1. Systems Theory and Modelling

2. © David O’Sullivan, NUI Galway Seminars Introduction Defining Innovation Innovation Process Understanding Goals Defining Objectives Managing Indicators Systems Theory and Modelling Creativity and Idea Generation Managing Project Portfolios Leading Innovation Teams Managing Results and Knowledge

3. © David O’Sullivan, NUI Galway This Lecture Open Systems General Systems Theory (GST) GST Traits System Classification Systems Analysis and Modelling Activity Modelling (IDEFo)

4. © David O’Sullivan, NUI Galway Reduction vs. Systems 1950’s the main approach to understanding was ‘reductionism’ – divide something into its parts Ludwig von Bertalnffy proposed systems thinking – discover how something interacts with its environment

5. © David O’Sullivan, NUI Galway Open Systems All living and many non-living things are open systems Systems theory gives us a way to ‘think about’ open systems Systems theory lays the foundation for the analysis and modelling of systems Systems theory provides an analytical framework for comprehending dynamic interrelated operating systems

6. © David O’Sullivan, NUI Galway Open System Sense Response ENVIRONMENT OPEN SYSTEM

7. © David O’Sullivan, NUI Galway University – Open System UNIVERSITY Policy Approved Funding Industry Needs Students Funding Requests New Knowledge Graduates

8. © David O’Sullivan, NUI Galway Systems Thinking holistic approach to problem solving reflecting on how the organisation relates to its business environment and how factors in the environment can affect the organisation

9. © David O’Sullivan, NUI Galway Definition of ‘System’ “... an identifiable, complex dynamic entity composed of discernibly different parts or subsystems that are interrelated to and interdependent on each other and the whole entity with an overall capability to maintain stability and to adapt behaviour in response to external influences” [Webster’s]

10. © David O’Sullivan, NUI Galway Understanding Each Term Identifiable: …definable boundaries … identifiable from its setting Complex: …complex and interrelated parts Dynamic: …motion or dynamism…motion displays interrelationships Entity: …distinctive either in fact or thought Discernible Different Parts or Subsystems Interrelated and Interdependent …work together and depend on each other. Overall Capability to Maintain Stability …patterned behaviour that demonstrates stability and continuity. Adapt Behaviour in Response to External Influence …attempt to ensure survival as external changes occur.

11. © David O’Sullivan, NUI Galway General Systems Theory Science of understanding open systems theory GST provides a framework to study open systems GST is not too general nor too specific

12. © David O’Sullivan, NUI Galway Boulding’s Explanation “Somewhere … between the specific that has no meaning and the general that has no content there must be, for each purpose and at each level of abstraction, an optimum degree of generality”

13. © David O’Sullivan, NUI Galway Beckett’s explanation "The trust of general systems.. is to draw attention to the study of relationships of parts to one another within the wholes”

14. © David O’Sullivan, NUI Galway GST Traits Systems … –are Goal Seeking –are Holistic –have Hierarchy –have Inputs and Outputs –transform inputs into outputs –consume and/or create Energy –are affected by Entropy –have Equifinality –have Feedback

15. © David O’Sullivan, NUI Galway Goal Seeking n All open systems must have goals n There are two types n Inner directed goals n Outer directed goals n Design strategies are typically “outer directed” goals n Maintenance strategies are an “inner directed” goal

16. © David O’Sullivan, NUI Galway Holistic Fredrick Hagel (1770-1831) –The whole is more than the sum of the parts –The whole determines the sum of the parts –The parts cannot be understood if considered in isolation from the whole –The parts are dynamically interrelated and interdependent

17. © David O’Sullivan, NUI Galway Hierarchical

18. © David O’Sullivan, NUI Galway Transform Inputs into Outputs

19. © David O’Sullivan, NUI Galway Entropy A measure of the amount of disorder in a system Everything disintegrates over time Negative entropy or centropy Effects of entropy are offset by the system transforming itself continuously Maintain order through such things as repairs, maintenance and possibly growing by importing ‘energy’

20. © David O’Sullivan, NUI Galway Energy, Equifinality and Feedback Systems create/consume energy –Physical –Emotional Equifinality is the ability for systems to achieve goals in a number of ways This flexibility allows systems avoid the effects of entropy Systems have feedback - feedback can allow a system to change its direction

21. © David O’Sullivan, NUI Galway System Classification Checkland's classification –Natural Systems (ecological systems, human beings) –Physically Designed Systems (bridges, machines) –Abstract Design Systems (Languages, Mathematics) –Human Activity Systems (Politics, Banking) –Transcendental Systems (Beyond knowledge or comprehension) Boulding’s Classification

22. © David O’Sullivan, NUI Galway Boulding’s Classification Frameworks –static structures (e.g. camshaft, skeleton, formal company organisations, rock) Clockworks –timing mechanisms (e.g. self winding clocks) Cybernetics –elementary closed systems with feedback (e.g. thermostats) Open system –elementary forms of life interact with their environment in order to change their behaviour Genetic-societal systems –exchange information with other subsystems Animal system –mobility, self-awareness, and goal orientation-highly complex Human system –intelligence gives the human system the ability to think about the future, its goals, and how to reach them. Social organisation –organisations which have their own combined goals, needs Transcendental, –all other systems not yet comprehended

