Model Definition

Useful when considering situation without losing holistic viewpoint, example of modelling is boundary and environment diagram. The type of model used should be the best suited based on our understanding of the situation. A model is an abstraction of reality, to abstract is to summarise. Models are created because: Real Continue Reading

Models

Identify and define what a model is, also when and how best apply a particular model. “Model” can be used in different contexts to mean different things e.g.: The model, although not to scale, lets us see how the planets orbit the sun. The super model was demonstrating the latest Continue Reading

Holistic/Reductionist

See previous post on Holistic and Reductionist views. Reductionist view – breaks system into sub-systems & individual functions. Can produce a lot of information on system operation. E.g. Different HND courses HND and Degree courses Individual tutors Individual support teams Performance of technical infrastructure Holistic view – looks at wider Continue Reading

Stakeholders and Perspectives

See previous post on Stakeholders and Perspectives. Stakeholders involved in the e-learning company are: Students – can have many perspectives. Some may be happy with studies, others having difficulties. Their perspective may change when they receive marks for exams or coursework. Recruitment/Enrolment/Payment Processing staff – perspectives can change according to Continue Reading

Emergence and Dynamic Equilibrium

Emergence: Elements that should emerge are happy qualified students. Unintended potential elements that could emerge are failed students. Equilibrium: maintained by using feedback and control mechanisms discussed earlier. Additionally: organisation will continually match student numbers to staff continually review student fees against those charged by competitors Organisation will try and Continue Reading

Group Feedback

This post covers my proposal to the group feedback question set within the lesson. System: Administration Purpose: System to ensure students are able to study for a qualification and for tutors to teach. Goals/Objectives: Provide information to potential students. Facilitate registration of students. Provide scheduling information to tutors. Provide assistance Continue Reading

Sub-Systems and Hierarchy

See previous posts on Sub-systems and Hierarchy. Previous concepts noted several sub-systems, these are controlling the transformation: Technology infrastructure, including tech staff Administration Quality measurement Tutor support Student support Each of the sub-systems would need analysis as if there were a system in their own right.

Control

See previous post on Control. Control aspects: Student’s payment of fees: no payment means students remain potential students in environment. Results in no profit. Qualification pass rate: feedback – what needs to be improved, re-enforces transformation process. Student satisfaction: happiness factor. Use as positive feedback to improve good things and Continue Reading

Inputs, Outputs and Transformation

See previous post on Input and Output. Inputs Students Tutors Outputs Happy, qualified students. Act as form of positive feedback by encouraging others to become students. Quality assessment. Some used as feedback to improve students’ experience and quality of education. Direct feedback by way of self-assessment. Indirect feedback by way Continue Reading