IS 460 Notes Fundamentals of General Systems Theory by Thomas Hilton

Why Study Systems Understanding Influence

What is a System? Definition: A system is a set of interacting components that operate within a boundary to achieve some purpose. Postulate: Everything is a system.

Parts of a System Output Input Processes Boundary Environment Output Input Process A Process B Process C Process D Process E

Two Types Of Output Intended (purpose of the system) Unintended (byproducts) Control Issues? (Ashby’s Law) Output

Two Types of Input Main (transformed) Maintenance (consumed) Input

Three Types Of Processes Transformation Interface Input Output Control Output Sensor Feedback Loop Input Regulator Process A Process B Process C Process D Process E

Boundary The boundary is where the system ends and the environment begins. Boundary identification is critical to your professional survival Boundary Identification is often complicated by its intangible nature.

Environment The Environment is everything outside the system. The environment is infinite, so we commonly discuss only the “relevant” environment. The relevant environment is objects that affect the behavior of the system but are beyond its control.

Hierarchical System Super-system Subsystem Linear All input comes from some system All output goes to some system “Closed” systems don’t exist. Relationships Between Systems

Question… Is everything we know about a system?

Understanding Systems Identify the parts and their relationships. Use the black box concept to concentrate on inputs and outputs. Use the closed system concept to concentrate on processes (remember closed systems don't really exist).

The Role of Observer Perspective System definition depends on perspective. System behavior is affected by observation. System existence can depend on observation.