Question

Systems and systems thinking is a broad subject that covers a number of approaches. There are a variety of features that are common to most systems, however to be a true system there are specific characteristics that needs to be reflected. Discuss these system characteristics? (10)

Answer 1

Answer:

Specific characteristic of a system are as follows:

1. Organisation: it implies structure and order. It is the arrangement of components that helps to achieve objectives. An example of organisation includes a vertical hierarchical set up where all the employees of the organisation are aligned as per their functions and roles for accomplishment of the business objectives.

2. Interaction: Interaction refers to the manner in which each component functions with other components of the system. An example of interaction is that the production department of the organisation interacts with the marketing department for demand who in turn interacts with the inventory department for the availability of the finished goods and so on.

3. Interdependence: Interdependence means that parts of the system depend on one another. They are coordinated and linked together according to a plan. One subsystem depends on the output of another subsystem for proper functioning or in other words, the output of one subsystem is the required input for another subsystem. An example of interdependence is that the management of the organisation is dependent on the client whose requirements act as an input for management. Management of the organisation makes sure that the project is made as per the specifications provided by client. The project is the output of the management and is an input for clients and so on.

4. Integration: Integration refers to the holism of systems. It means that parts of the system work in collaboration with each other within the system even though each part performs a unique function.