The pervasiveness of complexity within business and technology today has focused a lot of attention on Complex Adaptive Systems (CAS). CAS have many components that interact in multiple ways without central control. This behavior results in higher-order emergent properties that cannot be predicted by analyzing the parts of the system. CAS also adapt via learning or evolutionary processes, so they are very dynamic and unpredictable. Examples of CAS are common: technology diffusion through ecosystems; market dynamics; business relationships; and self-organized social structures such as communities of practice.  

The nature of CAS means that behaviors and practices that have served organizations well in the past can be counterproductive and even lead to failure. Today, learning to recognize and manage CAS is a critical competency for leaders at all levels. The contents of this course will help participants identify and work with complex adaptive systems by introducing effective methods and heuristics CAS development and management.