Western Governors University
D458 – Introduction to Systems Thinking for Health Professionals
XBM1 Task 1 – Printable Study Guide & Exam
Focus: Systems Thinking Basics, Iceberg Levels (Event–Pattern–Structure), Cause and Effect
Status: Passed First Attempt
Instructions for Students
Read each question carefully.
Select the best answer.
Correct answers are bolded for study purposes.
Review rationales to reinforce understanding of systems thinking fundamentals.
Section 1: Case Study 1 – Events
Question 1
What is the key event in Case Study 1?
A. Calla leaving the farm permanently
B. Increased use of credit cards
C. The creation of Wilde’s Bramble and growing customer demand
D. Purchasing new equipment
Rationale:
Events are observable, surface-level occurrences. The founding of the business and increase in
customers represent the initial visible change.
Question 2
Which development indicates that Wilde’s Bramble experienced early success?
, A. Rising debt levels
B. Restaurants and stores began purchasing their products
C. Taking out a mortgage
D. Leasing additional farmland
Rationale:
Expansion of customers beyond farmers’ markets signals growing demand and success.
Question 3
Why is increased customer demand considered an event rather than a pattern?
A. It occurs only once
B. It is unpredictable
C. It is a specific, observable occurrence
D. It explains system behavior
Rationale:
Events are single points in time, while patterns show trends over time.
Section 2: Case Study 1 – Patterns
Question 4
What pattern emerged as customer demand increased?
A. Decrease in operating costs
B. Ongoing expansion and increased financial strain
C. Stable profit growth
D. Reduced workload
Rationale:
Patterns describe repeated behaviors or trends, such as continual expansion and rising financial
pressure.
Question 5
D458 – Introduction to Systems Thinking for Health Professionals
XBM1 Task 1 – Printable Study Guide & Exam
Focus: Systems Thinking Basics, Iceberg Levels (Event–Pattern–Structure), Cause and Effect
Status: Passed First Attempt
Instructions for Students
Read each question carefully.
Select the best answer.
Correct answers are bolded for study purposes.
Review rationales to reinforce understanding of systems thinking fundamentals.
Section 1: Case Study 1 – Events
Question 1
What is the key event in Case Study 1?
A. Calla leaving the farm permanently
B. Increased use of credit cards
C. The creation of Wilde’s Bramble and growing customer demand
D. Purchasing new equipment
Rationale:
Events are observable, surface-level occurrences. The founding of the business and increase in
customers represent the initial visible change.
Question 2
Which development indicates that Wilde’s Bramble experienced early success?
, A. Rising debt levels
B. Restaurants and stores began purchasing their products
C. Taking out a mortgage
D. Leasing additional farmland
Rationale:
Expansion of customers beyond farmers’ markets signals growing demand and success.
Question 3
Why is increased customer demand considered an event rather than a pattern?
A. It occurs only once
B. It is unpredictable
C. It is a specific, observable occurrence
D. It explains system behavior
Rationale:
Events are single points in time, while patterns show trends over time.
Section 2: Case Study 1 – Patterns
Question 4
What pattern emerged as customer demand increased?
A. Decrease in operating costs
B. Ongoing expansion and increased financial strain
C. Stable profit growth
D. Reduced workload
Rationale:
Patterns describe repeated behaviors or trends, such as continual expansion and rising financial
pressure.
Question 5
