System Concept

A system is an orderly grouping of interacting and interdependent components linked together to form an integrated whole to achieve a specific objective. Every system is delineated by its spatial and temporal boundaries, surrounded and influenced by its environment, described by its structure and purpose and expressed in its functioning.

The term system may also refer to a set of rules that governs structure and/or behavior.

Some systems share common characteristics, including

A system has Structure, it contains parts (or components) that are directly or indirectly related to each other;

· A system has Behavior, it exhibits processes that fulfill its function or purpose;

· A system has Interconnectivity: the parts and processes are connected by structural and/or behavioral relationships;

· A system's structure and behavior may be decomposed via subsystems and sub-processes to elementary parts and process steps;

· A system has behavior that, in relativity to its surroundings, may be categorized as both fast and strong.

Elements of a system : –

1. Input

2. Output

3. Processor

4. Control

5. Feedback

6. Boundary and interface

7. Environment

1. INPUT: Input involves capturing and assembling elements that enter the system to be processed. The inputs are said to be fed to the systems in order to get the output.

2. OUTPUT: Those elements that exists in the system due to the processing of the inputs is known as output. A major objective of a system is to produce output that has value to its user. The output of the system maybe in the form of cash, information knowledge, reports, documents etc. The system is defined as output is required from it. It is the anticipatory recognition of output that helps in defining the input of the system.

3. PROCESS (Methods): The process is the element of a system that involves the actual transformation of input into output. It is the operational component of a system.

4. CONTROL: The control element guides the system. It is the decision-making sub-system that controls the pattern of activities governing input, processing and output. It also keeps the system within the boundary set.

5. FEEDBACK: Control in a dynamic system is achieved by feedback. Feedback measures output against a standard input in some form of cybernetic procedure that includes communication and control. The feedback may generally be of three types viz.,positive,negative and informational. The positive feedback motivates the system. The negative indicates need of an action. The feedback is a reactive form of control. Outputs from the process of the system are fed back to the control mechanism. The control mechanism then adjusts the control signals to the process on the basis of the data it receives. Feed forward is a protective form of control.

6. BOUNDARY (Scope): A system should be defined by its boundaries-the limits that identify its components, processes and interrelationships when it interfaces with another system.

7. ENVIRONMENT: The environment is the 'super system' within which an organisation operates. It excludes input, processes and outputs. It is the source of external elements that impinge on the system. For example, if the results calculated/the output generated by the 'computer system' are to be used for decision-making purposes in the factory, in a business concern, in an organisation, in a school, in a college or in a government office then the system is same but its environment is different.

Types Of Systems

· Conceptual & Empirical

· Natural & Manufactured

· Social, People-Machine & Machine

· Closed & Open

· Adaptive & Non-Adaptive

· Deterministic & Probabilistic

· Permanent & Temporary

· Stationary & Non-Stationary

· Subsystems & Super system

Examples of Systems

· Transportation System

· Telephone System

· Accounting System

· Production System

· Computer System

· Business System etc.