Explore Complexity and Systems with These 5 Resources from MIT

Our world runs on increasingly complex and interrelated systems. Approaching problems in technical environments from a systems perspective is an essential skill for many professionals, as organizations look to drive and optimize complex projects under high-pressure conditions. 

If you’re looking to brush up on systems thinking or systems engineering concepts, or add a new set of systems-related skills to your resume, MIT has numerous online resources for you:

1. Fundamentals of Systems Engineering from MIT OpenCourseWare (OCW)
   
   Gain a general introduction to systems engineering using both the classical V-model and the new Meta approach. Topics include stakeholder analysis, requirements definition, system architecture and concept generation, trade-space exploration and concept selection, design definition and optimization, system integration and interface management, system safety, verification and validation, and commissioning and operations.
   
   This is a free resource from MIT OpenCourseWare.
   
   
2. Manufacturing Systems I from MITx
   
   Manufacturing managers and practitioners use a wide variety of methods to optimize the performance of manufacturing systems and control costs. The many processes and functions involved in building and maintaining these systems demand a high-level of knowledge. Learn about manufacturing systems and ways to analyze them in terms of material flow and storage, information flow, capacities, and times and durations of events, especially random events.
   
   This course can be taken on its own, or as part of the MITx MicroMasters® Program in Principles of Manufacturing.
   
   
3. Supply Chain and Technology Systems from MITx
   
   Supply chains have a long history of using technology to improve efficiency and effectiveness. The sheer scale and scope of most supply chains require many distinct systems to interact with each other. However, to actually implement them across a real supply chain requires the use of technology across multiple systems. Learn how technology is used in supply chain systems from fundamental concepts to innovative applications.
   
   This course can be taken on its own, or as part of the MITx MicroMasters® Program in Supply Chain Management. 
   
4. Systems Engineering Online Certificate Program from MIT xPRO
   
   Leveraging industry case studies and the latest thinking from MIT, this four-course online certificate program explores the newest practices in systems engineering, including how models can enhance system engineering functions and how systems engineering tasks can be augmented with quantitative analysis.
   
   This four-course program from MIT xPRO earns you a Professional Certificate and 8.5 Continuing Education Units (CEUs) from MIT.
   
   
5. System Thinking Online Certificate Course from MIT xPRO
   
   System thinking (or “systems thinking”) helps organizations examine complexity and simplify it; recognize patterns, and create effective solutions to challenges. Join MIT faculty to familiarize yourself with how entities influence one another within a whole and learn to apply new methods, techniques, and vocabulary to your projects and processes.
   
   This five-week course from MIT xPRO earns you a Professional Certificate and 2.25 Continuing Education Units (CEUs) from MIT.

Still not sure where to start? Browse all of the online courses and resources available through MIT Open Learning.