Introduction to System Theory

Introduction to System Theory

• System theory analyzes phenomena as a whole, not just the sum of parts.
• Focus is on interactions and relationships between parts.
• Used to understand organization, functioning, and outcomes of an entity.

Definition of System

• A system is a complex combination of resources (people, materials, equipment, hardware, software, facilities, data, information, services).
• These resources work together to fulfill a specific operational requirement.
• Each element directly supports the accomplishment of a given mission scenario.

Definition of System Theory

• A theoretical perspective analyzing a phenomenon as a whole, not just individual elements.
• Emphasis is on the interactions and relationships between parts.
• Aims to understand an entity's organization, functioning, and outcomes.

System Characteristics

• Systems are composed of interconnected components working towards a shared goal.
• Resources include humans, materials, equipment, hardware, software, facilities, and data.
• Many functions often require considerable personnel, equipment, and data resources.
• Effective implementation requires carefully integrating resources.
• Systems exist within a hierarchy; performance is influenced by higher-level systems.

System Characteristics (cont.)

• A system can be broken down into subsystems and related components.
• Interactions among components are crucial for effective design.
• Analyzing components separately is insufficient for effective design; system should be viewed as a whole.
• Interrelationships between components must be understood.
• Systems have a purpose to serve identified needs or objectives.
• Overall objective needs to be achieved in a cost-effective manner.

System Classification

• Systems can be classified as physical, conceptual, natural, human-made, closed-loop, open-loop, static, and dynamic systems.
• Physical systems consist of real components occupying space.
• Conceptual systems are ideas, specifications, and plans for organization.
• Natural systems arise from natural processes.
• Human-made systems are developed by humans.

System Classifications (cont.)

• Closed-loop systems are relatively self-contained, not interacting significantly with the environment.
• Open-loop systems interact with their environments.
• Static systems have unchanging structure and responses depend solely on current input.
• Dynamic systems have varying structure involving components and outputs influenced by past/future inputs.

Understanding Information Systems

• Information Technology (IT) encompasses hardware and software used by firms.
• An information system is a collection of interdependent components for collecting, processing, storing, and distributing information.
• Supports decision making and control in organizations.

Information System (cont.)

• Activities include input, processing, and output.
• Input involves collecting raw data.
• Processing transforms raw data.
• Output is the result of processing, providing useful information for decision making.

Functions of Information Systems

• Systems contain organization and environmental information (e.g., competitors, customers, suppliers).
• Input: Raw data from internal and external environments.
• Processing: Transforming data into useful information.
• Output: Distributing processed information for decision-making and control.
• Feedback: Information returned for subsequent action.