Difference between revisions of "Topic:Definition of systems"
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* know the definition of a system | * know the definition of a system | ||
* know key terms used in describing systems | * know key terms used in describing systems | ||
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== Key Concepts == | == Key Concepts == |
Revision as of 07:41, 29 January 2018
Context
This topic forms part of the systems and complexity area of study. People who are competent in the topic can describe the fundamental attributes of systems using appropriate language.
Competencies
Expected competencies after study of this topic are:
- know the definition of a system
- know key terms used in describing systems
Key Concepts
A system is a set of things—people, cells, molecules, or whatever—interconnected in such a way that they produce their own pattern of behavior over time. The system may be buffeted, constricted, triggered, or driven by outside forces. But the system’s response to these forces is characteristic of itself, and that response is seldom simple in the real world.—Donella H Meadows, Thinking in Systems
A system must consist of three kinds of things: elements, interconnections, and a function or purpose.—Donella H Meadows, Thinking in Systems