Systems theory is an interdisciplinary field that studies the properties of systems as a
whole. It was founded by Ludwig von Bertalanffy, William Ross Ashby, Margaret Mead,
Gregory Bateson and others in the 1950s
System theory considers all things in the universe as a system and as part of a system.
All things composed of systems. System is a collection of parts, once organized, the
system has properties that are not present when the parts are separate. System theory
regards all things are implicated with one another, and there is hardly anything
unconnected or uncoordinated. Systems interfacing with other systems. Systems show a
circular and cyclic quality to their functioning. Certain principles apply to all systems
while other principles are unique to specific types of systems. All systems are
interconnected and affect other systems to varying degrees. All systems are constantly
changing and are in dynamic balance with each other.
Systems theory summarizes concepts that apply to all systems. The proof is self-evident
from observation and testing the applicability of the theory. It is useful when approaching
complex problems. Systems analysis is an approach for problem solving. It is quite
logical and is compatible with our experience; however, it is neither proven nor disproved
by traditional scientific method.
Some basic system concepts are:
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A system contains a structure of organized components of similar and/or different
types.
No system exists in isolation. A system interfaces with other systems that may be of a
similar or different type.
The functioning of a system affects multiple other systems and is effected by multiple
other systems.
With the possible exception of the universe and the smallest component of energy or
matter, all systems are components of larger systems and are composed of smaller
systems.
The constant interaction between systems results in a constant state of change.
When a system remains stable while there are changes in other systems, it is in a state
of balance. Balance is a fundamental concept in nature.
Time is a significant dimension and different effects occur over time.
A system exerts a feed-forward effect upon a second system. This effect may be
stimulatory (positive) or inhibitory (negative). The second system may then exert a
feedback effect on the first system, which may be either stimulatory or inhibitory.
Stimulatory feedback may increase the initial effect, while inhibitory feedback may
decrease the inhibitory effect.
Modulation occurs when the feedback or feed-forward is a complex combination of
different positive and negative effects.
Systems have evolved over a dimension of time. When we look at the structure of a
system, it may appear illogical. As we study the history of how systems have evolved, the
current and future structure and functioning of systems are better understood.
The combination of systems and evolutionary approach on organization help us to
organize information and better foresee the potential problems during I.T. project
management in context of an organization. It will be in turn, increase the chances for
project success.
Since systems are very complex and impacted by an infinite number of other systems, we
can never attain total predictability of effects. Such a view is an open systems model. In
contrast, a closed system model assumes that not everything affects everything. There are
only a finite number of variables that impact an outcome. Therefore, outcome is totally
predictable in a closed system model.
An open system model provides us some capacity to predict. We can create a hierarchy of
the system variables that appear to have greatest impact upon an event. When we
organize these variables, it improves our statistical capacity to predict although we will
never able to attain total predictability.
Organizations are open systems, and are sensitive to environmental changes. A change in
the environment can have a profound impact on an organization. Organizational must
change in order to remain healthy. The health of an organization depends its ability to
anticipate and adapt to environmental change. Planned organizational change (project)
is an attempt to solve a problem or to catalyze a vision. It is introduced into an
organization with an intent of affecting system variables. Knowledge of the nonlinear
relationships between variables gives planners the potential to effect large changes in a
desired variable with relatively small changes in another. Systems theory forces planners
to broaden their perspective, and to consider how their decisions will affect the other
components of the system and the environment.
Every event is caused by a sequence of other events. The last causative event is the
proximate cause; however, more distant events may be more significant than the final
proximate cause. It is helpful to understand the sequence of events since each stage is a
potential intervention point.
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An event is the result of a sequence of events over time between or within
systems and causes multiple events in other systems. An event can also cause a
cascade of other events.
A cycle is a repetitive sequence of events.
Cycling may retain balance as a result of repetitive oscillations.
Spiraling occurs when there is a sequential effect that magnifies the initial effect.
Growth is attaining a higher level of integration.
A growth spiral (or growth cycle) occurs when spiraling has an increasingly
integrative effect.
A negative spiral (or vicious cycle) occurs when the spiraling has an increasingly
disintegrative effect.
Hierarchy can be used to rank by different criteria such as size, space, time or the
significance of causes and effects.
If those involved in problem solving remain open-minded and use an open, multi-system
approach, we can benefit from others' perspectives and expertise. Occasionally, some use
a closed system, a rigid, dogmatic approach to complex issues with the view that absolute
truths and predictability exist. Although simple solutions to complex problems are
initially comforting, they prevent us from being open to the full complexity of any given
problem and may cause problems that are even more complex.
More about Systems theory:
http://www.ecologyofbeing.com/