Systems Theory Modelling

8/11/2019 Systems Theory Modelling

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Systems Theory

and Modelling


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David OSullivan, NUI Galway

Seminars

Introduction

Defining Innovation

Innovation Process

Understanding GoalsDefining Objectives

Managing Indicators

Systems Theory and Modelling

Creativity and Idea Generation

Managing Project PortfoliosLeading Innovation Teams

Managing Results and Knowledge


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This Lecture

Open Systems

General Systems Theory (GST)

GST Traits

System Classification

Systems Analysis and Modelling Activity Modelling (IDEFo)


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Reduction vs. Systems

1950s the main approach tounderstanding was reductionism

divide something into its parts Ludwig von Bertalnffy proposed

systems thinking discover how

something interacts with itsenvironment


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Open Systems

All living and many non-living thingsare open systems

Systems theory gives us a way to thinkabout open systems

Systems theory lays the foundation forthe analysis and modelling of systems

Systems theory provides an analytical

framework for comprehending dynamicinterrelated operating systems


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Open System

Sense Response

ENVIRONMENT

OPEN

SYSTEM


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University Open System

UNIVERSITY

Policy

Approved Funding

Industry Needs

Students

Funding Requests

New Knowledge

Graduates



Systems Thinking

holistic approach to problemsolving

reflecting on how the organisationrelates to its business environmentand

how factors in the environmentcan affect the organisation



Definition of System

... an identifiable, complex dynamicentity composed of discernibly

different parts or subsystems thatare interrelated to andinterdependent on each other andthe whole entity with an overall

capability to maintain stability andto adapt behaviour in response toexternal influences [Websters]



General Systems Theory

Science of understanding open systemstheory

GST provides a framework to study open

systems GST is not too general nor too specific



Bouldings Explanation

Somewhere between the specificthat has no meaning and the

general that has no content theremust be, for each purpose and ateach level of abstraction, an

optimum degree of generality



Becketts explanation

"The trust of general systems .. is todraw attention to the study of

relationships of parts to oneanother within the wholes



GST Traits

Systems are Goal Seeking

are Holistic

have Hierarchy

have Inputs and Outputs

transform inputs into outputs

consume and/or create Energy

are affected by Entropy

have Equifinality

have Feedback



Goal Seeking

All open systems must have goals

There are two types

Inner directed goals

Outer directed goals

Design strategies are typically outerdirected goals

Maintenance strategies are an innerdirected goal



Holistic SUBSYSTEM

SUB

SYSTEM

SUB

SYSTEM

SUB

SYSTEMSUB

SYSTEM

SUB

SYSTEM

SUB

SYSTEM

Boundry

Fredrick Hagel (1770-1831)

The whole is more than thesum of the parts

The whole determines the sumof the parts

The parts cannot be

understood if considered inisolation from the whole

The parts are dynamicallyinterrelated andinterdependent


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Hierarchical

WHOLE

SYSTEM

SUB

SYSTEM

SUB

SYSTEM

SUB

SYSTEM

SUB

SYSTEM

SUB

SYSTEM

SUB

SYSTEM

SYSTEMS

MORE GENERAL

MORE DETAIL

PLANT LEVEL

DEPARTMENT LEVEL

CELL LEVEL

PROCESS LEVEL

WORKSTATION LEVEL


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Transform Inputs into Outputs

TRANSFORM

INPUTS T O

OUTPUTS

TRANSFORM

INPUTS T O

OUTPUTS

ERROR

FEEDBACK

STATUS FEEDBACK

OUTPUT

INPUT

INPUT

OUTPUT

INPUT

OUTPUT

INPUT


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Entropy

A measure of the amount of disorder ina system

Everything disintegrates over time Negative entropy or centropy

Effects of entropy are offset by thesystem transforming itself continuously

Maintain order through such things asrepairs, maintenance and possiblygrowing by importing energy


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Energy, Equifinality and Feedback

Systems create/consume energy Physical

Emotional

Equifinality is the ability for systems toachieve goals in a number of ways

This flexibility allows systems avoid the

effects of entropy Systems have feedback - feedback can

allow a system to change its direction


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Checkland's classification

Natural Systems (ecologicalsystems, human beings)

Physically Designed Systems(bridges, machines)

Abstract Design Systems(Languages, Mathematics)

Human Activity Systems(Politics, Banking)

Transcendental Systems(Beyond knowledge or

comprehension) Bouldings Classification

Transcendental

Social Oganisation

Human

Animal

Genetic-societ al

Open System

Cybernetics

Clockworks

Frameworks1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9


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Bouldings Classification

Frameworks static structures (e.g. camshaft, skeleton, formal company organisations, rock)

Clockworks timing mechanisms (e.g. self winding clocks)

Cybernetics elementary closed systems with feedback (e.g. thermostats)

Open system elementary forms of life interact with their environment in order to change their

behaviour

Genetic-societal systems exchange information with other subsystems

Animal system mobility, self-awareness, and goal orientation-highly complex

Human system

intelligence gives the human system the ability to think about the future, itsgoals, and how to reach them.

