The concept of a system is the basic principles of a systematic approach. System approach and its development
graduate student
Institute for Strategic Studies
graduate student
Annotation:
Displayed the contents of systems approach, analyzed the principles of systems approach, discussed systems aspects and reasoned clarification of the concept of "system".
Keywords:
system, system approach, principles systems approach, system aspects, system properties
system, systems approach, principles of systems approach, systems aspects, systems properties
UDC 167
The Soviet scientist A. Bogdanov was the first to discover a number of systemic principles and regularities at the beginning of the 20th century. He most fully outlined his views in the work “Tectology. General Organizational Science".
The general formulation of the problem of constructing a system theory in the works of A. A. Bogdanov, according to V. Kazanevskaya, is distinguished by depth and focus on research fundamental problems systemicity, i.e., in what forms the change, the movement of systems takes place (mechanisms of movement of systems) and what laws this movement obeys (general system laws).
Some ideas of A. Bogdanov were further developed in the works of his son A. Malinovsky [See: 15].
The first studies in the field of general systems theory and systems approach were carried out by L. von Bertalanffy. He believed that a dynamic process is going on inside the organism (“organic system”), the organism is an open system striving for a constant, stable state. He supplemented the principle of openness of the system with the principles of hierarchical organization and a possible non-equilibrium state.
The general scientific contribution of Bertalanffy consists in the study of non-stationary complex systems, which are not only living organisms, but also social systems.
Yearbooks on the general theory of systems, which were published in the Soviet Union from 1969 to 1978, were devoted to the problems of the systems approach. They published articles by L. Bertalanffy, K. Boulding, Yu.A. Urmantsev, E. Quaid, W.R. Ashby, I.V. Blauberg, E.G. Yudin, V.A. Lefevre, V.N. Sadovsky, A.I. Uemova, A.D. Ursula, A. Rappoport and others.
The nature of the interaction of philosophical methodology and various varieties of a systematic approach was studied by I. V. Blauberg and E. G. Yudin.
The problems of general systems theory are considered by various authors: V. Artyukhov, M. Gaides, A. Uemov, Yu. Urmantsev and others.
Theoretical and methodological foundations of the system approach and the features of the application of system analysis are given in the studies of the following scientists: A. Uemov, A. Tsofnas, V. Markov, A. Malinovsky and others, D. Cleland, V. King, V. Chernyshov, A. Averyanov, V. Kazanevskaya, Yu. Manuilov, E. Novikov, V. Volkova, A. Emelyanov, I. Sklyarov and others.
Systems approach- the direction of the philosophy and methodology of science, special scientific knowledge and social practice, which is based on the study of objects as systems. The systematic approach orients research towards revealing the integrity of the object and the mechanisms that ensure it, different types connections of a complex object and bringing them into a single theoretical picture. The systematic approach contributes to the adequate formulation of problems in specific sciences and the development of an effective strategy for their study.
Historically, the system approach comes to replace the concepts of mechanism common in the 17th and 19th centuries and, in its tasks, opposes them. Based on this approach, the main attention is paid to the consideration of the variety of connections and relationships that take place both within the object under study and in its relations with the external environment, the environment. The systematic approach refuses from one-sided analytical, linear-causal research methods and focuses on the analysis of the integral integrative properties of the object, identifying its various relationships and structure.
The systems approach does not exist in the form of a strict methodological concept: it performs its heuristic functions, remaining a not very rigidly connected set of cognitive principles, the main meaning of which is the appropriate orientation of specific studies. This orientation is carried out in two ways. First, the substantive principles of the systems approach make it possible to fix the insufficiency of old, traditional subjects of study for setting and solving new problems. Secondly, the concepts and principles of a systematic approach help to build new subjects of study, setting the structural and typological characteristics of these subjects and, thereby, contributing to the formation of constructive research programs.
The system approach embodies the idea of a universal connection of phenomena, interaction and mutual influence of various processes. The focus of system research is the object-system as a kind of integrity, the laws of functioning and development common to the entire system, which have a decisive influence on the activity of its constituent elements. The study of the system involves the identification of the mechanism of functioning and development of the system as a whole, the laws of its life.
The selection of various aspects in the system is conditional and serves only for an in-depth study of both the system itself and the nature of its interaction with its constituent elements. In fact, the system is a single and inseparable process of movement in the integrative totality of all its aspects and elements.
