‘Culture work’ and systems thinking combine for transformation: Designing and developing an education model for higher education

The purpose of this paper is to provide a nuanced exploration of the ‘culture work’ and systems thinking involved in the design and development of an education model for Technological University (TU) Dublin. Every story needs a plot, characters and a location. This is TU Dublin’s story of designing and developing an education model, a
priority of the TU Dublin strategic plan – or the plot. The characters are the students, staff and systems. Key players were the team charged with delivering a transformative model of education, with the institutional space at the university
the location for the team to conduct this work. The plot was initially shaped by high level guiding principles for an education model, approved by academic council. The university’s graduate attributes were the plot finale – digitally capable life-long learners; sustainability-focussed, global citizens; collaborative,
real-world problem solvers. In this paper we share the wider context of the environment we operated in and the approach that was undertaken. Whilst we caution against the over-generalisation of the conclusions reached from this single case, we highlight the lessons learned in navigating roadblocks and challenges for colleagues in similar situations.