Social organisation organisations which have their own combined goals, needs

Transcendental, all other systems not yet comprehended


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Conclusions

Views of GST are universal GST combats isolationist tendencies among

engineers, systems analysts, businessanalysts, IT specialists, etc. etc.

GST offers a framework for understanding allsystems

Benefits of GST to design of systems aresignificant

Theory of GST lays at the foundation of much

new thinking in - including LearningOrganisations, Structured Analysis,Sociotechnical Design and Strategic Planning


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5 minute break!

Open Systems


GST Traits


Systems Analysis and Modelling

Activity Modelling (IDEFo)


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Systems Analysis

and Modelling


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Modelling

Represent existingand futuresystems

Models are in-complete Various models represent different

perspectives and levels of abstraction

Modelling techniques should be selectedto enhance communications betweendesigners and users


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Perspectives

Managing Director

ManufacturingEngineer

SoftwareEngineerSupervisor

ManufacturingManager

Accountant


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Techniques


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IDEFo

Background

Activity Modelling

Cell Modelling

Hierarchical Decomposition

Principles of IDEFo

IDEFo Approach


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Background

IDEFo is an activityor processmodellingtechnique

Developed through US AirForce R&D

Basic idea: Adopt a common language for alldesigners

Original ideas by Ross and his SADT technique

Sister languages IDEF1x used for data structure modelling IDEF2 used for dynamic modelling (simulation)

Etc.

http://www.idef.com
http://www.idef.org/http://www.idef.org/


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Cell Modelling


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Cell Modelling


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Cell Modelling


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Hierarchical Decomposition


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Arrows


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ICOM Codes


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Boundary Arrow Correspondence


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Tunnelled Arrows


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Modelling Demonstration

Choose an activity!

Choose purpose and viewpoint!

Creating the A-0 diagram

Creating the A0 diagram

Creating the A-1 diagram


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Node Index and Tree

A0 Manufacture Product A1 Plan For Manufacture

A11 Identify Manufacturing Methods

A12 Estimate Requirements, Time, Cost to

A13 Develop Production Plans

A14 Develop Support Activities Plan A2 Make and Administer Schedules and Budgets A21 Develop Master Schedule

A22 Develop Coordinating Schedule

A23 Estimate Costs & Make Budgets

A24 Monitor Performance To Schedule & Budget

A3 Plan Production


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Principles of IDEFo

Cell Modelling Graphic Representation Boxes-and-arrows show graphically all activities in a

system

Conciseness

Two dimensional structured diagrams and text provideconcise detail

Communication Simple boxes and arrows, limitation of detail, structured

presentation of information

Rigor and Precision

Methodology Step-by-step approach

Organisation versus Function Separation of organisation from function


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Rigor and Precision

Detail exposition control (no more than six boxes)

Limited context (no omissions or unnecessary detail)

Diagram interface inter-connectivity

Data structure connectivity (through parenthesis) Uniqueness of labels and titles

Syntax rules for graphics

Inputs are separate from controls

Data arrow labelling requirements

Minimum control of function

Purpose and viewpoint


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IDEFo Methodology

Select a viewpoint and purpose Limit the subject matter Create a top level diagram (A-0, one box only) Create a context diagram (A-1, if necessary)

Create AO diagram (A0, two to six boxes) Create subsequent diagrams, text and glossary Review material and check for purpose and viewpoint Additional pointers

Avoid trivial activities and flows Limit necessary detail at each level

Group related arrows and activities to simplify detail Be clear, precise and consistent Think control and not flow Delay the addition of detail If in doubt incoming flows should be controls Annotate as you develop each diagram


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Sample

See course notes on 'EnterpriseModelling'
http://www.owl.ie/dos.nsf/5cd40849b78e5ad3802570730036c359/5230fc88a6c72c5680257074002f6086/$FILE/Enterprise+Modelling.pdfhttp://www.owl.ie/dos.nsf/5cd40849b78e5ad3802570730036c359/5230fc88a6c72c5680257074002f6086/$FILE/Enterprise+Modelling.pdfhttp://www.owl.ie/dos.nsf/5cd40849b78e5ad3802570730036c359/5230fc88a6c72c5680257074002f6086/$FILE/Enterprise+Modelling.pdfhttp://www.owl.ie/dos.nsf/5cd40849b78e5ad3802570730036c359/5230fc88a6c72c5680257074002f6086/$FILE/Enterprise+Modelling.pdf


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Summary

Open Systems


GST Traits


Systems Analysis and Modelling

Activity Modelling (IDEFo)


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Online Assignment

Develop an IDEFo model for yourorganisation

Produce A-0, A0, and A-1diagrams

Graphics plus Description Text

Upload model into Models webpart

Documents

Systems Theory Modelling