23. © David O’Sullivan, NUI Galway Conclusions Views of GST are universal GST combats ‘isolationist’ tendencies among engineers, systems analysts, business analysts, IT specialists, etc. etc. GST offers a framework for understanding all systems Benefits of GST to design of systems are significant Theory of GST lays at the foundation of much new thinking in - including ‘Learning Organisations’, ‘Structured Analysis’, ‘Sociotechnical Design’ and ‘Strategic Planning’

24. © David O’Sullivan, NUI Galway 5 minute break! Open Systems General Systems Theory (GST) GST Traits System Classification Systems Analysis and Modelling Activity Modelling (IDEFo)

25. Systems Analysis and Modelling

26. © David O’Sullivan, NUI Galway Modelling Represent existing and future systems Models are in-complete Various models represent different perspectives and levels of abstraction Modelling techniques should be selected to enhance communications between designers and users

27. © David O’Sullivan, NUI Galway Perspectives Managing Director Manufacturing Engineer Software Engineer Supervisor Manufacturing Manager Accountant

28. © David O’Sullivan, NUI Galway Techniques

29. © David O’Sullivan, NUI Galway IDEFo Background Activity Modelling Cell Modelling Hierarchical Decomposition Principles of IDEFo IDEFo Approach

30. © David O’Sullivan, NUI Galway Background IDEFo is an activity or process modelling technique Developed through US AirForce R&D Basic idea: Adopt a common language for all designers Original ideas by Ross and his SADT technique Sister languages –IDEF1x used for data structure modelling –IDEF2 used for dynamic modelling (simulation) –Etc. http://www.idef.com

31. © David O’Sullivan, NUI Galway Cell Modelling

32. © David O’Sullivan, NUI Galway Cell Modelling

33. © David O’Sullivan, NUI Galway Cell Modelling

34. © David O’Sullivan, NUI Galway Hierarchical Decomposition

35. © David O’Sullivan, NUI Galway Arrows

36. © David O’Sullivan, NUI Galway ICOM Codes

37. © David O’Sullivan, NUI Galway Boundary Arrow Correspondence

38. © David O’Sullivan, NUI Galway Tunnelled Arrows

39. © David O’Sullivan, NUI Galway Modelling Demonstration Choose an activity! Choose purpose and viewpoint! Creating the A-0 diagram Creating the A0 diagram Creating the A-1 diagram

40. © David O’Sullivan, NUI Galway Node Index and Tree A0 Manufacture Product –A1 Plan For Manufacture A11 Identify Manufacturing Methods A12 Estimate Requirements, Time, Cost to A13 Develop Production Plans A14 Develop Support Activities Plan –A2 Make and Administer Schedules and Budgets A21 Develop Master Schedule A22 Develop Coordinating Schedule A23 Estimate Costs & Make Budgets A24 Monitor Performance To Schedule & Budget –A3 Plan Production

41. © David O’Sullivan, NUI Galway Principles of IDEFo Cell Modelling Graphic Representation –Boxes-and-arrows show graphically all activities in a system Conciseness –Two dimensional ‘structured’ diagrams and text provide concise detail Communication –Simple boxes and arrows, limitation of detail, structured presentation of information Rigor and Precision Methodology –Step-by-step approach Organisation versus Function –Separation of organisation from function

42. © David O’Sullivan, NUI Galway Rigor and Precision Detail exposition control (no more than six boxes) Limited context (no omissions or unnecessary detail) Diagram interface inter-connectivity Data structure connectivity (through parenthesis) Uniqueness of labels and titles Syntax rules for graphics Inputs are separate from controls Data arrow labelling requirements Minimum control of function Purpose and viewpoint

43. © David O’Sullivan, NUI Galway IDEFo Methodology Select a viewpoint and purpose Limit the subject matter Create a top level diagram (A-0, one box only) Create a context diagram (A-1, if necessary) Create AO diagram (A0, two to six boxes) Create subsequent diagrams, text and glossary Review material and check for purpose and viewpoint Additional pointers –Avoid trivial activities and flows –Limit necessary detail at each level –Group related arrows and activities to simplify detail –Be clear, precise and consistent –Think control and not flow –Delay the addition of detail –If in doubt incoming flows should be controls –Annotate as you develop each diagram

44. © David O’Sullivan, NUI Galway Sample See course notes on 'Enterprise Modelling'See course notes on 'Enterprise Modelling'

45. © David O’Sullivan, NUI Galway Summary Open Systems General Systems Theory (GST) GST Traits System Classification Systems Analysis and Modelling Activity Modelling (IDEFo)

46. © David O’Sullivan, NUI Galway Online Assignment Develop an IDEFo model for your organisation Produce A-0, A0, and A-1 diagrams –Graphics plus Description Text Upload model into ‘Models’ web part