Core Concepts of Systems Theory Explained

What is a System?

A system is a set of interrelated and interdependent elements. It is a whole composed of parts that communicate with each other, creating synergy.

Tickets (Inputs)

This refers to the dataset that feeds the system.

Outputs

This refers to the dataset that the system delivers as a result.

System Environment

The environment is the medium through which the system interacts.

Process

The process transforms an input into an output. This could be a machine, an individual, a computer, a chemical reaction, a task performed by a member of an organization, etc.

Black Box Concept

The black box is used to represent systems when the internal components or processes are unknown or not detailed.

Closed and Open Systems

Systems are classified as either open or closed. All living organisms are open systems, meaning they exchange energy, matter, and information with their environment to some degree; they are not completely isolated.

System Limits

All systems have limits. The limit of a system is the region separating it from another system. Its function is to filter or select inputs and outputs. These limits are often conceptual or imaginary.

Inputs and Outputs Defined

Inputs are the energy, matter, and information absorbed by the system.

Outputs are the energy, matter, and information that the system expels as a result of its operations.

Feedback Mechanisms

Feedback can be explained as a process by which the system regulates its responses to external stimuli. Feedback occurs when the outputs of the system, or the influence of those outputs on the context, re-enter the system as resources or information.

• Positive Feedback: Occurs when the action is kept constant while modifying the objectives.
• Negative Feedback: When the system deviates from its path, feedback information notifies the decision-making centers. These centers then take necessary steps to initiate corrective action, returning the system to its original path. When feedback information is used this way, it is called negative feedback.

Steady State or Homeostasis

Homeostasis refers to the tendency of any system to maintain stability or constant conditions within defined limits for some variables, relative to the environment. Homeostasis is the property of a system that defines its level of response and adaptation to the context.

Entropy in Systems

The entropy of a system is the wear or disorder that the system experiences due to the passage of time or its operation.

Negative Entropy (Negentropy)

One aspect of negative entropy, or negentropy, is the need for a store of inputs for future use to prevent disruption.

Systems, Subsystems, and Supra-systems

Every system is part of both a subsystem and/or a supra-system.

• The supra-system is the larger whole that contains the system.
• The system, in turn, includes the subsystem.

Information Systems

The emphasis on 'system' means that various components work towards a common goal to support the organization's activities. These activities include everyday business operations, data communication and reporting, and managing activities and decisions.

Within an organization, there are typically three levels of management or control:

1. Operational Management
2. Tactical Management
3. Strategic Management

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Self-Assessment Questions

1. What is a system?
2. What is Systems Theory based on?
3. What is Entropy?
4. What is Homeostasis?
5. What are the parameters of systems?
6. What are open systems?
7. Provide examples related to system concepts.
8. Consider the definition of sub-system and supra-system (sketch an example).