Difference between revisions of "Systems Thinking"

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This Knowledge Area (KA) provides a guide to knowledge about [[System (glossary) |systems (glossary)]] and [[Systems Thinking (glossary)|systems thinking (glossary)]], which together form the foundations for all applications of a [[Systems Approach (glossary)|systems approach (glossary)]] and applications of [[Systems Engineering (glossary)|systems engineering (glossary)]]. This knowledge is not specific to systems engineering (SE), but is part of a wider systems body of knowledge.  We have not attempted to capture all of the system knowledge here, but to identify those aspects relevant to the Systems Engineering Body of Knowledge (SEBoK).
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'''''Lead Author:''''' ''Rick Adcock''
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This knowledge area (KA) provides a guide to knowledge about {{Term|Systems Thinking (glossary)|systems thinking}} which is the integrating {{Term|Paradigm (glossary)|paradigm}} for {{Term|Systems Science (glossary)|systems science}} and {{Term|Systems Approach (glossary)|systems approaches}} to practice.
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This is part of the wider {{Term|System (glossary)|systems}} knowledge which can help to provide a common language and intellectual foundation, and make practical systems {{Term|Concept (glossary)|concepts}}, {{Term|Principle (glossary)|principles}}, {{Term|Pattern (glossary)|patterns}} and tools accessible to {{Term|Systems Engineering (glossary)|systems engineering}} (SE), as discussed in the [[Foundations of Systems Engineering|Introduction to Part 2]].  
  
 
==Topics==
 
==Topics==
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The topics contained within this knowledge area include the following:
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Each part of the Guide to the SE Body of Knowledge (SEBoK) is divided into KAs, which are groupings of information with a related theme. The KAs, in turn, are divided into topics. This KA contains the following topics:  
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*[[What is a System?]]  
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* [[What is Systems Thinking?]]
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*[[Types of Systems]]
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* [[Concepts of Systems Thinking]]
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*[[What is Systems Thinking?]]
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* [[Principles of Systems Thinking]]
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*[[System Concepts]]
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* [[Patterns of Systems Thinking]]
  
 
==Introduction==
 
==Introduction==
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The word [[System (glossary)| system (glossary)]] is used in all areas of human activity and at all levels. But what do people mean when they use the word “system” and is there some part of that meaning which is common to all applications? What is a system? Are there different types of systems? These and similar questions, all relating to the use of the word “system” in everyday language, need to be given careful consideration if we are to achieve a clear understanding of the underlying concepts of systems thinking before applying it to an engineering context.
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{{Term|Systems Thinking (glossary)|Systems thinking}} is concerned with understanding or intervening in {{Term|Problem (glossary)|problem}} situations, based on the principles and concepts of the systems paradigm. This KA offers some basic definitions of systems thinking. The following diagram summarizes how the knowledge is presented.
  
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[[Systems Thinking (glossary)|systems thinking (glossary)]] is concerned with  understanding or intervening in systems, based on the principles and concepts of systems.  In this KA we give some basic definitions of systems thinking. 
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[[File:Fig2_Systems_Thinking_and_Systems_Science_RA.png|550px|thumb|center|'''Figure 1. Systems Thinking in the SEBoK.''' (SEBoK Original)]]
  
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[[General System Theory (glossary)]] [[Acronyms|(GST)]] (von Bertalanffy, 1968) considers the similarities between systems from different domains as a set of common systems principles and concepts.  
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Systems thinking considers the similarities between systems from different domains in terms of a set of common systems concepts, principles and patterns:
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* A {{Term|Principle (glossary)|principle}} is a rule of conduct or {{Term|Behavior (glossary)|behavior}}. To take this further, a principle is a “basic generalization that is accepted as true and that can be used as a basis for reasoning or conduct” (WordWeb.com). 
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*A {{Term|Concept (glossary)|concept}} is an abstraction, or a general idea inferred or derived from specific instances.
  
