SYSTEM CONCEPTS

A system can be simply defined as a group of interrelated or interacting elements forming a unified whole. Many examples of systems can be found in the physical and biological sciences, in modern technology, and in human society. Thus, we can talk of the physical system of the sun and its planets, the biological system of the human body, the technological system of an oil refinery, and the socioeconomic system

m of or

a

business

organization.

producing outputs in an organized transformation process. Such a interacting components or functions:
•

Input involves capturing and assembling elements that enter the system to be processed. For example, raw materials, energy, data, and human efforts must be secured and organized for processing.

•

Processing involves transformation process that convert input into output. Examples are a manufacturing process, the human breathing process, mathematical calculations.

w

w w

.k

in

system (sometimes called a dynamic system) has three basic

in d

together toward a common goal by accepting inputs and

ia

A system is a group of interrelated components working

.c o

1

•

Output involves transferring elements that have been produced by a transformation process to their ultimate destination. services, For example, finished products, human be and management information must

transmitted to their human users.

Example A manufacturing system accepts raw materials as input and a system that accepts resources (data) as input and process them into products (information) as output.

w

w w

.k

in

in d

ia

.c o

produces finished goods as output. An information system also is

m

2

FEEDBACK AND CONTROL A system with feedback and control components is

sometimes called a cybernetic system, that is, a self-monitoring, self-regulating