1. Fixes that fail

2. Principal characteristics • Balancing loop and reinforcing loop • Time delay between balancing loop and reinforcing loop • Initial problem symptom is exacerbated by fix

3. Why do fixes fail? • Problems are (misleadingly) considered to be due to a unique set of circumstances => fix addresses only this problem symptom • Systemic problem or systems of problems are often neglected in managerial response, as local intervention seems more cost- and time effective

4. Road congestion • Congestion too high => roads are built • Current congestion diminishes as road capacity rises • More people travel on the roads • Congestion higher than in initial scenario

5. Illegal drugs • Laws strive to cut use of drugs • Less drugs are used • Lower availability of drugs increases price of drugs • Higher price and interest margin lead to increased production of drugs

6. Avoid or rectify fixes that fail • Focus on removing fundamental problems • Use archetype to predict and map the implications of possible interventions • Time delay of reinforcing loop should be considered • Main obstacle for detection of fixes that fail: worsening problem symptom is almost never attributed to managerial intervention (fix) that ought to solve the problem