Chapter 2 Flashcards
What is a system?
An organised or complex whole, which consists of interdependent and interacting parts with a specific purpose
An assemblage of thins/parts interacting in a coordinated way
When it is taken apart, it loses its essential property and so do the parts
A system is not the sum of its parts; it is the products of their interactions
3 features of a system
1) The parts of the system affect the system and are affected by it
2) The assemblage of parts does something (serves a purpose)
3) The assemblage is of particular interest
Difference between natural systems and human-made systems
Natural systems came into being by natural processes (e.g., animal organisms and planetary systems)
Human-made systems are designed and operated by people (e.g., communication systems)
Human-made systems need a clear goal/objective
Purpose of projects
Projects exist for the purpose of creating new systems, or changing human-made systems, or altering natural systems
Name the smaller parts that a system can be broken down into
system –> subsystem –> subsubsystem –> … —> element
What is a subsystem?
A system that functions as a component of a larger system
Attributes
Describe or express the condition of a system/subsystem/element in a quantitative or qualitative terms
Purpose of attributes
Designed into the system so that the system performs as required
Environment
anything that influences the behaviour/outcome of the system yet lies beyond the control of the decision maker
Boundary
Separates the system from its environment
Tool used to determine the scope
“Picture Frame” tool
Inside the picture frame = in scope
On the frame = unsure
Outside of the picture frame = outside of the scope
Ask 2 questions to distinguish the system from its environment
1) is it relevant to the system?
2) can the decision maker control it?
What is a system structure?
Name 2 examples
The system structure is the form of the relationship that links elements and subsystems
1) Hierarchical systems
2) Network systems
How do human-made systems achieve their goals/objectives?
By converting inputs into outputs through a defined process
Definition of systems constraints
Limitations that inhibit the ability of a system to reach goals and objectives
Examples of system constraints
time
money
Conflict within a system
Objectives of the subsystems sometimes conflict with each other –> reduces the ability for them or the overall system to realise their objectives
Integration in systems
Removing conflicts between the objectives of subsystems to enable the overall system to meet its objectives
Definition of integration
Designing, implementing, and operating a system to achieve pre-specified objectives through the coordinated functioning of its elements and subsystems is called system integration
Definition of a closed system
Viewed as self-contained
Focusses on the operation, structure, and processes of a system without regard to the environment
Definition of an open system
Interacts with and adapts to its environment
Examples
- human organisations
- social systems
The systems approach
- Acknowledges that the behaviour of any one element affects the behaviour of others and that no single element can perform effectively without help from the others
- Recognises interdependencies and cause-effect relationships among elements
- Keeps focus on the bigger picture and ultimate goal
- Avoids actions that focus exclusively on parts of the system (suboptimal for the total system)
What is the Systems Approach Methodology?
A methodology for solving problems and managing systems
What does the Systems Approach account for?
1) Objectives and the performance criteria of the system
2) Environment and constraints of the system
3) Resources of the system
4) Elements of the system, their functions, attributes, and performance measures
5) Interaction among the system
6) Management of the system
7) Methodology commonly employs models
