Systems Concepts

Abstract

First of all, we will define and explain the most important, basic concepts from the systems approach. We readily admit that this is the most tedious chapter but knowledge of these concepts and their mutual interaction is absolutely imperative to be able to apply the systems approach and to think in terms of systems and processes in practical problems. The concepts of “system”, “element” and “relation” will be sharply defined, together with the concepts derived from these definitions. In order to describe a system completely, the concepts of “structure” and “behaviour” are required. Furthermore, subsystems and aspectsystems are distinguished; this distinction is required for the correct modelling of systems. We will also define the key items of our approach: “function” and “task”. Finally, the system boundary will be discussed.