Topic:Definition of systems

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

Although a system’s function is determined by its products, the goal or purpose of a human system depends on the worldviews of the actors and observers. One system can have many purposes, depending on the perspectives of the observers.

—Les Robinson, What is a system?

Primers

• Introduction to Systems Thinking
• What is a system?
• Summary of Systems Principles

Further Reading

• Thinking in Systems
• Mechanisms of Intelligence: Ashby's Writings on Cybernetics

Subject matter experts

• Donella H Meadows
• Ross Ashby