Most systems are a complex organization of inter-related components and supporting structures.
The study and understanding of systems requires conceptual thinking that is difficult for many people to visualize in the abstract form. This simulation of a system allows participants to feel and see the effect that change has on a simple system and its component parts and structures. Have each participant step up and loop their cord through the steel ring. Have them grasp the cord by both tails in one hand about a foot from the cord's ends. Have each participant take turns at exerting extra effort on their cord and observe the effect they have on the system as a whole.