Re: Operational Definitions: System and Process

[Bob Clements <clementz@kos.net>]

Transportation themes prevail in defining system and process. This is
natual enough, I suppose, in the delivery of understanding. 

Myron writes:

>Ackoff uses as an example an automobile which provides 
>transportation.

Scholtes writes: "When does a ship become small enough to be called a
boat."

Myron, I struggle with the definition of "process" you offer: an
activity which is repeatable. It is not clear if this is an Ackoff
definition. I will assume it to be yours.


It seems no system is independent of another, that all systems are
nested within ones larger, or infested with ones smaller.

Scholtes asks, "What is the point at which something is no longer a
system or a subsystem but becomes a process?"
And answers honestly enough, "I don't know." 
This prompts his nauti-riddle, "When does a ship become small enough to
be called a boat."

(My references to Scholtes are found on pp. 58-59 of his excellent
guide: The Leader's Handbook.)


Scholtes begins his introduction to systems thinking by establishing
some "loose definitions".

He defines systems thinking and then moves into a hierarchy of terms:

	System < Process < Method < Step

and links them all within the SIPOC model (systems thinking
operationalized?)

	Suppliers > Input > Processes > Output > Customers

I think Scholtes definition of "step" best matches yours for "process":

	components of a method. One event in a sequence 
	that interacts with the other steps to serve the purpose 
	of the method.


I guess the problem for a manager is when to stop the process of
delineating and defining steps for the worker who must repeat them. 

Only recently I have agreed to advocate on behalf of a special education
student in a work-study placement. My work will involve educating the
managers and employees with whom this young man will work. 

I anticipate that their understand of a step will be too complex for the
sped student. For him any given step might be better characterized as a
method. And if he is to repeat the step successfully and to employer
expectations, the employer will have to give closer attention to his own
systems thinking. 

I hope for a learning experience by all. In preparation for the
placement I will be meeting with the employees who will be working with
the student. I will be sharing with them pages 58 and 59 of The Leader's
Handbook.

I think the definitions useful to my undertaking, and recommmend their
consideration in yours.
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