Week 5 - How systems theory influences understanding of organisations Flashcards
Define Hard properties in systems
Elements within a system that can be defined, measured or assesed in an objective way.
Give an example of a system with Hard properties.
Inventory systems which are structured and mechanistic with predicatable inputs and outputs.
Define Soft properties in systems.
Imprecise; matters of subjective opinion and individual values; open to interpretation.
Give an example of a Soft system in an organisation
Organisational activity systems as; Their boundaries or scope may be fluid; open to interpretation depending on the view of the stakeholder
As part of Soft Systems Methodology, organisations are broken down into Human Activity Subsystems. What are the four aspects analysed in the process.
People, Technology, Process, Attitudes
Define what ‘Rich Pictures is used for’
Used as a communication tool between the systems analyst and stakeholder groups.
What is the CATWOE components of systems analysis
C - Clients/Customers A - Actors T - Transformation W - Worldview O - Owner E - Envirnoment
What are the two key areas of a Socio-Technical systems theory?
A combination of Material Technology (Tools, machinery, techniques, physical location) and a Social Organisation (People with capabilities, needs, relationships, communication patterns, authority structures)