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*A '''principle''' is a rule of conduct or behavior. To take this further, a principle is a “basic generalization that is accepted as true and that can be used as a basis for reasoning or conduct” (WordWeb.com).  A principle can also be thought of as a “basic truth or law or assumption” (ibid).  
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Principles depend on concepts in order to state a “truth.” Hence, principles and concepts go hand in hand; principles cannot exist without concepts and concepts are not very useful without principles to help guide the proper way to act (Lawson and Martin 2008).  
  
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*A '''concept''' is an abstraction, or a general idea inferred or derived from specific instances. For example, by viewing a pet dog, one can infer that there are other dogs of that “type.”  Hence, from this observation (or perhaps a set of observations) the concept of a dog is developed in one's mind. Concepts are bearers of meaning, as opposed to agents of meaning, and can only be thought about, or designated, by means of a name.  
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Many sources combine both concepts and the principles based on them. The [[Concepts of Systems Thinking]] article presents concepts extracted from a variety of theory and practice sources. The [[Principles of Systems Thinking]] article, in turn, presents a summary of important principles referring back to the concepts upon which they are based.  
  
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Principles depend on concepts in order to state a “truth.”  Hence, principles and concepts go hand in hand; principles cannot exist without concepts and concepts are not very useful without principles to help guide the proper way to act (Lawson and Martin 2008).
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A pattern is an expression of observable similarities found in systems from different domains. Patterns exist in both natural and man-made systems and are used in systems science and systems engineering.  A summary of the different classes of patterns and the use of patterns to support a systems approach is discussed in the final [[Patterns of Systems Thinking]] article.
  
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GST tends to concentrate on the principles and philosophy behind the aforementioned idea.  “Despite the importance of system concepts … we do not yet have a unified or integrated set (i.e., a system) of such concepts” (Ackoff, 1971).  
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The practical application of systems thinking often employs the use of abstract system representations or {{Term|Model (glossary)|models}}. Some mention of models is made in this KA; additionally, a more complete guide is provided in [[Representing Systems with Models]].
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Ackoff proposes a '''system of "system-concepts"''' to bring together the wide variety of concepts which have been proposed. His 30 distinct concepts are grouped under four headings, or principles, “'''How Systems are formed''',” “'''How Systems Change''',” “'''How Systems Behave''',” and “'''How Systems Adapt and Learn'''.”
 
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Lawson describes a system of "system concepts" (Lawson 2010) where systems are categorized according to Fundamental concepts, Types, Topologies, Focus, Complexity, and Roles. Hitchins defines a similar set of principles which also consider some of the issues of hierarchy and complexity of particular relevance to a system approach (Hitchins 2009).
 
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In this KA, we provide an overview of the most important aspects of this system of [[Systems Concept (glossary)|systems concepts (glossary)]].
 
  
 
==References==
 
==References==
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===Works Cited===
 
===Works Cited===
  
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Ackoff, R.L. 1971. "Towards a System of Systems Concepts". ''Management Science.'' 17(11).
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Lawson, H., and J.N. Martin. 2008. "On the Use of Concepts and Principles for Improving Systems Engineering Practice," in Proceedings of the 18th Annual International Council on Systems Engineering (INCOSE) International Symposium, Utrecht, The Netherlands, 5-19 June 2008.
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Bertalanffy, L. von. 1968. ''General System Theory: Foundations, Development, Applications,'' Revised ed. New York, NY, USA: Braziller. 
 
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Hitchins, D. 2009. "What Are the General Principles Applicable to Systems?" ''Insight'' 12(4).
 
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Lawson, H. 2010. ''A Journey Through the Systems Landscape''. London, UK: College Publications, Kings College.
 
  
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Lawson, H., and J.N. Martin. 2008. "On the Use of Concepts and Principles for Improving Systems Engineering Practice". Proceedings of the 18th Annual International Council on Systems Engineering (INCOSE) International Symposium, 5-19 June 2008, Utrecht, The Netherlands.
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WordWeb Online. n.d. "Definition: Principle." Accessed Dec 3, 2014. Available at: WordWeb Online http://www.wordwebonline.com/en/PRINCIPLE.  
  
