Introduction to System

Concepts
ITT 06104
Nicodemus M. M.
What is a System?
• A system is an interconnected set of Elements
teeth, enzymes,
elements that is coherently organized stomach, and
in a way that achieves something. intestines

• A system contains: Interconnection

Is through the
• Elements physical flow of
• Interconnection food, and through
an elegant set of
• A function or purpose regulating chemical
signals

Function
Other Examples of a system includes:
is to break down food into its basic nutrients
A school, a city, a factory, a cooperation, the earth is a system,
and to transfer those nutrients into the
a forest is a system, we have solar system, etc
bloodstream
University System: Example
Institute of Accountancy Arusha System Constituents

Elements:
buildings, students, professors, administrators,
libraries, books, computers

Interconnection:
standards for admission, the requirements for
degrees, the examinations and grades, the budgets
and money flows, the gossip.

Purpose:
the communication of knowledge
System Concepts: Subsystems
• A system is usually made up of many
smaller subsystems which in turn are
formed by other subsystems
• The interconnections between
subsystems are called interfaces
• A subsystem at the lowest is called a
black box
• If one part of a system is changed, the
nature of the overall system is
changed
Camera Subsystems
System Concepts: Hierarchy

Camera Subsystems A Hierarchy of a System

Characteristics of a System
• Goal oriented:
• The subsystems are oriented towards the common objective/purpose of the system, and they
interact to achieve that objective.
• Structure of the system:
• It deals with the particular design of components in a particular arrangement
• Inputs:
• involve elements that enter the system to be processed.
• Processing of inputs:
• It is the process of transformation through which inputs are converted into outputs
• Outputs:
• they are results of the transformation process.
• Interdependence:
• the components of the system are interdependent
How is a System Modeled?
INPUT OUTPUT
PROCESS INPUT 1 OUTPUT 1

INPUT 2 OUTPUT 2

A Simple System Model INPUT 3 OUTPUT 3

PROCESS
INPUT 4 OUTPUT 4
. .
. .
. .
INPUT N OUTPUT N

Complex System Model

Types of Systems
• Conceptual and empirical systems
• Permanent and temporary systems
• Natural and manufactured systems
• Deterministic and probabilistic systems
• Open and closed systems
• Adaptive and non-adaptive systems
• Social, people-machine, and machine systems
Conceptual Systems
• Conceptual systems is an abstract
system made up of ideas, theories, or
concepts rather than physical
components.
• Conceptual systems are designed to
represent, understand, or model real-
world systems or processes in a
simplified or theoretical way. Distance: d1, d2, d3
Stops: S1, S2, S3
• Example: Mathematical models, Mass: M1, M2, M3
theories, information flow diagrams Time: t1, t2, t3

Conceptual System interrelate the variables allowing

us to understand the problem in a theoretical way.
Empirical Systems
• Empirical systems are systems that
are based on observation,
experimentation, and experience
rather than theory or abstract
concepts.
• These systems rely on empirical
data—information gathered through
sensory observation or practical
experimentation—to define, operate, Data (d, s, t, m) based on:
or analyze how the system works. Observation,
• Examples: Biological systems, Experience
engineering systems, economic
systems, weather systems etc.
Transportation system:
Empirical system to analyze how system works
Permanent Systems
• Permanent systems are designed to exist and operate indefinitely or
for a very long time, without a predetermined end date.
• Characteristics
• They are meant to be in place for extended periods, often supporting long-
term goals or objectives.
• have a well-established structure and are designed to operate continuously,
with regular updates or maintenance.
• Examples:
• Government institutions, national infrastructures (e.g., power grids), the
judicial system, and natural ecosystems (e.g., forests or rivers).
Temporary Systems
• Temporary systems are created for a specific period or purpose and
are disbanded or cease to exist once their objective is fulfilled.
• Characteristics
• They have a finite lifespan and are usually established for a project, event, or
specific activity.
• They are typically more flexible and adaptable to immediate needs.
• Examples:
• Government institutions, national infrastructures (e.g., power grids), the
judicial system, and natural ecosystems (e.g., forests or rivers).
Natural and Manufactured Systems
• Natural systems are found abundantly in nature, like solar system,
water system, etc.
• Natural systems originated from nature itself and are not the result of
any human effort
• Manufactured systems or artificial systems are formed by human
efforts.
• Example of manufactured systems includes Transport system,
communication system, etc.
Deterministic Systems
• In deterministic systems, the interaction
among the parts is known with certainty.
• It operates in a predictable manner.
• It is possible to predict the output
accurately, if a description of the inputs
and the operation is available.
• A computer program which perform as
exactly according to the set of
instructions is an example of a
deterministic system.
Probabilistic System
80% chance rain will fall

• Probabilistic system is described in terms

of probable behavior
• The output can be predicted only with a
certain degree of error.
• In such a system, we can predict the
results but the exact values of these
results at a given time are not known.
• For example, in an inventory system, we
can predict the average time taken to get
the material, average demand, etc., but
the exact values cannot be calculated.

