Introduction to General Systems Theory and Systems Approach
1. Systems Concepts and Definitions
System
A system is a set of elements that interact to reach a goal. It can also be defined as a set of two or more interrelated components working to achieve a common goal.
Life in society is organized around complex systems. Humans try to provide some semblance of order to their universe through various institutions, some structured by humans and others evolved naturally, according to experts.
1.1.1 General Systems Theory
General systems theory describes the structure and behavior of systems. It covers a comprehensive look at specific types of systems, from technical to conceptual, by increasing their level of generality and abstraction.
The general systems theory can be described as:
- A conventional mathematical theory
- A metalanguage
- A way of thinking
- A hierarchy of increasingly general systems within a system
The general systems theory has several targets for information systems:
- Encourage the development of a general terminology for describing the features, functions, and performance of systems.
- Develop a set of laws that apply to all system behaviors.
- Promote the formalization of these laws.
Nominal Definitions for General Systems Theory
When we speak of systems, we consider the totality of properties attributable to the implementation of a system or its interacting components within their environment.
Example:
Systems
- Programming language
- Instructions
- Compile
- Executable
In general systems theory, all closely related elements are reflected. These elements maintain the system, either directly or indirectly, in a more or less stable state, and their behavior is considered appropriate for a given issue.
Based on these considerations, the general theory of systems leads to two major research strategies:
- System-Element Focus: Conceptual distinctions are focused on the relationship between the system and its elements.
- System-Environment Focus: Conceptual distinctions are concentrated on border processes (system/environment).
Basic Classification of General Systems
General systems theory faces challenges in defining the reality of its objects and developing appropriate analytical tools for the linear treatment of systematic behavior. Within this framework, systems can be classified as follows:
- By Effectiveness: Real, ideal, and model systems. Real systems have an existence independent of the observer, while ideal systems are symbolic constructs with logic and mathematics. Model systems are abstractions of reality combining characteristics of conceptual objects.
- By Source: Natural or artificial systems. This distinction highlights whether the system’s structure is influenced by other systems.
- By Environment/Isolation: Closed or open systems, depending on their interaction with their environments.
Elements of the System
The elements that constitute a system include:
- Basic System Definition: A group of interdependent elements forming a regularly interacting whole.
- Examples: Gravitational system, thermodynamic system, river system, telephone system, highway system, touch typing, taxonomic system, decimal system, computer system.
- Player: Layers that give rise to other similar systems. In a business organization, this could be a division or facility planning software expanding to new regions or companies.
- Border: Holds the system’s components, protects the environment, and controls the entry and exit of matter and information.
- Injector: Carries material from the environment across the system’s border, which can be used within an organization or any other system.
- Distributor: Brings material from outside the system and distributes it among its subsystems.
- Converter: Changes materials entering the system into more useful forms for specific processes within the system.
- Producer: Forms stable partnerships for significant periods, utilizing the converter function. These materials are used for damage repair or replacement of system components.
1.2 System Approach
The systems approach is a combination of philosophy and general methodology employed in planning and design.
Systems analysis is based on an interdisciplinary methodology that integrates various techniques and skills, primarily in planning and designing complex systems that perform specific functions.
Characteristics of the Systems Approach
The systems approach has several key characteristics:
- Interdisciplinary: Combines qualitative and quantitative approaches, focusing on creative, pragmatic, theoretical, and empirical methods. It emphasizes defining system objectives and continually examining and redefining them throughout the design process.
- Unit and Scope: Studies organizations and institutions comprehensively to analyze and develop their operations for improvement.