Consider the basic principles of a systematic approach:
The principle of system.
According to science, the world around us is systematically organized. Matter (substance and energy) does not exist otherwise than in a structured, systematically organized form. Everything around us are systems, or parts, fragments of systems, or aggregates, conglomerates of systems. The movement of matter is the emergence, development, transformation, death of systems of different groups and levels. The systemic organization of matter is the Law of Nature.
The essence of the system principle lies in the fact that all objects and phenomena of the surrounding world are systems that have a different measure of integrity, more or less complex. Integrity allows you to consider the system both as a single whole, and at the same time, as a subsystem for higher levels.
In a system study, the analyzed object is considered as a certain set of elements, the interconnection of which determines the integral properties of this set. The properties of an object as an integral system are determined not only and not so much by the summation of the properties of its individual elements, but by the properties of its structure, special backbone, integrative links of the object under consideration. To understand the behavior of systems (first of all, purposeful), it is necessary to identify the management processes implemented by this system - the forms of information transfer from one subsystem to another and the ways in which some parts of the system influence others, the coordination of the lower levels of the system by the elements of its higher level of management, the influence on the latter of all other subsystems.
The principle of integrity.
The principle of integrity means the relative independence of the system from the environment, as well as the dependence of each element, property and relationship of the system on its place, function within the whole.
The system is, first of all, integrity, which is expressed in the fact that the unification of the corresponding parts is necessary. This unification is carried out not only according to formal, but also according to essential and substantial features, which is determined by the unity of their tasks and goals, organic connection and interaction in the process of functioning. characteristic feature integrity as a particular system is that the unification of the relevant parts occurs under the auspices of the whole. Despite the fact that the parts form a whole, it is the whole, uniting its parts, that determines their essence, content and forms, functional purpose and role as part of an integral system, forms and methods of their interaction.
Combining the elements of the system according to essential and content features into a single integrity, on the one hand, and combining them according to formal characteristics into an internally organized structure, on the other, form the quality of the system, which D. Kerimov defines as integrativity. And it is thanks to this quality that the system acquires relative independence and autonomy of functioning.
An object that implements some integral function is a system. In the absence of an integral function, we will assume that there are no grounds for defining an object as a system.
Organismic concepts, which are, in essence, the development of ideas of integrity in a biological context, as an essential part include the idea of the emergence of a qualitatively new - "emergent" property. The term "emergence" (emergence) is used to denote the abrupt emergence of a new property. The development of organismic concepts is the theory of integrative levels, which contains the ideas of organismic integrity, structural levels and the emergence of a qualitatively new one. The preservation of the idea of the emergence of a qualitatively new one among the main ideas of the theory of integrative levels on the part of biology, which deals with the most complex known systems, indicates the need for a condition for the formation of a qualitatively new integrative property for the system.
The emergence of a system, that is, the irreducibility of its properties to the properties of its elements, is a manifestation and sign of the internal integrity of the system. The concept of emergence is closely related to the concepts of the structure and stability of a system... namely: structure is a mechanism for implementing emergence, and constancy is its consequence.
When concretizing the principle of integrity, the concept of connection is at the center of the study in the first place. It is the presence of constructive connections that makes an object a system. Therefore, the analysis of backbone relationships is one of the leading specific principles of the system approach.
The principle of hierarchy.
From the systemic picture of the world, its hierarchy necessarily follows. Hierarchy implies the presence of a plurality of elements located on the basis of the subordination of elements of a lower level to elements of a higher level.
Each system is included as an element or subsystem in a system of a higher order, and vice versa, each element of the system can be considered as a subsystem that, in many cases, has a relative autonomy of behavior. In a specific analysis, this view is realized both by dividing the system under study into subsystems and analyzing each of them through the prism of the activity of the system as a whole, and by considering it as one of the units of any system more high level. This method of consideration is characterized in the literature as a “decomposition method” (V. S. Mikhalevich, V. N. Svintsitsky) or “the principle of subordination of elements and hierarchical structure” (B. S. Ukraintsev) .
The nesting of systems, like nesting dolls, is a clear, but not complete, image. The systems of neighboring levels are not simply located spatially inside each other. They interact with each other.
Any system is in many connections and relationships with various kinds of systemic and non-systemic formations of the world around it, functions and develops in interaction with them. All these formations that influence the system and at the same time experience its influence constitute the environment of the system. Under the environment of the system, according to D. Kerimov, one should understand the objects, phenomena and processes of the surrounding world that are of essential importance for this system, without which its functioning and development is impossible.
