Abstract
We discuss the system property of flexibility and its relation to complexity. This relationship is affected by the generic architectures used in a system. We discuss the generic hierarchies based on tree structures and layers. We also discuss networks as a generic architecture. Since layered systems are less well understood than the other two generic architectures, we give some examples of layered systems and the flexibility inherent in them. In particular, we discuss the organization of the US health care system and the organization of its higher education system. Lateral alignment in hierarchical systems, which is related to layering, is discussed in the context of the US military.
This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.
Access this chapter
Tax calculation will be finalised at checkout
Purchases are for personal use only
Preview
Unable to display preview. Download preview PDF.
References
Cocke, J., Markstein, V.: The evolution of RISC technology at IBM. IBM Journal of Res and Develop 44, 48 (2000)
Sheffi, Y.: The Resilient Enterprise: Overcoming Vulnerabilities for Competitive Enterprise. MIT Press, Cambridge (2005)
de Neufville, R., Scholtes, S., Wang, T.: Real Options by Spreadsheet: Parking Garage Case Example. J. Infrastructure Systems 12, 107–111 (2006)
Moses, J.: Foundational Issues in Engineering Systems: A Framing Paper. In: ESD Symp. (2004), http://esd.mit.edu/symposium/pdfs/monograph/framing.pdf
Clark, D.D., Reed, D., Saltzer, J.H.: End-To-End Arguments In System Design. ACM Transactions on Computer Systems 2, 277–288 (1984)
Dickmann, J.: Operational Flexibility in Complex Enterprises: Case Studies from Recent Military Operations, PhD thesis, MIT (2009)
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Editor information
Editors and Affiliations
Rights and permissions
Copyright information
© 2010 Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg
About this paper
Cite this paper
Moses, J. (2010). Flexibility and Its Relation to Complexity and Architecture. In: Aiguier, M., Bretaudeau, F., Krob, D. (eds) Complex Systems Design & Management. Springer, Berlin, Heidelberg. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-642-15654-0_14
Download citation
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-642-15654-0_14
Publisher Name: Springer, Berlin, Heidelberg
Print ISBN: 978-3-642-15653-3
Online ISBN: 978-3-642-15654-0
eBook Packages: EngineeringEngineering (R0)