Call for Chapters: Applications of Systems Thinking and Dynamics in Real-World Scenarios

Editors

Xavier Matieni, University of Northampton, United Kingdom
Alfred Akakpo, University of Northampton, United Kingdom

Call for Chapters

Proposals Submission Deadline: June 18, 2026
 Full Chapters Due: September 10, 2026
 Submission Date: September 10, 2026

Introduction

In an increasingly interconnected and complex world, understanding how systems behave is essential for effective decision-making. System Dynamics and Systems Thinking: A Practical Guide introduces readers to the principles, tools, and applications needed to analyse and manage complexity across disciplines. Systems thinking and system dynamics are interconnected approaches that emphasise understanding and managing complex systems, particularly within organisational and ecological contexts. Systems thinking provides a framework for analysing the structure and behaviour of systems, focusing on the relationships and interactions among components rather than isolated parts. System dynamics, as a methodological tool within this framework, enables the modelling and simulation of these interactions over time to reveal patterns and feedback loops that influence system behaviour (Lamkers et al., 2023; Smith, 2007). From foundational concepts to advanced modelling techniques, this book bridges theory and practice through real-world case studies, exercises, and visual frameworks. Readers will learn to identify patterns, anticipate unintended consequences, and design more resilient solutions. Whether in business, policy, or everyday life, systems thinking provides a powerful lens for navigating change and shaping sustainable outcomes.

Objective

The main objective of this book is to contribute to understanding the role and application of systems thinking and system dynamics in real-world scenarios. Also, this book seeks to enable readers to shift from linear to holistic thinking by understanding interconnections, feedback and complexity in systems. Furthermore, the book will provide a solid foundation in key concepts such as feedback loops, stocks and flows, delays, and system behaviour within systems. Additionally, the book will equip readers with the ability to construct, analyse, and interpret system dynamics models using qualitative and quantitative approaches. The book will demonstrate how systems thinking can be used in business, healthcare, environmental sustainability, and public policy The specific objectives are: 1. To develop a Systems Thinking Mindset across different fields 2. Understand Core Principles of System Dynamics 3. Build Practical Modelling Skills 4. Apply Systems Thinking Across Real-World Contexts 5. Improve Decision-Making in Complex Environments 6. Promote Critical and Ethical Use of Models .

Target Audience

This book is intended for: 1. Academics: Instructors of modules like Applied Systems Analysis, System Dynamics, Complexity in Business. The content is international in appeal, with case studies and data from diverse contexts. 2. Practitioners: Policy planners, healthcare managers, supply chain analysts, sustainability coordinators, and “Data for Good” professionals. The book’s practical orientation (e.g. how to implement interventions and evaluate outcomes) and companion online materials make it suitable for executive training or corporate CPD (Continuous Professional Development) courses. 3. Interdisciplinary Researchers: Scholars in management, economics, environmental studies, informatics, and social sciences who seek an introduction to systems modelling techniques. 4. curriculum developers, 5. course directors, 6. undergraduate and postgraduate students

Recommended Topics

The book welcomes theoretical, empirical and practice-based contributions on topics including, but not limited to: 1. Foundations of systems thinking 2. History and evaluation of system dynamics, 3. Types of systems and system behaviour, 4. Feedback loops and causal relationships, 5. Stocks, flows and accumulation 6. Modelling techniques and simulation tools, 7. System archetypes 8. Decision-making in complex systems 9. Application across domains, challenges, pitfalls and ethical considerations, 10. The future of systems thinking and system dynamics, 11. Mapping complex problems: identifying structure behind symptoms 12. Sustainability and systemic value creation 13. Applying systems thinking to culture and strategy 14. Scenario planning and dynamic modelling for strategic foresight 15. From theory to practice: applying systems thinking in organisations, sectors and society 16. The Food and Political Economy of Systems 17. Financialisation and Complex Dynamics of Capital 18. Labour, Informality and Global Value Chains 19. Corruption as a Systemic Phenomenon 20. Stakeholders and Power Dynamics 21. Soft Systems Methodology (SSM) 22. Case studies on the following: i) Health & Social Systems (e.g. pandemic response, mental health) ii) Economics & Finance (e.g. business cycles, fintech, debt) iii) : Labour, Informality & Social Justice (e.g. gig economy, poverty traps) iv) AI, Data, and Technological Systems (e.g. automation impact, platform dynamics)

Submission Procedure

Researchers and practitioners are invited to submit on or before June 18, 2026, a chapter proposal of 1,000 to 2,000 words clearly explaining the mission and concerns of his or her proposed chapter. Authors will be notified by July 2, 2026 about the status of their proposals and sent chapter guidelines.Full chapters of a minimum of 10,000 words (word count includes references and related readings) are expected to be submitted by September 10, 2026, and all interested authors must consult the guidelines for manuscript submissions at https://www.igi-global.com/publish/contributor-resources/before-you-write/ prior to submission. All submitted chapters will be reviewed on a double-anonymized review basis. Contributors may also be requested to serve as reviewers for this project.

Note: There are no submission or acceptance fees for manuscripts submitted to this book publication, Applications of Systems Thinking and Dynamics in Real-World Scenarios. All manuscripts are accepted based on a double-anonymized peer review editorial process.

All proposals should be submitted through the eEditorial Discovery® online submission manager.

Publisher

This book is scheduled to be published by IGI Global Scientific Publishing, an international academic publisher of the "Information Science Reference", "Medical Information Science Reference", "Business Science Reference", and "Engineering Science Reference" imprints. IGI Global Scientific Publishing specializes in publishing reference books, scholarly journals, and electronic databases featuring academic research on a variety of innovative topic areas including, but not limited to, education, social science, medicine and healthcare, business and management, information science and technology, engineering, public administration, library and information science, media and communication studies, and environmental science. For additional information regarding the publisher, please visit https://www.igi-global.com. This publication is anticipated to be released in 2027.

Indexing Information for Prospective Authors

IGI Global Scientific Publishing meets the criteria for inclusion in major indexing services such as Scopus; however, it is important to note that all indexing decisions are made independently by these services. IGI Global Scientific Publishing books are selectively indexed by the indexing organization after publication. Indexing cannot be guaranteed for any book prior to publication, and the indexing organization has complete control over the final selection and timeline.

Important Dates

June 18, 2026: Proposal Submission Deadline
July 2, 2026: Notification of Acceptance
September 10, 2026: Full Chapter Submission
October 22, 2026: Review Results Returned
November 19, 2026: Final Acceptance Notification
November 26, 2026: Final Chapter Submission

Inquiries

Xavier Matieni
University of Northampton
xavier.matieni@northampton.ac.uk

Alfred Akakpo
University of Northampton
alfred.akakpo@northampton.ac.uk
Back to Call for Papers List