At the same time, both a structured description of the environment and its consideration in an undivided form, in the form of an integral formation, interacting in one way or another with the object of study, are legitimate. The main purpose of this principle is to guide the researcher to the analysis of not only the object itself, but also to the simultaneous study of the conditions for its occurrence and existence.
The principle of structuring.
The definition of the integral nature of the system serves as the basis for the transition to the study of a complex of systemic relationships. Each complex system has its own special way of connecting the elements included in the system. This special mode of communication is the structure of the system. Structural awareness is one of the most important ways knowledge of the system. Actually system research begins in essence only when the structure of the system becomes the subject of special analysis. Revealing the structure of the system refers to a specifically theoretical task of research.
The structure of the system, as a way of connecting elements, also corresponds to its specific way of functioning of the system. In essence, the structure is the result of a certain way of functioning of the elements of the system.
Structure is the configuration of relationships, functions are the nature and content of relationships.
The concept of "object structure" means the presence separate parts, selected according to some feature, which are somehow placed relative to each other, are in a certain relationship with other parts. The selection of the structure of an object, the structural analysis of an object consists in identifying parts and establishing their relationships.
The need for knowledge of the structure follows, in particular, from the characteristics of the development and change of complex developing systems. This feature consists in the fact that a complex system develops in such a way that in its new concrete forms, in its new states, some specific system features are preserved, thanks to which this system of relations can always be distinguished from other systems of relations.
The structure of the system, therefore, is an expression of the necessary connection of the elements of the system from the side of the form, and as such, the structure is the law of the system. And as a law of form, it characterizes the moment of stability in the existence of the system. At the same time, it expresses order and stability in development, the preservation of certain the most important properties and relations of the system during its transformations.
The structure, understood as the general law of the system from the side of the form, as a natural way of connecting its elements in various historical states, can, therefore, be considered as an invariant of the system, i.e., as something that constantly preserves the specific definiteness of the system, its special way of life. .
In the very general view functional needs and laws of internal organization, the principles of communication between the elements of any natural self-governing systems, which include human society, get their expression in the so-called "system invariants" - the provisions of the general theory of systems, which has developed on the basis of biology and cybernetics. These provisions include: the principle of adaptation to changing environmental conditions; the principle of integration (maintaining the integrity and qualitative certainty of the system); the principle of compatibility of elements and neutralization of dysfunctions; the principle of differentiation (structural and functional diversity of elements); the principle of actualization (diversity of properties of elements) and labilization (mobility) of functions in combination with the principle of stability of the structure as a whole; the principle of the hierarchy of the controlling and managed subsystems, supplemented by the subordination of their elements; the principle of feedback, the interaction of elements among themselves and with the environment through information communication channels, etc. .
Structural studies in any field are aimed at revealing the specific laws of the existence of the systems under study. Opening them, science reveals thereby the invariants of these systems. The definition of structure as one of the laws of the system, as its invariant, is emphasized by important point that the structure expresses the stability of the system, its preservation in relation to various kinds of external and internal perturbations that bring the system out of equilibrium, change or destroy it.
So, the structure is a special, inherent in each system, way of connecting the elements of the system, which arises naturally in the process of functioning and development of the system. The structure is a consequence of the functioning and development of the system and at the same time the main prerequisite for its life activity and the form within which the process of its further functioning and development is carried out.
The principle of plurality.
The principle of multiple description of the system - due to the complexity of the system, its adequate knowledge requires the construction of many models, each of which describes a certain aspect of the system. The same object in a system study has different characteristics and functions.
The complexity of the system description of objects is often associated with the impossibility of obtaining a single description that comprehensively covers various features object as a system. The experience of constructing system descriptions shows that the study of a new system should be carried out from three points of view: 1) functional; 2) morphological; 3) information. In this case, the functional description is understood as the type of life activity of the object, the result and manifestation of its existence. The types of functioning are distributed, for example, as follows: 1) passive existence, material for other systems; 2) maintenance of a higher order system; 3) opposition to other systems, environment (survival); 4) absorption of other systems and environment. Functional Description concerns the relationships of a given object with the environment and other objects, and explains the action of the described object in maintaining these relationships.
