Systems

A system is any collection of interacting parts that make up a whole.

Systems thinking is the capability to investigate—or think about—a system using certain principles. It enables people to understand complicated situations that involve many interactions. Systems include sub-systems; any given system is typically part of one or more larger systems; and systems interact with other systems. Systems thinking helps people understand how things are put together, how they function, and how they connect with other parts of the world, and it assists people in making informed decisions. • Technological systems have parts that work together to accomplish a goal. • Systems may include subsystems and may interact with other systems. Systems may also be embedded within larger systems. • Dynamic technological systems require energy with more complicated systems tending to require more energy and to be more vulnerable to error and failure. • Technological systems are designed for specific purposes. They incorporate various processes that transform inputs into outputs. Two important features of technological systems are feedback and control. • Various methods can be used to increase the reliability of technological systems.