Systems Theory

and Modelling
David OSullivan, NUI Galway
Seminars
Introduction
Defining Innovation
Innovation Process
Understanding Goals
Defining Objectives
Managing Indicators
Systems Theory and Modelling
Creativity and Idea Generation
Managing Project Portfolios
Leading Innovation Teams
Managing Results and Knowledge

David OSullivan, NUI Galway
This Lecture
Open Systems
General Systems Theory (GST)
GST Traits
System Classification
Systems Analysis and Modelling
Activity Modelling (IDEFo)


David OSullivan, NUI Galway
Reduction vs. Systems
1950s the main approach to
understanding was reductionism
divide something into its parts
Ludwig von Bertalnffy proposed
systems thinking discover how
something interacts with its
environment
David OSullivan, NUI Galway
Open Systems
All living and many non-living things
are open systems
Systems theory gives us a way to think
about open systems
Systems theory lays the foundation for
the analysis and modelling of systems
Systems theory provides an analytical
framework for comprehending dynamic
interrelated operating systems
David OSullivan, NUI Galway
Open System
Sense
Response
ENVIRONMENT
OPEN
SYSTEM
David OSullivan, NUI Galway
University Open System
UNIVERSITY
Policy
Approved Funding
Industry Needs
Students
Funding Requests
New Knowledge
Graduates
David OSullivan, NUI Galway
Systems Thinking
holistic approach to problem
solving
reflecting on how the organisation
relates to its business environment
and
how factors in the environment
can affect the organisation
David OSullivan, NUI Galway
Definition of System
... an identifiable, complex dynamic
entity composed of discernibly
different parts or subsystems that
are interrelated to and
interdependent on each other and
the whole entity with an overall
capability to maintain stability and
to adapt behaviour in response to
external influences [Websters]
David OSullivan, NUI Galway
General Systems Theory
Science of understanding open systems
theory
GST provides a framework to study open
systems
GST is not too general nor too specific
David OSullivan, NUI Galway
Bouldings Explanation
Somewhere between the specific
that has no meaning and the
general that has no content there
must be, for each purpose and at
each level of abstraction, an
optimum degree of generality
David OSullivan, NUI Galway
Becketts explanation
"The trust of general systems .. is to
draw attention to the study of
relationships of parts to one
another within the wholes
David OSullivan, NUI Galway
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
David OSullivan, NUI Galway
Goal Seeking


All open systems must have goals
There are two types
Inner directed goals
Outer directed goals
Design strategies are typically outer
directed goals
Maintenance strategies are an inner
directed goal
David OSullivan, NUI Galway
Holistic
SUB
SYSTEM
SUB
SYSTEM
SUB
SYSTEM
SUB
SYSTEM
SUB
SYSTEM
SUB
SYSTEM
SUB
SYSTEM
Boundry
Fredrick Hagel (1770-1831)
The whole is more than the
sum of the parts
The whole determines the sum
of the parts
The parts cannot be
understood if considered in
isolation from the whole
The parts are dynamically
interrelated and
interdependent
David OSullivan, NUI Galway
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
WORKSTATI ON LEVEL
David OSullivan, NUI Galway
Transform Inputs into Outputs
TRANSFORM
INPUTS TO
OUTPUTS
TRANSFORM
INPUTS TO
OUTPUTS
ERROR
FEEDBACK
STATUS FEEDBACK
OUTPUT
INPUT
INPUT
OUTPUT
INPUT
OUTPUT
INPUT
David OSullivan, NUI Galway
Entropy
A measure of the amount of disorder in
a system
Everything disintegrates over time
Negative entropy or centropy
Effects of entropy are offset by the
system transforming itself continuously
Maintain order through such things as
repairs, maintenance and possibly
growing by importing energy
David OSullivan, NUI Galway
Energy, Equifinality and Feedback
Systems create/consume energy
Physical
Emotional
Equifinality is the ability for systems to
achieve 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
David OSullivan, NUI Galway
System Classification
Checkland's classification
Natural Systems (ecological
systems, 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
Frameworks 1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
David OSullivan, NUI Galway
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, its
goals, and how to reach them.
Social organisation
organisations which have their own combined goals, needs
Transcendental,
all other systems not yet comprehended
David OSullivan, NUI Galway
Conclusions
Views of GST are universal
GST combats isolationist tendencies among
engineers, systems analysts, business
analysts, IT specialists, etc. etc.
GST offers a framework for understanding all
systems
Benefits of GST to design of systems are
significant
Theory of GST lays at the foundation of much
new thinking in - including Learning
Organisations, Structured Analysis,
Sociotechnical Design and Strategic Planning
David OSullivan, NUI Galway
5 minute break!
Open Systems
General Systems Theory (GST)
GST Traits
System Classification

Systems Analysis and Modelling
Activity Modelling (IDEFo)
Systems Analysis
and Modelling
David OSullivan, NUI Galway
Modelling
Represent existing and future
systems
Models are in-complete
Various models represent different
perspectives and levels of abstraction
Modelling techniques should be selected
to enhance communications between
designers and users
David OSullivan, NUI Galway
Perspectives
Managing Director
Manufacturing
Engineer
Software
Engineer
Supervisor
Manufacturing
Manager
Accountant
David OSullivan, NUI Galway
Techniques
David OSullivan, NUI Galway
IDEFo
Background
Activity Modelling
Cell Modelling
Hierarchical Decomposition
Principles of IDEFo
IDEFo Approach
David OSullivan, NUI Galway
Background
IDEFo is an activity or process modelling
technique
Developed through US AirForce R&D
Basic idea: Adopt a common language for all
designers
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
David OSullivan, NUI Galway
Cell Modelling
David OSullivan, NUI Galway
Cell Modelling
David OSullivan, NUI Galway
Cell Modelling
David OSullivan, NUI Galway
Hierarchical Decomposition
David OSullivan, NUI Galway
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
David OSullivan, NUI Galway
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

David OSullivan, NUI Galway
Principles of IDEFo
Cell Modelling Graphic Representation
Boxes-and-arrows show graphically all activities in a
system
Conciseness
Two dimensional structured diagrams and text provide
concise 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
David OSullivan, NUI Galway
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
David OSullivan, NUI Galway
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
David OSullivan, NUI Galway
Sample
See course notes on 'Enterprise
Modelling'
David OSullivan, NUI Galway
Summary
Open Systems
General Systems Theory (GST)
GST Traits
System Classification
Systems Analysis and Modelling
Activity Modelling (IDEFo)


David OSullivan, NUI Galway
Online Assignment
Develop an IDEFo model for your
organisation
Produce A-0, A0, and A-1
diagrams
Graphics plus Description Text
Upload model into Models web
part