Block 3 - lecture 4

Question 1

System vs environment?

Answer 1

system - elements interacting to achieve a purpose

environment - influences the system but not controlled by it

Question 2

system boundary?

Answer 2

line between system and environment

Question 3

context?

Answer 3

the connections between the system and its environment

Question 4

context optimisation?

Answer 4

• analysing alternative contexts

- choosing a near optimal context

Question 5

system optimization?

Answer 5

• analysing alternate structures

- choosing a near optimal set of components

Question 6

‘rules’ of system context?

Answer 6

1. be suspicious of recognised and obvious boundaries
2. any other connections/influences?
3. does the part contribute to system aims?
4. can it exert control?

Question 7

parts of the system context diagram?

Answer 7

• system of interest (SOI)
• wider SOI
• Environment
• Wider Environment

Question 8

System of interest?

Answer 8

contain all parts with a close relationship with other parts in the system

Question 9

what can affect how the system of interest is defined?

Answer 9

• stakeholder viewpoint
• limitations in research
• contractual constraints

Question 10

wider system of interest?

Answer 10

components with a closed loop relationship with the system ie. they influence each other but don’t have control

Question 11

environment?

Answer 11

components with an open relationship with the system ie. they influence it without being influenced

Question 12

wider environment?

Answer 12

components that influence components in the system’s environment so influence the system indirectly