Month: November 2015
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Time-Lag
Many systems have processes with time-lag in their behaviour. Changes to systems’ behaviour do not occur immediately when a change to the inputs or transformation process is made. Changes can take significant amount of time to take effect, therefore can be difficult to predict system behaviour. Unintended changes might not become apparent for significant…
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Non-Linearity
Many systems display non-linear behaviour i.e. their outputs are not directly proportional to their inputs. Non-linear systems do not satisfy superposition principal, or superposition property. For all linear systems, net response at given place and time caused by two or more stimuli is sum of responses which would have been caused by stimuli individually. If input A…
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Holistic and Reductionist views
Holistic Concept that system is greater than the sum of its parts, see the Bicycle and Central Heating systems for examples. Trying to identify all connections to systems environment, view is limited to that environment. By looking beyond the holistic or systemic view, we would be considering the ecological view recognising “the fundamental interdependence of…
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Transformation
System in some way performs a transformation on its inputs from the environment and then sends them as outputs back to the environment. Transformation occurs to support system purpose, goals and objectives. No transformation then no system.
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Perspectives and Stakeholders
It is vital to identify stakeholders and their level of interest in the system. Different stakeholders may have different perspectives – a view on something at a point in time. Perspectives can change in light of new information or change in circumstance. Example: Perspectives of a bicycle Environmentalist – mode of transport with minimal impact…
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Dynamic Equilibrium
Concept of system keeping itself in a steady state. Control and feedback loops provide inputs into this concept. Concept suggests system has management capabilities to maintain dynamic equilibrium. If dynamic equilibrium not maintained, system may cease to function or may function in a manner that does not meet purpose, objectives or goals. Example: British political…