 
===Primary References===
 
===Primary References===
  
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Bertalanffy, L. von. 1968. ''[[General System Theory: Foundations, Development, Applications]]''. Revised ed. New York, NY: Braziller.   
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Bertalanffy, L. von. 1968. ''[[General System Theory: Foundations, Development, Applications]].'' Revised ed. New York, NY, USA: Braziller.   
  
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Checkland, P. 1999. ''[[Systems Thinking, Systems Practice]]'', New York, NY, USA: John Wiley & Sons.
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Checkland, P. 1999. ''[[Systems Thinking, Systems Practice]].'' New York, NY, USA: John Wiley & Sons.
  
 
Churchman, C. W. 1968. ''[[The Systems Approach and its Enemies]]''. New York, NY, USA: Dell Publishing.
 
Churchman, C. W. 1968. ''[[The Systems Approach and its Enemies]]''. New York, NY, USA: Dell Publishing.
  
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Flood, R. L. 1999. ''[[Rethinking the Fifth Discipline]]: Learning Within The Unknowable. London UK: Routledge.
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Flood, R. L. 1999. ''[[Rethinking the Fifth Discipline]]: Learning Within the Unknowable.'' London UK: Routledge.
  
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INCOSE. 2011. ''[[INCOSE Systems Engineering Handbook]]: A Guide for System Life Cycle Processes and Activities'', version 3.2.1. San Diego, CA, USA: International Council on Systems Engineering (INCOSE), INCOSE-TP-2003-002-03.2.1.
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INCOSE. 2012. ''[[INCOSE Systems Engineering Handbook]]: A Guide for System Life Cycle Processes and Activities'', version 3.2.2. San Diego, CA, USA: International Council on Systems Engineering (INCOSE), INCOSE-TP-2003-002-03.2.1.
  
 
===Additional References===
 
===Additional References===
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No additional references have been identified for version 0.75.  Please provide any recommendations on additional references in your review.
 
  
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Ackoff, R.L. 1971. "Towards a system of systems concepts," ''Management Science,'' vol. 17, no. 11.
  
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Hitchins, D. 2009. "What are the general principles applicable to systems?" INCOSE ''Insight,'' vol. 12, no. 4.
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<center>[[Systems|< Previous Article]] | [[Systems|Parent Article]] | [[What is a System?|Next Article >]]</center>
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Lawson, H. 2010. ''A Journey Through the Systems Landscape''. London, UK: College Publications, Kings College.
  
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==Comments from SEBok 0.5 Wiki==
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Ramage, M. and K. Shipp. 2009. ''Systems Thinkers''. Dordrecht, The Netherlands: Springer.
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Please note that in version 0.5, this article was titled “Systems Overview”.  
 
  
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Weinberg, G. M. 1975. ''An Introduction to General Systems Thinking''. New York, NY, USA: Wiley.
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<iframe src="http://bkcasewiki.org/index.php?title=Talk:Systems_Overview&printable=yes" width=825 height=200 frameborder=1 scrolling=auto>
 
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{{DISQUS}}
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<center>[[Emergence|< Previous Article]] | [[Foundations of Systems Engineering|Parent Article]] | [[What is Systems Thinking?|Next Article >]]</center>
  
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<center>'''SEBoK v. 2.10, released 06 May 2024'''</center>
  
 
[[Category:Part 2]][[Category:Knowledge Area]]
 
[[Category:Part 2]][[Category:Knowledge Area]]

Latest revision as of 23:16, 2 May 2024

Lead Author: Rick Adcock

This knowledge area (KA) provides a guide to knowledge about systems thinkingsystems thinking which is the integrating paradigmparadigm for systems sciencesystems science and systems approachessystems approaches to practice.