Weather Forecasting System

Open Systems
There is an exchange of
• An open system is a system that matter
interacts with its external environment
by exchanging energy, matter, or
information.
• Open systems continuously receive
inputs and produce outputs, adapting
and evolving based on external
influences.
• Examples: Biological systems. Business
organizations, information systems
Closed System
• A closed system is a system that does not
exchange matter with its external
environment but may exchange energy.
• In other words, it is isolated from its
surroundings, meaning it operates
independently without any input or output
of material.
• Closed systems are self-contained, and their
behavior is determined solely by the internal
components and processes.
• Examples: thermos flask, mechanical
systems
No exchange of matter
Adaptive and Non-adaptive Systems
• Adaptive system reaches out to its environment in such a way as to
improve its functioning, achievement or probability of survival.
• Most biological systems are adaptive systems
• Non-adaptive system does not change with changes in the
environment.
• It is free from environmental influences and may degenarable
eventually.
System Approach
• As the world around us, or at least our understanding (or design) of it,
becomes more complex.
• Solving a problem at that scale is also now a problem.
• The systems approach is a method of problem-solving, decision-
making, and analysis that views an issue or process as part of a larger,
interconnected system.
• Instead of focusing on individual components in isolation, the systems
approach emphasizes understanding the relationships and
interactions between different parts of a system.
System Approach
• Emphasizes looking at the entire system rather than focusing on
individual components. It aims to understand how parts interact and
influence each other.
• Takes into account feedback mechanisms that can either reinforce
(positive feedback) or stabilize (negative feedback) the system.
• Seeks to find the most efficient way to operate the system as a whole,
rather than focusing on optimizing individual components in isolation.
Major Concepts of Systems Approach
• Holism:
• A change in any part/component of a system affects the whole system directly
or indirectly
• Specialization:
• A whole system can be divided into granular (smaller easy to understand),
components so that the specialized role of each component is appreciated
• Non-summational:
• Every component (subsystem/partial system) is of importance to the whole.
• It is therefore essential to understand the actions of each component to get
the holistic perspective
Major Concepts of Systems Approach
• Grouping:
• The process of specialization can create its own complexity by proliferating
components with increasing specialization.
• To avoid this, it becomes essential to group related disciplines or sub-
disciplines.
• Coordination:
• The grouped components and sub-components need coordination
• Without coordination the components will not be able to work in a concerted
manner and will lead to chaos.
Major Concepts of Systems Approach
• Emergent Properties:
• The group of interrelated entities (components) has properties as a group
that is not present in any individual component.
• This is the holistic view of a system.
• For example, multicellular organisms exhibit characteristics as a whole which
are not present in individual constituent parts like cells.
Steps in System Approach
Problem Identification: Clearly define the problem or issue within the context of the system.

Understanding the System: Analyze all the components and relationships within the system. This may include understanding
inputs, outputs, and processes involved.

Modeling: Develop models to represent the system. These can be conceptual, mathematical, or simulation models that help
visualize how the system works.

Analysis of Components and Interactions: Study how each part interacts with the others and how changes in one area might
affect the whole system.

Solution Development: Develop solutions or strategies that consider the system as a whole, ensuring that the change
improves overall performance rather than just optimizing individual parts.

Implementation and Monitoring: Implement the solution and monitor its impact on the system. Feedback mechanisms are
used to make adjustments as needed.
Example Application of System Approach
Supply chain management
• Instead of looking only at
production, companies use the
systems approach to manage the
entire supply chain—from
suppliers to production to
distribution—optimizing the
process as a whole.
Advantages of System Approach
• Holistic Solutions:
• The approach ensures that solutions are comprehensive and take into account all relevant
aspects of the system, leading to more sustainable and effective results.
• Improved Coordination:
• By focusing on how different parts of the system interact, the systems approach encourages
better coordination and communication among different components or stakeholders.
• Prevention of Sub-Optimization:
• It helps avoid "sub-optimization," where focusing on improving one part of the system results
in worse outcomes for the system as a whole.
• Adaptation to Complex Problems:
• The systems approach is particularly useful for addressing complex, multi-dimensional
problems that cannot be solved by focusing on just one component.