Lifelong learning - The complexity suite
Complexity and uncertainty are becoming more and more salient qualities of the world around us. Therefore, it is also becoming essential to understand what complexity is and how complexity impacts how we organize, lead, and develop strategies. In six courses, we introduce complexity, systems thinking, and related concepts and how these can be applied to strategy, leadership, and organization. The courses are designed for students with relevant job experience. They are online and do not have any mandatory sessions.
FEKE11, Seeing and understanding complexity and uncertainty, 2.5 credits
This course focuses on languages and tools for describing and analyzing complex systems. The content: System theory, some frequently occurring management models (VUCA; Wicked, Cynefin), and network theory. The goal is that the participants can concretely see their surroundings and the challenges they face with new perspectives and tools.
FEKE12, Thinking and acting under complexity and uncertainty, 2.5 credits
This course focuses on so-called adult development, i.e., how human maturity contributes to the ability to handle complexity and uncertainty. The content: Brief introduction to complexity, cognitive theory, learning theory, models to describe the ability to manage complexity cognitively, and models to increase this ability.
FEKE13, Thinking and acting strategically under uncertainty and complexity, 2.5 credits
This course focuses on understanding new models for strategic thinking in an increasingly complex world. The content: Brief introduction to complexity,, a description of different schools of strategic thinking (and strategy in general), principles, models, and methods for environmental analysis and strategic decision-making.
FEKE14, Leadership in complex and uncertain environments, 2.5 credits
The focus of this course is understanding how complex situations make demands on leaders and how you can meet these demands as a leader. The content: Brief introduction to complexity,, a description of typical challenges in complex situations, and how these can be met with practical tools and models for personal development, primarely the development of attitudes.
FEKE15, Leading change in complex and uncertain environments, 2.5 credits
This course focuses on understanding change in and of complex (wicked) problems or systems. The content: Brief introduction to complexity,, models for change processes in complex systems, and how these differ from traditional (change management) models. The entire course leans towards the so-called catalytic school.
FEKE16, Organizing for complexity, 2.5 credits
This course focuses on understanding how to develop an organization's ability to handle internal and external complexity. The content: Brief introduction to complexity,, principles, and models for organizing in complexity and how these deviates from traditional organizational solutions.