This is part of the wider systemssystems knowledge which can help to provide a common language and intellectual foundation, and make practical systems conceptsconcepts, principlesprinciples, patternspatterns and tools accessible to systems engineeringsystems engineering (SE), as discussed in the Introduction to Part 2.

Topics

Each part of the Guide to the SE Body of Knowledge (SEBoK) is divided into KAs, which are groupings of information with a related theme. The KAs, in turn, are divided into topics. This KA contains the following topics:

Introduction

Systems thinkingSystems thinking is concerned with understanding or intervening in problemproblem situations, based on the principles and concepts of the systems paradigm. This KA offers some basic definitions of systems thinking. The following diagram summarizes how the knowledge is presented.

Figure 1. Systems Thinking in the SEBoK. (SEBoK Original)

Systems thinking considers the similarities between systems from different domains in terms of a set of common systems concepts, principles and patterns:

  • A principleprinciple is a rule of conduct or behaviorbehavior. To take this further, a principle is a “basic generalization that is accepted as true and that can be used as a basis for reasoning or conduct” (WordWeb.com).
  • A conceptconcept is an abstraction, or a general idea inferred or derived from specific instances.

Principles depend on concepts in order to state a “truth.” Hence, principles and concepts go hand in hand; principles cannot exist without concepts and concepts are not very useful without principles to help guide the proper way to act (Lawson and Martin 2008).

Many sources combine both concepts and the principles based on them. The Concepts of Systems Thinking article presents concepts extracted from a variety of theory and practice sources. The Principles of Systems Thinking article, in turn, presents a summary of important principles referring back to the concepts upon which they are based.

A pattern is an expression of observable similarities found in systems from different domains. Patterns exist in both natural and man-made systems and are used in systems science and systems engineering. A summary of the different classes of patterns and the use of patterns to support a systems approach is discussed in the final Patterns of Systems Thinking article.

The practical application of systems thinking often employs the use of abstract system representations or modelsmodels. Some mention of models is made in this KA; additionally, a more complete guide is provided in Representing Systems with Models.

References

Works Cited

Lawson, H., and J.N. Martin. 2008. "On the Use of Concepts and Principles for Improving Systems Engineering Practice," in Proceedings of the 18th Annual International Council on Systems Engineering (INCOSE) International Symposium, Utrecht, The Netherlands, 5-19 June 2008.

WordWeb Online. n.d. "Definition: Principle." Accessed Dec 3, 2014. Available at: WordWeb Online http://www.wordwebonline.com/en/PRINCIPLE.

Primary References

Bertalanffy, L. von. 1968. General System Theory: Foundations, Development, Applications. Revised ed. New York, NY, USA: Braziller.

Checkland, P. 1999. Systems Thinking, Systems Practice. New York, NY, USA: John Wiley & Sons.

Churchman, C. W. 1968. The Systems Approach and its Enemies. New York, NY, USA: Dell Publishing.

Flood, R. L. 1999. Rethinking the Fifth Discipline: Learning Within the Unknowable. London UK: Routledge.

INCOSE. 2012. INCOSE Systems Engineering Handbook: A Guide for System Life Cycle Processes and Activities, version 3.2.2. San Diego, CA, USA: International Council on Systems Engineering (INCOSE), INCOSE-TP-2003-002-03.2.1.

Additional References

Ackoff, R.L. 1971. "Towards a system of systems concepts," Management Science, vol. 17, no. 11.

Hitchins, D. 2009. "What are the general principles applicable to systems?" INCOSE Insight, vol. 12, no. 4.

Lawson, H. 2010. A Journey Through the Systems Landscape. London, UK: College Publications, Kings College.

Ramage, M. and K. Shipp. 2009. Systems Thinkers. Dordrecht, The Netherlands: Springer.

Weinberg, G. M. 1975. An Introduction to General Systems Thinking. New York, NY, USA: Wiley.

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