Morphological description gives an idea of the structure of the system, this description is hierarchical, the number of levels of the hierarchy depends on the complexity of building the system and on the need for a more or less in-depth study of the object and its components.
The informational description should give an idea of the organization of the system. Information about the organization of the system is not at all the same as the organization of the system, the organization of the system may be combined information and not be displayed information, information in the full sense. In addition, information can be displayed by the object's own display system, and then it is system information, or it can be displayed only by a research display system and be researcher's information, not being system information.
The principle of self-organization means that the source of the transformations of the system lies in itself.
To implement the “system approach to the object”, it is necessary to formulate for it the content of the series systemic aspects. I. Sklyarov identifies 12 such aspects:
1. Delimitation. Selection of an object in the external environment; drawing a boundary between the object and the external environment; division of objective reality into an object and its external environment.
2. Component. Selection in the object of its essential parts - components.
3. Structure. Determination of essential connections within an object, between its already distinguished components - these are structural connections.
4. Communication. The definition of significant external relations of an object, relations with the external environment - these are communicative relations. In fact, this means determining the links not of the "object in general", but of the specific components of the object with the external environment. Even more specifically - not with "the external environment in general", but with specific objects of the external environment.
5. Functionality. Definition of the functions that the components within the object perform. These functions are defined: physical nature component; structural connections; communication connections. Sometimes these functions are obvious, they follow from the very name of the component.
6. Integrity. Determination of new properties of the object, both positive and negative, that the object as a whole has, but which its components do not have. Integrative properties miraculously appear and manifest themselves in the object as a result of the coordinated functioning of all the components of the object in interaction with the components of the external environment.
7. Provision of resources. All components need certain resources for their functioning, because miracles do not happen. To do this, one of the components must be a source of such resources - energy and matter. This component has specific functions, structural connections of resource provision, as well as a specific communication link through which energy carriers come from outside.
8. Management. All components of an object must function in concert. To do this, one of the components must perform this function - the coordinated management of all components.
9. Information security. Information is essential for effective management. To receive necessary information about the state of the components of the object and the environment, there should be information sensors, information channels, means of data encryption-decryption, processing and displaying information in a form convenient for management.
10. Modeling. It is necessary to foresee the possible consequences of this or that management, so that the consequences are not catastrophic. This requires modeling the behavior of the object in the external environment. This function must be executed somewhere in the object.
11. Purpose. A goal is what one strives for, what needs to be achieved.
12. Evolution. In its development, the system goes through four typical stages: appearance; becoming; sustainable development in this structural form; reorganization or disorganization (death).
Evolution can be understood as: a) improving the behavior of the system, increasing the efficiency of its functioning; b) a radical restructuring of the components of the system.
Having analyzed the content and considered the basic principles of the system approach, we now turn to the disclosure of the content of the concept of "system".
V. G. Afanasiev notes that a holistic system it is necessary to define “as a set of objects, the interaction of which determines the presence of new integrative qualities that are not characteristic of its constituent parts, components. This is, first of all, the difference between an integral system and a simple summative system, an aggregate, a conglomerate, a mixture ... ".
However, it should not be assumed that the system is a combination of any components. On the contrary, a system is an association of certain components, because their connection occurs according to meaningful features. The very nature of the components of the system, their qualitative specificity is the essential (the most common basis that allows them to combine and form a system. Thus, the presence of certain properties in an object, process or relationship is the root cause of system formation, a necessary condition that creates the possibility for their association within the framework of systemic integrity.
A system is only a system if it operates, functions, and performs a certain role. Not only the system as a whole functions, but also each of its elements. At the same time, the functions of the elements are deterministic, derived from the functions of the system as a whole. There are no and cannot be inactive elements in the system. A "dead" element, as a rule, "stops" the entire system, as a result, while maintaining a simple integrity, it loses the quality of systemicity.
Not every whole is a system, but every system is integral. There is no system without a whole, which gives it unity. Similarly, not every structure is systemic, but any system cannot but contain a structure. There is no system without a structure, which is contained in the system in a removed form.
Finally, the same applies to functions. Not all functioning is systemic, but any system cannot be non-functioning. There is no system without functioning, which determines its dynamically developing character.
In more detail system is a set of two or more elements that satisfies the following three conditions:
1. The behavior of each element affects the behavior of the whole, (for example, the human body).
2. The behavior of the elements and their effects on the whole are interdependent.
3. Whatever subgroups of elements may be formed, each element affects the behavior of the whole, and none of them affects them independently.
