Feedback helps control a system in either a good way or a bad way. Inappropriate feedback can lead to erratic behaviour or even collapse of the system. Always try to provide feedback based on desired output. Can be either direct or indirect (from another system). Feedback loops enhance, decrease or Continue Reading
Learning
Learning and development resources and notes.
The Black Box Approach
Black box concept – what happens inside not of initial interest. Input(s) and output(s) are of concern. Box represents a process. Initial idea can be developed further by breaking down into further sub-systems with their own inputs & outputs. Easy to go wrong with complex systems if deductive logic not Continue Reading
Envisioning our Systems of interest – Boundary and Environment
Start by naming system, define it closely and well to ensure its extent and its capabilities and limits are known and clear to those discussing it. Boundary determines what is include and what is left out. Specify beginning and end, too small a boundary results in important items being left Continue Reading
Do Systems Exist?
First question is – do systems exist. The answer is yes and no. Key point to understand about Systems Thinking – provides set of concepts and techniques to analyse situations. Can be used in number of situations analyse existing situations situations that are not systems but insights can be gained Continue Reading
Type of Systems Introduction
Systems described as one of: Probabilistic System Affected by chance events Future behaviour of system is matter of probability E.g. political systems, business systems and social systems Deterministic System Operate to predetermined set of rules E.g. data processing systems and the planetary system Software and networks are deterministic systems implemented Continue Reading
Open, Closed and Isolated systems
At a high level, systems are classified as Open or Closed. Closed Systems (also known as isolated systems in thermodynamics – see further below) No interaction outside of the system No interaction with the systems environment Receive no inputs from, or provide no outputs to, the environment Closed systems with outputs Continue Reading
The whole system design paradigm
Whole system design incorporates sustainable design – design and development of systems to achieve: Consume natural resources within capacity for them to be regenerated Do not release/produce hazardous/polluting substances Avoid contributing to irreversible impacts on ecosystem Provide useful and socially acceptable benefits long term Cost-effective and produce reasonable rate of Continue Reading
Importance for sustainability
There is a good quote from the EPA website which can be accessed directly from here http://www.epa.org/sustainability/basic info.htm Sustainability – issue of concerns about social, environmental and economic consequences of rapid population growth, economic growth and resulting consumption of natural resources. Growth has been spurred by reductionist approach to development Continue Reading
Systems are important
The events reported on daily are parts of larger trends which are indicators of underlaying system structures. With that in mind, we are then able to manage, and live within, a world full of complex systems. Systems & sustainability A systems view becomes more important as we produce viable ways Continue Reading
Systems Introduction
Two approaches to systems understanding are: Reductionist- breaking problems into smaller pieces, and Holistic – the idea that the whole is more than merely the sum of its parts Systems thinking Process of understanding systems requires us to think in a systems manner Ability to think in terms of whole Continue Reading