadership into graduate public-administration education. Their courses are designed to help students analyze complex public problems and apply systemic reasoning to organizations, leadership, management, and policy.

### What they found (results)

The article presents systems thinking as a practical capability for addressing “wicked problems” and developing effective public-sector leaders. The Cabreras emphasize combining systems-thinking mastery with metacognition, systems mapping, reflection, and organizational skills so that students can better understand complex problems and lead organizations attempting to solve them.

## Commentary

### In short

CIPA chose Cabrera's DSRP as the basis of their graduate level systems thinking course

### In more detail

The article describes two core courses in Cornell's Master of Public Administration program. Systems Thinking in Public Affairs teaches systems-thinking concepts and systems-mapping tools that students can carry into their professional work, while Organizational Design, Change, and Leadership applies systems principles to organizations, management, leadership, organizational change, and culture change. The Cabreras also describe a two-year Systems Thinking and Mapping certificate for students pursuing deeper study. In addition, they discuss an NSF Small Business Innovation Research project investigating whether artificial intelligence and machine learning can enhance cognition and metacognition and help quantify thinking processes.

### Response

Cornell's Institute for Public Affairs selected DSRP as the basis of its graduate systems thinking course, taught from 2016 to 2021 in the Master of Public Administration curriculum. A curriculum decision at a school of public affairs, made in a field with many competing systems frameworks available to it.

**Patterns it shows** D, S, R, P

**How to cite this** Cornell University (2016-2021). Cornell University Institute for Public Affairs Systems Thinking Course. Cornell University.