Operational Definitions: System and Process

[Myron Tribus <mtribus@mail.earthlink.net>]

Some time ago I accepted an assignment from Jim Clauson to come up 
with an operational definition for "system".

I have reviewed a number of posts from the DEN on this topic.  In 
addition, I felt it worthwhile to go outside the DEN system and bring 
in new information.  I have just received a copy of a new book, 
"Integrated Management Systems" by Thomas H. Lee, Shoji Shiba and 
Robert Chapman Wood of the Center for Quality Management in 
Cambridge, Mass.  In the appendix to this book the authors quote 
Russell Ackoff's definition of a system, which I found admirable for 
our purpose:

A system is a group of elements which can't be divided into 
independent parts without loss of some important properties of the 
whole.

Ackoff says that a system is a set of two or more elements that 
satisfy the following conditions:

1. The behavior of each element has an effect on the behavior of the whole.
2. The behavior of the elements and their effect on the whole are 
interdependent.
3. However subgroups of the elements are formed, each as an effect on 
the behavior of the whole and none has an independent effect on it.

Ackoff uses as an example an automobile which provides 
transportation.  None of the parts individually provide 
transportation.

To complete the definition requires an operational definition of the 
word "process".

A process is an activity which is repeatable.

Ackoff defines three important variables associated with systems:

A. Systems FUNCTION in some larger system.  Systems play a role in a 
larger system.

B. Systems have STRUCTURE, which describes how the elements are put 
together and, therefore, interact with one another.

C. Systems have PROCESSES which take place within them.  Processes 
are what happens to and among elements when the system operates.

I shall be reviewing this new book and reporting back to the DEN at a 
later date.

Myron Tribus,  350 Britto Terrace,  Fremont, CA 94539
Ph:510 651 3641  Fax: 510 656 9875   e-mail: mtribus@earthlink.net
Intelligence is what you use when you do not know what to do.  It is 
what you use to organize the way your brain approaches an unfamiliar 
challenge.
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