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Analysis

An analysis is the breaking down of a problem into smaller problems so they can be solved individually. For example, the System Improvement Process breaks a complex social system problem into these three subproblems:

1. How can we overcome change resistance?

2. Once subproblem 1 is solved, how can we move the system from the present state to the goal state?

3. Once subproblem 2 is solved, how can we keep the system in the goal state so as to prevent problem recurrence?

As another example, system dynamics breaks a problem down into the individual feedback loops that dominant system behavior, and then further breaks the loops down into nodes and relationships. Each node consists of a mathematical equation.

A good analysis uses a formal, well refined process to drive the analysis. A poor analysis does just the opposite: It uses an informal, intuitive process. The former is required for difficult problems. The latter works fine on everyday problems, which is the perfect setup for the Intuitive Process Trap.

 

Dueling Loops Paper

The most popular page on the site. This paper presents a simple model showing why activists have been unable to solve the sustainability problem, and an alternative solution strategy based on high leverage points.

A Little Story about Corporate Dominance and the Occupy Movement

Here's what one reader wrote us about this article:

"This is the most lucid, focused, analysis of the economic quandary of the nation that I have seen. It exposes the indisputable root cause of the widening gap between the goals of people and the goals of for-profit corporations, and demonstrates how those respective goals are mutually exclusive. It does not condemn corporations but offers a solution for refocusing them toward the general goals of people. I urge each member to go over this analysis - it is not long or boring - and challenge it if you think you can."

Change Resistance Paper

This explains why the crux of the sustainability problem is change resistance, rather than what conventional wisdom thinks it is. That's why the problem has remained unsolved for over 30 years. The paper describes a high leverage point that's never been pushed on before that can solve the change resistance problem.

Common Property Rights

This book summarizes all the work at Thwink.org. This includes the System Improvement Process, a rigorous analysis of the complete sustainability problem, and 12 sample solution elements.

The Powell Memo

The most eye popping short read (7 pages) on the site, if you have never heard about it. The memo was written in 1971.

Dueling Loops Videos

These average 8 minutes. They give a quick introduction to the Dueling Loops model and how it explains the tremendous change resistance to solving the sustainability problem.
 

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