A method of critical thinking to facilitate better decision-making and reduce unintended consequences considering connections and interdependencies of a system’s parts.

• First, define the bounds of a system.
• Second, define the parts.
• Third, analyze relationships between the parts to better understand connections and interdependencies which ultimately affect the system’s performance/ outcomes.

Systems thinking is related to integrated thinking.

United Nations Development Programme. (2021). SDG Impact Standards Glossary. https://sdgimpact.undp.org/assets/SDG-Impact-Standards-Glossary.pdf