Difference between revisions of "Leverage point"

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= Introduction =
 
= Introduction =
Part of system analysis and system dynamics (more at page [[System Dynamics]]) is finding leverage points.<br/>
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Leverage points are part of system analysis and system dynamics (more at page [[System Dynamics]]).<br/>
Definition could be summarized as: "Leverage points are places within a complex system where a small shift in one thing can produce big changes in everything." [1]<br/>
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== Definition of Leverage Points ==
System is a set of elements whose interconnections determine their behaviour and the behaviour of the entire system."<br/>
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'''"These are places within a complex system (a corporation, an economy, a living body, a city, an ecosystem) where a small shift in one thing can produce big changes in everything." [1]'''
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== Terminology ==
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In the case of system analysis the definition for system is: "System is a set of elements whose interconnections determine their behaviour and the behaviour of the entire system." [2]<br/>
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Important notion is that the systems modeled can be complex. Leverage points are even in such grand models such as the model of the world. The limits of scope and detail can be set by what problem we are trying to solve.<br/>
 
In complex systems it is almost necessary to focus effort of change (in solving problems) into those points, where least effort brings biggest change.
 
In complex systems it is almost necessary to focus effort of change (in solving problems) into those points, where least effort brings biggest change.
  
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== Key Principles ==
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Here are some key principles that one has to bear in mind when finding/dealing with leverage points: [2]<br/>
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• While fixating on parts, we miss understanding the whole<br/>
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• Actions can have cascading effect over time<br/>
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• There can be unintended consequences<br/>
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• Find most important places for intervention, to change the long-term behavior of a system
  
= Usage =
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== Real Applications ==
  
 
== Real Applications ==
 
 
  
 
== Solved Examples ==
 
== Solved Examples ==

Revision as of 18:20, 24 January 2019

Introduction

Leverage points are part of system analysis and system dynamics (more at page System Dynamics).

Definition of Leverage Points

"These are places within a complex system (a corporation, an economy, a living body, a city, an ecosystem) where a small shift in one thing can produce big changes in everything." [1]

Terminology

In the case of system analysis the definition for system is: "System is a set of elements whose interconnections determine their behaviour and the behaviour of the entire system." [2]
Important notion is that the systems modeled can be complex. Leverage points are even in such grand models such as the model of the world. The limits of scope and detail can be set by what problem we are trying to solve.
In complex systems it is almost necessary to focus effort of change (in solving problems) into those points, where least effort brings biggest change.

Key Principles

Here are some key principles that one has to bear in mind when finding/dealing with leverage points: [2]
• While fixating on parts, we miss understanding the whole
• Actions can have cascading effect over time
• There can be unintended consequences
• Find most important places for intervention, to change the long-term behavior of a system

Real Applications

Solved Examples

Relevant Facts

Curiosities

Excercises

References

• Xxx

• Yyy