Systems analysis deals with integration of knowledge from different areas in order to handle complex problems, often focusing on applications requiring actions and decisions. Analytical tools, such as mathematical and statistical models, play a crucial role. For utilising these tools, a good overview of theories and methods is required, and knowledge about their applicability and limitations. Furthermore, combinatory skill and creativity are required in mobilising and integrating knowledge from different subject areas together with an understanding of the problems and the contexts in which the results are to be implemented, as well as an ability to communicate insights and results both in a cross disciplinary sense and to various stakeholders.
Initially, the systems analysis approach and its relationship with network thinking and complexity will be presented in a number of lectures. This is followed by a number of lectures where experienced researchers discuss systems analysis applications from different fields. Case study presentations by young researchers, or senior PhD students, further illustrate the range of ongoing research that makes use of systems analysis approaches. The students will be given the opportunity to apply problem-structuring approaches of systems analysis to some societal problem in a workshop setting. The students will also present their own research from a systems analysis perspective in a brief written report and orally in a seminar.