Question

(e) Discuss how the systems approach could be used to carry out any task at that phase.

(f) What role do analytical tools play in the use of the systems approach to carry out that task?

          (g) What feedback does the engineer typically provide to engineers at the preceding phases?

Answer 1

(e)-System Approach to Management:-

Definition:-In the 1960, an approach to management appeared which try to unify the prior schools of thought. This approach is commonly known as ‘Systems Approach’. Its early contributors include Ludwing Von Bertalanfty, Lawrence J. Henderson, W.G. Scott, Deniel Katz, Robert L. Kahn, W. Buckley and J.D. Thompson.

They viewed organisation as an organic and open system, which is composed of interacting and interdependent parts, called subsystems. The system approach is top took upon management as a system or as “an organised whole” made up of sub- systems integrated into a unity or orderly totality.

Systems approach is based on the generalization that everything is inter-related and inter­dependent. A system is composed of related and dependent element which when in interaction, forms a unitary whole. A system is simply an assemblage or combination of things or parts forming a complex whole.

One its most important characteristic is that it is composed of hierarchy of sub-systems. That is the parts forming the major system and so on. For example, the world can be considered-to be a system in which various national economies are sub-systems.

In turn, each national economy is composed of its various industries, each industry is composed of firms’ and of course a firm can be considered a system composed of sub-systems sudi as production, marketing, finance, accounting and so on.

Systems Approach features:-

(i) A system consists of interacting elements. It is set of inter-related and inter-dependent parts arranged in a manner that produces a unified whole.

(ii) The various sub-systems should be studied in their inter-relationships rather, than in isolation from each other.

(iii) An organisational system has a boundary that determines which parts are internal and which are external.

(iv) A system does not exist in a vacuum. It receives information, material and energy from other systems as inputs. These inputs undergo a transformation process within a system and leave the system as output to other systems.

(f)- Role of analytical tools in the use of the systems approach:-

In the systems approach, attention is paid towards the overall effectiveness of the system rather than the effectiveness of the sub-systems. The interdependence of the sub-systems is taken into account. The idea of systems can be applied at an organisational level. In Appling system concepts, organisations are taken into account and not only the objectives and performances of different departments (sub-systems).

The systems approach is considered both general and specialised systems. The general systems approach to management is mainly concerned with formal organisations and the concepts are relating to technique of sociology, psychology and philosophy. The specific management system includes the analysis of organisational structure, information, planning and control mechanism and job design, etc.

As discussed earlier, system approach has immense possibilities, “A system view point may provide the impetus to unify management theory. By definitions, it could treat the various approaches such as the process of quantitative and behavioural ones as sub-systems in an overall theory of management. Thus, the systems approach may succeed where the process approach has failed to lead management out of the theory of jungle.”

Systems theory is useful to management because it aims at achieving the objectives and it views organisation as an open system. Chester Barnard was the first person to utilize the systems approach in the field of management.

He feete that the executive must steer through by keeping a balance between conflicting forces and events. A high order of responsible leadership makes the executives effective. H. Simon viewed organisation as a complex system of decision-making process.

The Systems Thinking tools are:

• 18 Words
• Affinity Diagram
• Conceptual Model
• Context Diagram
• Decision Matrix
• Functional Failure Mode and Effects Analysis
• Function Means Analysis
• Functional Modelling
• Graphical Analysis
• Influence Diagram
• Input-Output Diagram
• Matrix Diagram
• Morphological Box
• Multiple Cause Diagram
• N2 Analysis
• Quad of Aims
• Rich Picture
• Root Definition
• Sequence Diagram
• Spray Diagram
• Systems Map
• Tree Diagram
• 

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(g):-feedback on typically provide to engineers at the preceding phases

There are following feedback that provide to engineers at the preceding phases

1-engineering design process

2-Product requriment

3:-Program Evaluation and Review Technique (PERT)

4:-Critical Path Technique

conclusion on system of approach:-

1. The emphasis is on interdepen­dence and interaction among sub-systems.

2. The focus is on the internal environment and sub-systems of the organisation.

3. It treats all organisations alike and the background of the organisation is not taken into account.

4. The organisation interacts with the environment and adjusts as per the changes.  

5. It provides a theoretical model of understanding the organisation and its sub-systems.

6. It is silent on the validity of classical principles of management.