Leading Complex Adaptive Systems

In this final assignment, you will synthesize the readings and research examined throughout the course and apply this knowledge to a case study of your choice. The case studies presented in Chapters 10–14 in the Gharajedaghi e-book represent a wide variety of organizations and are all real-world examples of the implementation of systems thinking as well as the theories and designs you have studied.

Preparation
Review the assigned readings from Units 1–10 as well as the articles you have collected. Choose one of the case studies from Gharajedaghi to analyze and evaluate for this assignment. Use your readings and research to support your work.

Write a short introduction to your selected case study and issues presented. Then, in 12–15 pages, address the following:

Evaluate how systems thinking was applied to the case study to create innovation and change. Be sure to include holistic thinking and the interdependency of the internal and external environments.
Analyze how systems and organizational theory informed leadership practice and decision-making in the case study. Include complex adaptive systems theory, complexity, network, and systems theories, as well as pluralistic leadership in your analysis.
Evaluate how the structure and processes of the organizational design in the case study were implemented to create innovation and change. Be sure to address the role of people in the organization, boundaries, and organizational learning.
Evaluate the disruptiveness of the implementation of systems thinking in the case study.
Apply systems thinking and theory to your personal practice as a leader. How will you use systems thinking in your career? How has this study changed the lens through which you view the world?
Your paper should be organized into five sections of relatively equal length corresponding to each criterion. Use headings and subheadings appropriately. You may include graphs or diagrams in appendices, if they are pertinent and well explained.

Additional Requirements
Include a title page and reference page in addition to your 12–15 pages of content.
Use at least 15 scholarly resources, one of which may be the Gharajedaghi e-book. At least 7 of these must come from your own research. Your resources should all be recent and appropriate. You may use up to two practitioner articles where appropriate.