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Systems Theory and Modelling

Systems Theory and Modelling. 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

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Systems Theory and Modelling

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  1. Systems Theory and Modelling

  2. 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 Seminars

  3. This Lecture • Open Systems • General Systems Theory (GST) • GST Traits • System Classification • Systems Analysis and Modelling • Activity Modelling (IDEFo)

  4. Reduction vs. Systems • 1950’s 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

  5. 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

  6. Open System OPEN SYSTEM Response Sense ENVIRONMENT

  7. University – Open System Policy Approved Funding Industry Needs Students UNIVERSITY Funding Requests New Knowledge Graduates

  8. 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

  9. 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” [Webster’s]

  10. 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

  11. Boulding’s 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”

  12. Beckett’s explanation "The trust of general systems .. is to draw attention to the study of relationships of parts to one another within the wholes”

  13. 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

  14. 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

  15. Holistic • 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

  16. Hierarchical

  17. Transform Inputs into Outputs

  18. 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’

  19. 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

  20. 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) • Boulding’s Classification

  21. Boulding’s 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

  22. 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’

  23. 5 minute break! • Open Systems • General Systems Theory (GST) • GST Traits • System Classification • Systems Analysis and Modelling • Activity Modelling (IDEFo)

  24. Systems Analysis and Modelling

  25. 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

  26. Perspectives Managing Director Accountant Manufacturing Engineer Manufacturing Manager Software Engineer Supervisor

  27. Techniques

  28. IDEFo • Background • Activity Modelling • Cell Modelling • Hierarchical Decomposition • Principles of IDEFo • IDEFo Approach

  29. 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

  30. Cell Modelling

  31. Cell Modelling

  32. Cell Modelling

  33. Hierarchical Decomposition

  34. Arrows

  35. ICOM Codes

  36. Boundary Arrow Correspondence

  37. Tunnelled Arrows

  38. Modelling Demonstration • Choose an activity! • Choose purpose and viewpoint! • Creating the A-0 diagram • Creating the A0 diagram • Creating the A-1 diagram

  39. 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

  40. 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

  41. 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

  42. 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

  43. Sample • See course notes on 'Enterprise Modelling'

  44. Summary • Open Systems • General Systems Theory (GST) • GST Traits • System Classification • Systems Analysis and Modelling • Activity Modelling (IDEFo)

  45. 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

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