Extending the Conceptagon as an Analytic Framework: A Case Study of Public Preparedness in Israel

As a body of knowledge, systems thinking is useful across a wide range of disciplines and research domains. To facilitate the application of systems thinking, (Boardman and Sauser 2008) introduced a conceptual framework known as the Conceptagon. The Conceptagon provides a common systems-based methodology across distinct domains by establishing shared understandings and reference points, and by facilitating the accumulation of systemsoriented knowledge and application. Despite its usefulness as a methodological tool, a review of the literature shows that the Conceptagon remains largely underdeveloped and underutilized amongst students of systems thinking. Building on the insights of (Boardman and Sauser 2008), this paper aims to extend the practical understanding of the Conceptagon and illustrate its potential as a rigorous analytic tool. We consider a case study of Israeli public preparedness as a complex system within the broader Israeli homeland security system and demonstrate the utility of the Conceptagon in assessing the nature and operation of this complex social system.