I. Sklyarov defines system as :
Delimited (selected, having a boundary) in the external environment and an object interacting with it, which:
Has a goal to achieve which it functions, develops (evolves);
Has a source of resources;
It can be controlled by information about itself and the external environment and model itself in the environment;
Consists of relatively independent, but interconnected, specialized components;
Possesses integration.
The properties highlighted in the system definition are special group- This system properties. These properties characterize an object as a system. Highlighted in this definition properties are interconnected, interdependent. System properties are the private side of the quality of an object, this is its private system quality.
Bibliographic list:
1. Averyanov A.N. Systemic knowledge of the world: Methodology. Problems. - M.: Politizdat, 1985. - 263 p.
2. Antanovich N.A. Theory of political systems: account. allowance / N.A. Antanovich. - Minsk: TerraSystems, 2008. - 208 p.
3. Artyukhov V.V. General systems theory: Self-organization, sustainability, diversity, crises. Ed. 2nd. - M .: Book house "LIBROKOM", 2010. - 224 p.
4. Blauberg I.V., Yudin E.G. Formation and essence of the system approach. M., Nauka, 1973. - 270 p.
5. Bogdanov A.A. Tectology: (General Organizational Science). In 2 books: Book. 1 / Redcol. L. I. Abalkin (Editor-in-Chief) and others / Department of Economics of the Academy of Sciences of the USSR. Institute of Economics of the Academy of Sciences of the USSR. – M.: Economics, 1989. – 304 p.
6. Gaides M.A. General systems theory (systems and systems analysis). Text., / M.A. Hydes, 2nd ed. - M. : - 2005. - 201 p.
7. Dobronogov A.V. System analysis and modeling of social and political processes: thesis ... can. tech. n. : 05.13.01 / Dobronogov Anton Viktorovich; National Technical University of Ukraine "Kyiv Polytechnic Institute". - K., 1997. - 169 arc.
8. Dolzhenkov O.O. Transformation of the political systems of Ukraine and Belarus: a relative analysis: thesis ... doc. floor. n. : 23.00.02 / Dolzhenkov Oleg Oleksandrovich; National University of Internal Affairs of the MVS of Ukraine, Kh., 2005. - 418 arc.
9. Kazanevskaya V.V. Philosophical and methodological foundations of a systematic approach. - Tomsk: Publishing House Vol. un-ta, 1987. - 232 p.
10. Kerimov A.D. Political system: essence and definition // Political system: issues of democracy and self-government. / Institute of State and Law of the Academy of Sciences of the USSR, M., 1988. - p. 48-55.
11. Kerimov D.A. Philosophical foundations of political and legal research. - M.: Thought, 1986. - 332 p.
12. Cleland D., King V. System analysis and target management. Per. from English. M., "Owls. radio", 1974. - 280 p.
13. Kurilo A. P., Miloslavskaya N. G., Senatorov M. Yu., Tolstoy A. I. Fundamentals of management information security. Textbook for universities. - M.: Hotline-Telecom, 2012. - 244 p.
14. Logic and methodology of system research. / Rev. ed. L.N. Sumarkov. Kyiv-Odessa, "Vishcha school", 1977. - 256 p.
15. Malinovsky A.A. Tectology. Theory of systems. Theoretical biology. - M.: Editorial URSS, 2000. - 448 p.
16. Manuilov Yu.S., Novikov E.A. Methodology of system research. St. Petersburg: VKA named after A.F. Mozhaisky, 2008. - 159 p.
17. Novikov A.M., Novikov D.A. Methodology: Dictionary of the system of basic concepts. - M .: Book house "LIBROKOM", 2013. - 208 p.
18. Ovcharenko V.A. Mechanism government controlled national security: dis. ... Doctor of Sciences according to the state. ex. : 25.00.02 / Ovcharenko Vyacheslav Andreevich; Donetsk State University of Public Administration. - Donetsk, 2012. - 395 sheets.
19. Pozdnyakov E.A. Foreign policy activity and interstate relations / Ed. ed. d.h.s. D.G. Tomashevsky. M.: Nauka, 1986. - 190 p.
