Introduction to Systems Approach - 4

20/09/2012

As a systems analyst in the exploration stage we first state the objective of the system.

                So in the exploration stage we explore “What is the problem for which the solution is to be found? and “What is the goal for which a system needs to be designed?”

                In order to answer the above questions we first list out the components of the system. Components are the “moving” parts of the system which include the personnel, the mechanism , the facilities within a system and the boundaries that delimit the system from its environment.

                Then we list the “strengths” and “weakenesses” of the components.

                “Strengths” and “Weakenesses” are the elements outside the system that determine the nature, form and limits of the system and the constraints and resources of the system.

                The stage after exploration stage is Model Building.

                In the Model Building stage we show how the different components are interdependant or interrelated with each other.

                The relationship between different components can be direct or direct. In brief, the outcome of the model building stage what I feel is a description of solution (to the problems in the system) and the process by which to acquire the solution. At this stage one should discuss the plan of operation also its cost effectiveness and feasibility in general.  

               

Introduction to Systems Approach - 3

17/09/2012

                We proceed with System Approach. There are various stages in System Approach. The first one is the Exploration Stage.

Exploration or ‘to explore’ means to investigate systematically or to examine.

             We were asked to explore our computer lab which is also a system. We came up with a list of components like chairs, computers,tables, A.C’s, white board, marker, teachers, students etc…

They were later categorized under infrastracture, maintainence, Human resources etc…

As every System needs to have an objective. We stated the objective as “To ensure optimum utilization of resources”.
This was the Exploration Stage.

                So is exploring a system is as easy as exploring a classroom?

                We will know as we study further.

Introduction to Systems Approach - 2

12/09/2012

                The second lecture was entirely focused on System’s Approach. By the end of the lecture this was the definition I was able to form on Systems Approach.

Systems Approach is an effective and efficient way of problem solving. Systems Approach will take into consideration each and every aspect of the problem.

               

Every System works on the following Model

The above model is known as Systems Model.

As the model shows every system takes certain inputs from the outside environment, this inputs are the raw materials, it then processes these raw materials and gives the desired or undesired output.

The Desired output is ofcourse the expected output.

And the Undesired output can be anything other than the expected output. :)

Introduction to Systems Approach - 1

11/09/2012

                On the first session we mainly discussed about what is system? Different components(parts) come together to form a system. The literal meaning of a system when you google it is ‘A set of detailed methods, procedures, and routines established or formulated to carry out a specific activity, perform a duty, or solve a problem’.

A system can be big or small.It can be as big as our government system or as small as our computer system. One thing which is important to note is that is a system is a relative concept. Also every system has different characteristics.

A system is formed to achieve a definite goal. A system cannot function properly if it has no goal.

In order to achieve that goal one needs to follow some objectives.

Every system has some or the other constraints. It hard to find an ideal system.

In order for a system to function properly one has to find solutions to these problems.

Also feedback is another important characteristic of a system. Feedback basically can be given to the people working in the system or even the people working in the system can give feedback to each other.

‘Feedback’ helps to improve the systems performance. If there is no feedback and people are not responding, then there is no way to know whether the system is working in the right direction.

Finally the last characteristic is "Revisability". Revisability is different from feedback. It is somewhat similar to evaluation. Every system has a final evaluation. However revisability is evaluating yourself at every step. Meaning people working in the system has to constantly keep a check on what they are building.

Also there are different types of system:-

1.Open System and Closed System.

2. Micro System and Macro System.

3.Animate System and Inanimate System.

We discussed the following types:

1. Open and Closed Systems.

From what I understood is,

                An open system is constantly changing and is less complex. It is not Rigid.For example Human digestive system. And a closed system doesn’t change frequently and is very complex. For example, the Solar System.

                I remember when Ma’am asked us why a closed system is dynamic? Again the answer to that what I feel is a closed system like a Solar System comprises of many planets, galaxies, stars, milky ways etc…..The planets are constantly revolving and rotating around the sun which proves my point that a closed system can be dynamic. Also a thermostat which is again a closed system is a simple device dependent mainly on temperature fluctuations. Apart from the temperature fluctuations the rest of the environment doesn’t interfere with the functioning of the thermostat system.
3. Animate and Inanimate System.
              Systems can be inanimate(non-living eg. a motor car or refrigerator) or animate (living systems e.g.plant,animal,human,social oraganisation etc).

                I was more clear about the open and closed system concept when I referred to some online notes on the website enotes.com. :)