Introduction to Information Systems 1.2 Systems Theory

Systems Theory Overview biologistphilosopher The Systems Theory was proposed in the 1940’s by biologist and philosopher Ludwig Von Bertalanffy. He argued that real systems are open to, and interact with their environments. “set of elements standing in interaction” “a complex of interacting elements” Bertalanffy argued that a system is a “set of elements standing in interaction” or “a complex of interacting elements” Systems Theory is thus the interdisciplinary study of systems.

System Definition Definition 1 - An orderly set of interdependent components organised so as to achieve a specific objective Definition 2. An organized, purposeful structure that consists of interrelated and interdependent elements (components, entities, factors, members, parts etc.), which continually influence one another (directly or indirectly) to maintain their activity and the existence of the system, in order to achieve the goal of the system Definition 3: Set of interacting components, working together to form a complex, integrated whole in order to achieve some goal by taking inputs and processing them to produce outputs.

Nervous systemCirculatory SystemRespiratory SystemHospital System Banking System Systems can take many different forms ranging from human organs to computer software. Examples of systems include; the Nervous system, Circulatory System, Respiratory System, Hospital System, Banking System etc.

System Overview A system has seven characteristics 1.Components 2.Interrelationships 3.Boundary 4.Interface 5.Environment 6.Input 7.Output

Characteristics of Systems 1.Systems are usually made up of different pieces, called components. 2.Components work together; they are interrelated. Changing one part of the system affects other parts and the whole system, with predictable patterns of behaviour. 3.A system is separated from its environment by the system’s boundary. The boundary is that line that divides the system from its environment. The boundary can either be physical or logical.

Characteristics of Systems cont.. 4.The area of contact between one system boundary and another is called an interface. 5.Every system operates in a particular environment with both internal and external components. Its internal environment it that part of its environment over which it has some control, e.g. An office. A system's external environment is that part of its environment over which it has no control, but it still affects the requirements of the system the country laws, politics etc. 6.Every system has input. 7.Every system has output.

Environment General System Model InputProcess Output Feedback Target System Boundary 9

Overview of Systems 2-10 Figure 1.1 A system and Its Environment (Note: Components are labeled “C”)

gatheringcapturing a. Input: Activity of gathering and capturing raw data Converting b.Processing: Converting raw data into useful outputs Producing c.Output: Producing useful information usually in the form of documents and reports mechanismoutput d.Feedback: A mechanism by which the output from the system is monitored and used by the system to make changes to its input or processing activities. adjustments e.Control mechanism – Makes adjustments to the system as per need. Provides some corrective mechanisms purpose f.Target/ Goal - defines the purpose for which all the system objects, attributes and relationships have been organized g.System Boundary- line that divides the system from its environment, this makes it possible to focus on a particular system within a hierarchy of systems. Can either be physical or logical System Components 11

SystemGoalsComponentsInputsOutputs 1. HospitalProvide health care, conduct research, reach doctors and nurses Hospital staff, wards, machinery People, materials, energy, money, information. People, bodies, reports, services 2. University???????????People, buildings, machines People, money, information, energy Graduates, information, services 3. BankKeep money, give loans, credit, services People, buildings, machines money Money, information, energy Money, services, information Some General System examples 12

Overview of Systems A system has some purpose or goal. The goal is achieved by taking inputs and processing them to produce outputs. Systems thus follow an input-process-output sequence system regulates itself own output Many systems incorporate Feedback, a process by which a system regulates itself by monitoring its own output. Systems often have a feedback loop, which may change its behavior based on the feedback Systems are often made up of subsystems or a system that is part of a larger system Equifinality is the idea that in an open system there are many different potential paths to the final outcome Copyright 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.2-13

Types of system: Open system: A system with a feedback mechanism that promotes the free exchange of information between the system and external entities. Closed system: Systems that neither transmits any information to the outside world nor receives any information from the outside world. There are few, if any, closed systems in the real world.

Organization – Definition 1- stable, formal social structure that takes resources from the environment & processes them to produce output. Definition 2- collection of rights, privileges, obligations & responsibilities that are delicately balanced over a period of time through conflict & conflict resolution. 17 The organization as a System

18 Organisation; Definition 1 Capital and labour are the inputs, organization transforms these into products and services, which are consumed by the environments as outputs in return for supply inputs

19 Definition2: Behavioural Emphasizes on group relationships, values, and structures such that some information systems change the organizational balance of rights, privileges, obligations, responsibilities, and feelings that have been established over a long period of time