20. Pozdnyakov E.A. System approach and international relationships. – M.: Nauka, 1976. – 159 p.
21. Political systems Modernity: (Essays) / Otv. ed - ry: F.M. Burlatsky, V.E. Chirkin. - M. : Nauka, 1978. - 253 p.
22. Sklyarov I.F. System - systems approach - systems theory. - M .: Book house "LIBROKOM", 2011. - 152 p.
23. Theory of systems and system analysis in the management of organizations: Handbook: Proc. Benefit / Under. Ed. V.N. Volkova and A.A. Emelyanov. - M.: Finance and statistics, 2006. - 848 p.
24. Uemov A.I. System approach and general systems theory. M., "Thought", 1978. - 272 p.
25. Urmantsev Yu.A. Evolution, or the general theory of the development of systems of nature, society and thought. Ed. 2nd, revised. and additional - M .: Book house "LIBROKOM", 2009. - 240 p.
26. Chernyshov V.N. Theory of systems and system analysis: textbook. allowance / V.N. Chernyshov, A.V. Chernyshov. - Tambov: Tambov Publishing House. state tech. un-ta, 2008. - 96 p.
27. Encyclopedia of epistemology and philosophy of science. - M .: "Kanon +" ROOI "Rehabilitation", 2009. - 1248 p.
Reviews:
5.11.2013, 17:53 Krylov Dmitry Anatolyevich
Review: The article is aimed at clarifying the essence of the concept of "system" and the corresponding "system approach", which the author successfully considers within the boundaries of this doctrine. I would also like to see problematic aspects related to the conflict of formal structures and content.
5.11.2013, 23:37 Dedyulina Marina Anatolyevna
Review: This work is very difficult to call an article. It looks more like a section from study guide. It does not highlight the problematic aspects of this approach, there are no conclusions of the authors, but there is a statement of known facts. Unfortunately, this material needs to be significantly reworked. It is necessary to state the author's position on this topic and draw conclusions in conclusion.
7.11.2013, 0:43 Litovchenko Natalia Petrovna
Review: In the work of Livenko VI "Basic provisions of the system approach and the concept of the system" the content of the system approach is revealed, the principles of the system approach are analyzed, an attempt is made to clarify the content of the concept of "system". The relevance of the article is beyond doubt, since the systematic approach in scientific research is aimed at revealing the integrity of the object and identifying the connections of a complex object when developing a strategy theoretical knowledge in science. The author carried out some work to identify the basic principles of the system, its distinctive features. But the article requires some revision for the lack of a logical relationship between the individual blocks of the article, as a result, separate provisions and thoughts seem to be taken out of context; pay attention to the introduction of the quoted text, the design of your thoughts in the text, the article should not resemble separate blocks of the textbook; it is desirable to summarize the article in the article - the conclusions of the author.
7.11.2013, 13:07 Sharipov Marat R
Review: As a remark, I would like to remind the author of the “law of necessary diversity” (W.R. Ashby), well-known in the GTS, or in the same sense, the “law of hierarchical compensations” by E. Sedov, which assert the condition for the existence and stability of a complexly organized system. Whereas the author introduces inconsistency in the understanding of the system and structure. So in one place he writes: “The structure of the system, therefore, is an expression of the necessary connection of the elements of the system from the side of the form, and in this capacity the structure is the law of the system. And as a law of form, it characterizes the moment of stability in the existence of the system. ..... The concept of emergence is closely related to the concepts of the structure and stability of a system...”, and in another place it is stated: “Structural studies in any field are aimed at revealing the specific laws of the existence of the systems under study. Opening them, science reveals thereby the invariants of these systems. The definition of the structure as one of the laws of the system, as its invariant, emphasizes the important point that the structure expresses the stability of the system, its preservation in relation to various kinds of external and internal perturbations, ... ". It becomes unclear whether the structure itself is a stable form of relationships in the system, or whether structure and emergence are manifested in the organization of systemic stability. All these dark places are not clearly aligned with the concept of wholeness. So what is integrity? Is it a system or structural property, or maybe quality? And also, what is invariance - a systemic or structural form. In parallel, no mention is made of congruent forms and relationships within complex systems. It is also not clear from the text what is primary in distinguishable rational forms of consciousness: stable forms of relationships of being or integral, i.e. not conflicting relationship? But the mind distinguishes first of all - stable forms, i.e. systems. Which may not necessarily be holistic, consistent. Next, consistent, integral relations in the given system are established, i.e. structural relationships. Unity, which means the stability of forms, and their activity is a sign of the systemic. Whereas, the stability of the structural or a single integrity is a form of the constructive. Also, speaking of emergence, one should not be limited only to images of regular relations. These relations are inherent only in the behavior, development and functioning of systems and act as internal, essential concepts of real and abstract systems relative to the external environment. But, the author passed over in silence the legislative (regulatory) relationships revealed in emergent relationships, which are determined not only by essential, but also by all kinds of accidental, non-essential relationships of a thing. Just such relationships and connections are responsible for the triadic cognitive opposition scheme: subject-cognitive matrix-object. These relations already form their own, idealized environment of constructs of ideal systems that take into account intentions, constructs of phenomenological reductions, images of ideating abstractions, and constructive radicalism. In general, the work is intended for the student, as a somewhat outdated form of fundamentals in OTS. The article did not clarify more precise understandings of the system, structure and constructibility. She did not show the role of regulatory, legislative relations that lie in the organization of Nature, matter, movement and the existence of systems of objective reality. Ph.D. Sharipov M.R.
