To prepare:
Review the information presented in this week’s Learning Resources on systems
theory and the difference between open and closed systems.
Reflect on the practices and processes with which you are familiar in your
organization. Identify one problematic issue or process that could be improved.
Consider the problem from a closed-system perspective. Then think about how
the issue or process you selected could be addressed by viewing it from an open-
system perspective. How would the transition from a closed- to an open-system view
help you and others to address the problem and improve outcomes?
By Day 3
Post
a description of the problem that you identified in your selected organization.
Explain the problem from a closed-system perspective. Then, describe how the problem
could be addressed by viewing it from an open-system perspective, and explain how
this modification would help you and others improve health care outcomes.
Transitioning from a Closed to an Open System
In this complex, technological age, it is difficult to conceive of any business operating as
a closed system; that is, a system that is essentially isolated and does not rely on external energy
to survive.
Large scale organizations, including hospitals, require the inputs from the outside
