Topics include:

• An overview of the concepts and principles of complex adaptive systems;
• Application through group-work of those principles to contemporary issues identified by participants to better understand complexity and how to respond to it;
• An overview of how we can use the concepts of complex adaptive systems (CAS) to better understand human behaviour relating to decision-making, strategy and policy development and the implications for leading and managing as adaptive organisation and projects; and

Workshop structure:

• Examples and case studies are presented prior to presentation of theory to provide the participant with experiences that they can relate to
• Tools, theory and frameworks are presented to assist the participant to make sense of their experience
• Exercises, group discussions and stories presented by the participant as a means to make sense of the theory are encouraged and supported.
• Participants will also work in small groups to complete various tasks and exercises to deepen their understanding of the principles and concepts.

Learning outcomes:

• Understand how to lead and manage in a complex and volatile environment
• Understand how to lead and support cultural change
• Apply skills and techniques that will assist adaptive policy and strategy development
• Apply the principles of complex adaptive systems to better understand complex environments
• Understand how people work together using the frameworks and principles of complex adaptive systems
• Understand the worldview of complex adaptive systems

Anticipated behavioural and business impacts include:

• Participants will be able to frame the issues/external operating landscape from a complex adaptive systems perspective. Such a perspective will provide deeper understanding why and how issues are arising and propose appropriate pathways to managing these issues. This process strongly supports new kinds of conversations within the business that lead to new insights
• Based on the material presented in this course, participants will have frameworks to support them to lead in a volatile and uncertain business landscape. They would be able to identify key driving forces shaping the system and consider the complexity around those driving forces.
• Participants will have frameworks that support them to conduct conversations based on the principles of CAS and to develop contextually relevant strategy and policy responses that are aligned with the principles of CAS in response to the volatility, uncertainty, complexity and ambiguity of the operating landscape.

Who should attend?

• Managers who are required to develop strategy and policy in a volatile, uncertain, complex and ambiguous operating environment.
• Project leaders who are responding to complex problems, yet do not believe nor feel that they are gaining a sense of satisfaction through their efforts.
• This course is suitable for APS6 - SES, or equivalent level.

Testimonials

“I did your course in Adaptive Thinking for Complex Policy Development when I was on a secondment at the Department of Communications and the Arts… I just wanted to say how wonderfully useful this training and the notes I kept from it have been in the strange times we are now in. I have been using this learning almost daily… So - thank you!”

“Interesting and intriguing subject matter. Felt glad to have Gary’s experience driving it.”

“I would strongly recommend this course to leaders in the policy space to gain a new perspective in your work and how you deal with people.”

Online training: How it works

This is a real-time, date-specific course, in which you will join live classes, engage and connect with experts, other course participants and the Executive Education team. Here’s how it works:

• Pre-course live session. This is an opportunity for you to grab a cuppa and join our meet and greet before the course commences.
• Practice + Study. Set aside up to 2 hours per day – this time commitment will vary depending on how deeply you choose to engage with the material. It is up to you.
• Course pack. Each participant will receive a carefully curated workbook, which includes everything you need to guide you through the course.
• Live sessions with presenter. This is a specified date and time for you to come together with the presenter and other participants to consolidate your learning.
• Post-course. On completion of the course, you will receive your post-course resources for your reference and further learning.

Why choose online training?

• No time off work – study and practice when you can.
• Busy schedule? No problem, you can go at your own pace, join just the live classes, and do the course work whenever suits you best. We know that work and family obligations can be overwhelming. Mix and match the schedule to fit your life.
• No travel. This is a course right at your fingertips. With no travel expenses, this is a very affordable option for high-level training with world-leading experts.
• Live interaction with world-leading experts. You’ll have direct access to all the best resources and trainers.
• Working remotely? With the online and distance format, we welcome participants from around the world to join us.

FAQs

What if I can’t make a live session? No problem, we understand you are busy. Live sessions are recorded for you to catch up in your own time.

What if I’m in a different time zone? All advertised course times from 1st October 2023 to 6th April 2024 are scheduled in Australian Eastern Daylight Time (AEDT) otherwise known as GMT+11. From 6th April 2024 scheduled times are Australian Eastern Standard Time (AEST) or GMT+10. Convert for your time zone here.

What if I am not tech savvy? As long as you have access to a phone or computer, you will have no problems. Our online courses require a working laptop, desktop or smart device with good internet connection. Bring your headset. Join the tech-check session for support and insider tips.

I would like to purchase multiple courses, are there any discounts available? Yes, discount offers are available if you would like to book multiple courses throughout the year. You may contact us to discuss further options.

I work for a company or organisation that would like to enrol multiple employees in the same time. Is it possible? Yes, discounted rates are available for groups attending from the same organisation. Get in touch with us if you want to register as a group.

Can’t find the answers are you looking for? Contact our team for support at csee@anu.edu.au.