11/11/2013, 22:41 Romanova Elena Vladimirovna
Review: The work of Livenko V.I. titled "Basic Provisions of the System Approach and the Concept of the System" is more like a student's abstract, provided to the teacher from under the "wet pen". 1. A note on the title. It would be necessary to specify as follows: the concept of "system". 2. The list of sources is impressive. However, the author only looked through these works, but did not show a careful and thoughtful understanding. 3. As already mentioned, this article is more like an abstract in terms of the way it is written, however, the abstract form is the least suitable for publication. 4. I would like to see the author's understanding of the issue. What did the author see that was new in the well-known problematics about a systematic approach, etc. Or concentrate only on a comparative analysis of the principles of a systematic approach, etc. A narrow focus in choosing a topic for an article would be more beneficial, and vagueness and the absence of clear boundaries show that the author "floats" in the topic and has not fully decided what he is after all interested in: systems, structural relations, etc. In fact, the article is an explanation on the chosen topic and an attempt to understand it for the author himself. Once this is decided, we will see the author's position clearly expressed. 5. The article requires not just revision, writing. And only after that it can be recommended for publication. Ph.D. Romanova E.V.
The systems approach is often mentioned in connection with the tasks of organizational development: a systematic approach to solving company problems, a systematic approach to making changes, a systematic approach to building a business, etc. What is the meaning of such statements? What is a systems approach? How does it differ from a "non-systemic" approach? Let's try to figure it out.
Let's start with the definition of "system". Russell Ackoff (in Planning the Future of the Corporation) defines it as follows: "A system is a combination of two or more elements that meets the following conditions: (1) the behavior of each element affects the behavior of the whole, (2) the behavior of the elements and their effect on the whole are interdependent, (3) if there are subgroups of elements, each of them affects the behavior of the whole and none of them independently has such an effect. Thus, the system is such a whole that cannot be divided into non-independent parts. Any part of the system, being separated from it, loses its properties. So a person's hand, separated from his body, cannot draw. The system has essential qualities that its parts lack. For example, a person can compose music and solve mathematical problems, but no part of his body is capable of this.
With a systematic approach to solving practical problems, any object or phenomenon is considered as a system and at the same time as part of some larger system. Ackoff defines a systematic approach in cognitive activity as follows: (1) identification of the system of which the object of interest is a part, (2) explanation of the behavior or properties of the whole, (3) explanation of the behavior or properties of the object of interest to us in terms of its role or functions as a whole, of which it is a part.
In other words, when faced with a problem, a manager who thinks systematically does not rush to look for the culprit, but first of all finds out what conditions external to the situation under consideration caused this problem. For example, if an angry customer calls about missed delivery dates for equipment, the most obvious response would be to punish the production staff for not completing the order on time. However, if you look closely, the roots of the problem can be found far beyond the production processes, when the requirements for the ordered equipment were not clearly defined in the specifications, changed several times in the course of work, and at the conclusion of the contract, the sellers set unrealistic deadlines, without taking into account the specifics of the order. Who is to be punished here? Most likely, you need to change the system of sales and order management!
This topic is rich in meaning. Much can be said here ... I will leave it as a reserve for a future article.
Unknown student of the end of the 20th century
Introduction
2. Organizational system: main elements and types
3. Systems theory
Introduction
As the industrial revolution unfolds, growth
large organizational forms of business stimulated the emergence of new ideas
about how businesses operate and how they should be managed.
