Systems

The generic  term system serves us well, as long as we do not have to make decisions, as in do we need to buy a new computer system.  The main reason is that a system is an arbitrary groups of related components. 

 For example, a system, as in fig.1  may consist of an input, a transfer function H, and output and a control function. Fig. 2 on the other hand, defines the relationship between the various components of the system, as well as the partition between the system and its environment, whereas fig 3. shows a generalized communications system

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Fig1.  Output is a function of the input	Fig 2.  Generalized System	Fig. 3 Generalized communications system

Perhaps the systems analogy can be used in problem solving - that is, "systems thinking"

Benefits derived from systems thinking:

• Ability to translate specific situations into more general, abstract terms.

• Ability to consider essential characteristics

• Ability to see the forest from the trees