Management Information Systems - 7 Systems Theory
A data flow diagram displays processes, external entities, files, data flows, and control flows. A data flow diagram is used to analyze and design systems.
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A permeable boundary results in an open system; an impermeable boundary creates a closed system. Since data is allowed to transfer freely, an open system is formed. A closed system is a consequence of rigorous management or limitation of the acceptance of data.
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A supersystem consists of a system made up of 2 or more systems. When a system is part of a larger system, the larger system is the super system. For example, an automobile could be considered a supersystem as it is made up of many components (brakes, transmission, lights, ignition, etc). The components would be considered subsystems.
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A system boundary can be described as the point at which data flows from one system into another. The data flow from one system could be its output and it then becomes the input into another system.
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A system normally contains separate but inter-connected systems that are called subsystems. Understanding this interdependence of subsystems is necessary to creating a complete system.
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A system operates in an environment that has internal and external elements. The internal environment is one in which the system has a degree of control. For example, if the output is being incorrectly produced, then the processes can be altered to correct the output.
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An automated or manual feedback mechanism is critical in determining if the outputs of the system are effective, with built-in methods to alter inputs or processes to achieve the desired results. This is critical for system efficiency and attaining the desired goals of the system.
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As information systems are goal-seeking, it is critical to understand the goals of a new or existing system in order to evaluate its effectiveness. This is an important part of a system to assess since systems are goal oriented. The system should be effective and this effectiveness is quantifiable.
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It is fundamental that the systems analyst recognize the interdependence between systems as changesmade to one usually impact another. Systems rarely operate in isolation and are usually interdependent. For example, the accounting system will be linked to the personnel system.
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Systems Analysis is the in-depth study of a problem, which an organization will remedy through an information system. The professionals in an organization that carry out this task are called systems analysts.
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Systems theory describes the term problem not as something that is necessarily wrong but something that requires understanding and a solution where improvements can be made. A problem could be a system which is not working at peak performance. So, analysts need to examine the situation and prescribe a solution to increase the performance of the system.
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The concept of entropy suggests that any system will have a tendency towards disorder, but checks can be constructed to keep an eye on the output to ensure accuracy. Entropy is a measure of the degree of disorder in a system.
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The external elements of a system are outside the control of the system even though those elements influence the system. An example best illustrates this point. For example, in an accounting system, the federal and state tax laws affect the output produced by the system. So, if the tax laws or rates change, then the system must be modified to accept those new requirements.
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The interrelated components in an information system include data, people, hardware, software, and telecommunications. Data is a critical aspect of an information system, since without it the system will not be able to function. The data must also be accurate in order for a system to be able to produce the required output.
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The key point from Bertalanffys theory is that problems cannot be solved successfully in isolation from their interrelated components. The interrelated components cannot be ignored. A holistic view must be adopted to come to a satisfactory resolution.
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The main advantages of the system theory is that it considers the environmental impact and the needs of the subsystem. The disadvantages include the inability to deal with many variables and the perception that functional integration and harmony are not always possible. The systems theory takes into account both the internal and external environment of an information system with the power to change the former but not the latter.
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The rate at which data is permitted to flow from one system to another is called the permeability of the boundary.
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The value of system analysts understanding systems theory is that they can apply this knowledge to assist them in their first steps in assessing a new system. Systems theory provides the framework for understanding how interrelated concepts work together and this is what a system is made up of interrelated concepts and components.
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A system can be described as a group of related components that work together in a specific environment to execute the required functions to achieve the system's objective. A system is goal-oriented by definition and seeks understanding and resolution.
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Ludwig von Bertalanffy introduced systems theory as a modeling tool that considers the interrelationships and overlap between separate disciplines. Systems theory was created so that interrelated concepts could be studied together.
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