Universal Systems Model

What is a system? Example A system is a group of interrelated components designed collectively to achieve a desired goal. Systems are used in a number of ways in technology and appear in many aspects of daily life, such as solar systems, political systems, and technological systems. ITEEA standards Click the example text to move to the slide with an example Example

Universal Systems Model Every system that exists can be broken down using the universal systems model. INPUT PROCESS OUTPUT FEEDBACK Click on parts to move to slides

Input Inputs consist of the resources that flow into a technological system. Inputs include: People Materials Tools and/or Machines Energy Information Capital Time INPUT PROCESS OUTPUT FEEDBACK

Inputs INPUT People: determine the need, solutions to the problems, and how the inputs will be used to obtain the output. Information: The people must have background knowledge of math and science to appropriately design solutions to problems and carry out the solutions. Materials: Natural or man-made materials go into the creation of the output. Machines and/or Tools: are needed to turn raw materials or industrial materials into final solutions. Energy: allows work to be carried out throughout the system. Capital: the money and land needed to create the output Time: needed to design, create, and assess the solution PEOPLE INFORMATION MATERIALS MACHINES/ TOOLS ENERGY CAPITAL TIME Click on bottom icon to go back to universal systems model slide

Process The process is the systematic sequence of actions that PROBLEM SOLVING PRODUCTION MANAGEMENT The process is the systematic sequence of actions that combines resources to produce an output. Processes can be categorized into: Problem Solving: process that works through problem identification to select a final solution Production: process that involves the creation of the product or structure Management: controlling and managing the inputs and other processes involved in the system Click on bottom icon to go back to universal systems model slide PROCESS

Output OUTPUT The output is the end result, which can have either a positive or negative impact. Outputs can take the following forms: Unexpected Desired Expected Desired Unexpected Undesired Expected Undesired UNEXPECTED DESIRED EXPECTED DESIRED UNEXPECTED UNDESIRED EXPECTED UNDESIRED Click on bottom icon to go back to universal systems model slide

Feedback Feedback is information used to monitor or control a system. The feedback loop allows the system to make necessary adjustments during operation. New and frequent users need to execute systems so that they function in the way they were designed to avoid malfunctions or safety issues. Click on bottom icon to go back to universal systems model slide

Return email stating undeliverable Information Email Message Tools/ Machines Modem Computer People Sender of message Materials Data Plastic for computer Wiring for CPU/Monitor Production Typing of message Sending of data Management Server/modem access Privacy Issues PROCESS INPUT Expected Desired Person receives email Unexpected Undesired Email is sent to wrong person OUTPUT Email answered Email not answered Return email stating undeliverable FEEDBACK Example of an Email System

Open Systems An open-loop system has no feedback path and requires human intervention. An example of an open-loop system is a microwave oven that requires the person to put in a time to cook the food. There is no feedback to say the food is actually cooked thoroughly when the microwave turns off; the person may have to put in more time, or the food may be overcooked. INPUT PROCESS OUTPUT

Closed Systems A system that uses feedback from the output to control the input. An example of a closed-loop system is the heating system in a home, which has a thermostat to provide feedback when the heat needs to be turned on and off. INPUT PROCESS OUTPUT FEEDBACK

The stability of a technological system is influenced by all of the components in the system, especially those in the feedback loop. Equally important is the proper use of systems.

New and frequent users need to operate systems so that they function in the way they were designed in order to avoid malfunctions or safety issues. Consider the mobile phone example from the engagement; have you witnessed someone or have you improperly operated a mobile phone? What happened? How could a user error produce an unexpected output?