Systems Theory

Systems Theory

1. Systems concepts and propositions

   • Systems have generalizeable characteristics.
   • Systems consist of subsystems and systems operate within environments
   • Boundaries are the interface between a system and its subsystems or a system and its environment. Friction occurs at the boundaries of a system
   • Systems have different levels of being open or closed.
     • A closed system receives no inputs from its environment and thus entropy or decay sets in.
   • Systems without well-defined goals often go in many different directions.
   • All systems have inputs, processes, and output. By defining them we can define a system better and learn a lot about how it behaves.
   • Systems tend toward a state of non-change called homeostasis or equilibrium

2. New Systems Thinking

   • Stupid Networks:
     • David Isenberg advanced the principle that under conditions of uncertainty, a network should not be optimized for any set of uses presumed to be definitive.
     • Instead, the network should be as simple as possible, with advanced functionality and intelligence moved out to its edges.
     • Stupid network let things happen without control from the top yet intelligence filters to the top.
     • So, stupid networks grow rapidly and smartly without the required centralized planning.

3. Defined as “elements in interaction.” Systems’ thinking is a theoretical approach to understanding phenomena

4. Daniel Romero. Harold Rodriguez