What are some other elements of a system apart from stocks?

System thinking contributes to problem-solving in business by providing a holistic view of the situation or problem at hand. It allows businesses to understand the complex interrelationships and dependencies within their organization and the external environment. This understanding can lead to more effective decision-making, as it takes into account the potential impacts of decisions on all parts of the system. It also helps in identifying the root causes of problems, rather than just treating the symptoms.

There are numerous resources available to learn more about system thinking. Some of the most popular ones include books like 'Thinking in Systems' by Donella Meadows, 'The Fifth Discipline' by Peter Senge, and 'System Thinking in the Public Sector' by John Seddon. Online platforms like Coursera and Udemy also offer courses on system thinking. Additionally, websites like Systems Innovation and The Systems Thinker provide a wealth of articles and resources on the topic.

System thinking can be used to predict the behavior of a system by understanding the relationships and interactions between its components. This involves identifying the stocks, which are the tangible elements that can be seen, felt, counted, or measured, and the feedback loops, which are formed when changes in stock affect the flows into or out of that same stock. By analyzing these elements and their interconnections, one can predict how changes in one part of the system will affect the rest of the system.