Systems

Question 0

Name as many properties of a system as you can (try for 7)

Answer 0

Purpose
Components
Interactions between components
Dynamic
Feedback loops
Inputs and outputs
Boundaries
Control mechanism
Congruity to recover from failure

Question 1

What is a system?

Answer 1

Set of components working together to establish a purpose

Question 2

Benefits of system analysis (4)

Answer 2

Better understanding of problems
Considers whole situation
Encourages ideas about relationships
Proactive measure to predict situations

Question 3

Name the four system types

Answer 3

Natural
Designed
Social
Human Purpose

Question 4

Example of Natural System

Answer 4

Sea Urchin - single cell merges with others to look for food

Question 5

Example of Designed System

Answer 5

Car Engine - systematically

Question 6

Example of Social System

Answer 6

Education System

Question 7

Example of Human Purpose System

Answer 7

Student Enrolment

Question 8

What is a Lean System

Answer 8

System created for a purpose other than creation of value to end customer - QA system

Question 9

Define Reductionism

Answer 9

Focuses on a set of parts, avoids viewing system as a whole - interactions

Question 10

Define Holistic View

Answer 10

Whole is more than the sum of the parts

Question 11

Define Boundary

Answer 11

Used to identify what is in/out of scope

Question 12

Define Hierarchy

Answer 12

Levels of influence 1,2,3..

Question 13

Define Emergent Behaviour

Answer 13

Behaviour that occurs when components combine to create a desired effect

Intended and Unintended
Can be deterministic

Question 14

Define Open and Closed Systems - Differences/Example for each

Answer 14

Open System - constantly changing in response to the environment - Pond

Closed System - fixed variables, self supporting - Sea Urchin

Question 15

Define Theoretical Concept

Answer 15

States no system can be 100% closed

Question 16

Define Cybernetics

Answer 16

System which is self regulating - Thermostat controls temperature

Question 17

Positive v Negative Feedback

Answer 17

Positive - change impacts causing more change

Negative - balanced providing control/limits on systems

Question 18

Define Complex Adaptive System

Answer 18

Adaptive/dynamic to the environment

Question 19

Define Requisite Variety

Answer 19

Control mechanism based on prediction of events - give variety of potential outcomes

Question 20

Define Casual Maps

Answer 20

How components affect each other - Cause and Effect

Question 21

Benefits Rich Picture

Answer 21

Visual representation of situation

Shows emergence of problems

Question 22

Define Hard Systems Thinking

Answer 22

Man-made designed to do particular function, clearly bounded and predictable

Question 23

Define Engineering Metaphor

Answer 23

‘Humans engineering the machine’

• Controllable
• Scientific answers
• Cause and effect

Question 24

Define System Dynamics

Answer 24

Jay Forrester - felt 'Hard Approach' to mathematical/statistical Uses Casual Maps Doesn't consider worldview

Question 25

Define Soft Systems Thinking

Answer 25

Peter Checkland - tackle organisational issues SSM are complex, dynamic and unpredictable

Question 26

SSM(p)

Answer 26

Finding out Model building Discussion and debate Define actions

Question 27

Define problematical situation

Answer 27

Defines problem that has emerged, 'helicopter view' required Problem Owner Problem Solver

Question 28

Consensus v Accommodation

Answer 28

Consensus - agreed outcome | Accommodation - 'live with it'

Question 29

Define Action Research

Answer 29

Problem Observer - becomes part of the group for better understanding

Question 30

Issue Based v Primary Task

Answer 30

Issue Based - focuses on issues | Primary Task - focuses on purposeful activity

Question 31

CATWOE

Answer 31

``` Customers Actors Transformations Worldview Owner Environment ```

Question 32

Define Efficacy, Efficiency and Effectiveness

Answer 32

Efficacy - intended outcome Efficiency - use of resources Effectiveness - long-term aim Efficacy 'getting things done' Effectiveness - 'getting things done right'

Question 33

Define Analysis One

Answer 33

Initial Intervention Client Practitioner Issue Owner

Question 34

Define Analysis Two

Answer 34

Social/Culture Roles Norms Values

Question 35

Define Analysis Three

Answer 35

Who has the power Resources Meaning Power

Question 36

Define Commodity of Power

Answer 36

Who controls and owns information

Question 37

Define Idea Network

Answer 37

Involves creative thinking with collection of thoughts/ideas

Question 38

Define Small World Networks

Answer 38

Interactions between small groups | Agile - Product Owner

Question 39

Chas Theory - What is Initial Conditions? What are Strange Attractors?

Answer 39

Initial Conditions - value of measurements at a given time Strange Attractors - dynamic chaotic behaviour - unstable/unpredictable