1. What are the main characteristics of systems thinking and why are they held to be of positive benefit? (4 points)
2. Illegal drug use and its associated criminality is a vexing problem for European governments. Plant-derived drugs, grown by peasant farmers in less-developed countries and processed, shipped, and distributed by organized crime syndicates, are a major part of the problem. Chemically derived drugs, produced in illegal laboratories all over Europe have lately been gaining ground. Some drugs are addictive or dangerous or both. Most are expensive, tempting users into petty crime to raise money for their purchases.
A number of solutions have been proposed to alleviate the problem. Without attempting to evaluate their acceptability or practicability, identify which ideas arise from a reductionist, closely focused, approach to the issue and which from a broader holistic approach. (2 points)
Increase police powers to stop and search so that suspected drug users can be identified more easily.
Use aerial spraying (illegally if necessary) to eliminate drug crops identified by satellite.
Pay farmers (the principal growers) not to grow drug crops.
Legalize all drugs to eliminate the criminality associated with the drug production and distribution.
Provide free, confidential help to anyone using illegal drugs.
Provide cheap, safe drugs on the free market to undercut the criminal interest.
Increase customs vigilance at all points of entry to the European Union.
3. What systems do you come across in your life? Write down three or four examples under the two headings below: (4 points)
Work-based systems.
Personal systems