Chapter 2

1. Chapter 2 Technology as a System

2. Technological systems include the following 5 components. • Goals, Inputs, Processes, Outputs, Feedback and Control • Goals – Humans develop technology to meet certain human needs. This is basically anything we have today. • Radar for example.

3. Inputs – are the resources that go into the system and are used by the system. These items are consumed by the system. • There are 7 components that make up inputs • People – Most important input. They provide know-how, management, labor and policies. • Materials – are the substances from which artifacts (human made objects) are made. • Tools and Machines – tools are the artifacts we use to expand what we are able to do. Ex. Hammers and screwdrivers. Machines amplify the speed, amount, or direction of a force. • Energy – the ability to do work. It can be human muscle, nuclear power or heat energy to sound energy. • Information – essential for operating all technology systems. It is organized data made up from facts and figures • Finances – money and credit necessary for the economic system to operate. • Time

4. Processes – A series of identifiable tasks that need to be completed. • There are 3 types….. • 1. Problem Solving – This requires creative action • Identify the Problem • Develop Solutions • Isolating, refining and detailing best solutions • Modeling and evaluating the solution • Communicate the final solution • 2. Production Processes – actions that are completed to perform the function of the technological system.

5. 3. Management Processes – Actions people use to ensure that the production processes operate efficiently and appropriately. • The following activities need to take place in the Management Process….. • Planning – Setting goals and developing courses of action to reach the goal. • Organizing – Divide the tasks into major segments and assigns resources to each task. • Actuating – Starting the system to operate by assigning and supervising work • Controlling – Comparing system output to the goal.

6. Outputs – Produced products or Manufactured products. This is the desired outcome of the process.

7. Feedback and Control – Use if information about the outputs of a process or system to regulate the system. • Example……. • What is DATA, INFORMATION and KNOWLEDGE? • Data – is facts and figures • Information – is organized data • Knowledge - is the use of information to understand, interpret, or describe a specific situation or series of events. • Test your knowledge page 41. Write the question and answer on a separate sheet for you to use on the quiz. • Plus the crossword puzzle.