Behavioral Systems Analysis

“Even excellent performers will struggle in a broken system. If you yourself have ever worked in a broken system, you know what I’m talking about.” 

Heather McGee, PhD

Abstract 

In unit 1 of this 3-unit course, Dr. Heather McGee defines behavioral systems analysis (BSA) and discusses how BSA fits into the context of the field of behavior analysis. Dr. McGee then introduces the three levels of systems analysis and presents various analysis tools and organizational intervention strategies as described by Rummler and Brache (1995). In unit 2, Dr. Byron Wine provides a detailed demonstration of how to construct various systems analysis tools including organization maps, relationship maps, and process maps. In the third and final unit of this course, Donnie Staff provides a comprehensive description of how to conduct a behavioral systems analysis from the perspective of an external consultant. Specific topics include Identifying when a systems analysis is warranted, identifying data that should be collected during systems assessments, and how to analyze data to inform client recommendations. 

Learning Objectives

What you’ll learn in the course and be able to do afterward 

1. List two subfields of OBM. 

2. Define behavioral systems analysis. 

• Compare and contrast BSA and performance management. 

2. List and describe the three levels of analysis from a BSA perspective. 

4. List the 9 performance variables that affect organizational performance. 

5. Define process and explain why analyzing the process level is important. 

• Describe the 4 phases of a process-improvement project. 

6.  Describe the 9 steps of the organizational design process. 

7. Describe the process for building measurement systems when evaluating organizational process changes. 

8. Construct BSA tools using Visio. 

•  Identify components and create an organizational map. 

• Identify components and create a relationship map. 

• Identify components and create an “IS” process map. 

• Identify components and create a “SHOULD” process map. 

•  Identify components and create a metrics chain. 

9. Define and identify features of a system. 

• Provide examples of systems and describe how they function as systems. 

10.  List examples of reasons why a behavioral systems analysis would be warranted. 

11. Describe the three components of data collection when conducting a systems assessment. 

• Provide examples of questions to ask during observations at each level of analysis. 

• Provide examples of questions to ask during interviews at each level of analysis. 

• Provide examples of questions to ask during output inspections at each level of analysis. 

12. Explain the importance of developing report with clients during the systems analysis process. 

13. Describe ways to analyze and report data for client recommendations. 

Partnership

This course is delivered through Florida Tech. Clicking "Enroll Now" will take you to Florida Tech’s website where you can Add to Cart, Checkout, and complete the course. Come back to our website for podcasts, blogs, courses, and content.