Today there is a developed theory that gives directions for achieving
effective management. The first theory to appear is usually called the classical one.
school of management, there is also a school of social relations, theory
a systematic approach to organizations, probability theory, etc.
In my report, I want to talk about the theory of a systematic approach
to organizations as ideas to achieve effective management.
1. The concept of a systematic approach, its main features and principles
In our time, an unprecedented progress in knowledge is taking place, which,
on the one hand, led to the discovery and accumulation of many new facts, information
from various areas of life, and thereby put humanity before
the need to systematize them, to find the common in the particular, the constant in
changing. There is no unambiguous concept of a system. In the most general way
system is understood as a set of interrelated elements that form
a certain integrity, a certain unity.
The study of objects and phenomena as systems caused the formation
a new approach in science - a systematic approach.
The system approach as a general methodological principle is used in
various branches of science and human activity. epistemological basis
(epistemology is a branch of philosophy that studies the forms and methods of scientific knowledge)
is a general systems theory originated by an Australian biologist
L. Bertalanffy. In the early 1920s, the young biologist Ludwig von Bertalanffy began
study organisms as certain systems, summarizing your view in a book
"Modern Theory of Development" (1929). In this book, he developed a system
approach to the study of biological organisms. In "Robots, Humans and Consciousness"
(1967) he transferred the general systems theory to the analysis of the processes and phenomena of social
life. 1969 - "General Systems Theory". Bertalanffy turns his systems theory into
general disciplinary science. He saw the purpose of this science in the search
structural similarity of laws established in various disciplines, based on
which, it is possible to deduce system-wide regularities.
Let's define traits systems approach :
research and creation of objects as systems, and applies only to systems.
the study of the subject itself - "own" level; study of the same subject
as an element of a wider system - a "superior" level; studying this
object in relation to the elements that make up this object -
"lower" level.
unity of connections with the environment, to comprehend the essence of each connection and
individual element, to make associations between general and particular goals.
In view of what has been said, we define the concept of a systematic approach :
A systematic approach is an approach to the study of an object
(problems, phenomena, processes) as a system in which elements are identified,
internal and external relations that most significantly affect
the investigated results of its functioning, and the goals of each of the elements, based on
from the general purpose of the object.
It can also be said that the systems approach -
it's like that
direction of the methodology of scientific knowledge and practical activities, based on
which lies the study of any object as a complex holistic
socio-economic system.
Let's turn to history.
Before becoming at the beginning of the XX century. management Science Rulers,
ministers, commanders, builders, making decisions, were guided by intuition,
experience and tradition. Acting in specific situations, they sought to find the best
solutions. Depending on experience and talent, the manager could push apart
spatial and temporal framework of the situation and spontaneously comprehend one’s own
control object more or less systematically. But, nevertheless, until the XX century. in
management was dominated by a situational approach, or management by circumstances.
The defining principle of this approach is the adequacy of the managerial
decisions regarding a particular situation. Adequate in this situation
relies on the solution that is best in terms of changing the situation, directly
after it has been subjected to appropriate management action.
Thus, the situational approach is a focus on
the nearest positive result ("and then we'll see..."). It is thought that
"next" will again be the search for the best solution in the situation that arises. But
decision in this moment the best may not be the same as
the situation will change or unaccounted for circumstances will be revealed in it.
Effort to respond to every new turn or reversal
(change of vision) of the situation in an adequate way leads to the fact that the manager
forced to make more and more new decisions that run counter to the previous ones. He
in fact, it ceases to control events, but floats along their course.
This does not mean that ad hoc management
fundamentally inefficient. A situational approach to decision making is necessary and
justified when the situation itself is extraordinary and the use of previous experience
notoriously risky when the situation changes quickly and in unpredictable ways,
when there is no time to take into account all the circumstances. So, for example, rescuers of the Ministry of Emergency Situations
often have to look for best solution within a particular situation.
But, nevertheless, in the general case, the situational approach is not effective enough and
must be overcome, replaced or supplemented by a systematic approach.
- Integrity, allowing the system to be considered simultaneously as
a single whole and at the same time as a subsystem for higher levels. - hierarchical structure, those. the presence of many (at least
two) elements located on the basis of the subordination of the elements of the lower level -
top level elements. The implementation of this principle is clearly seen in the example
any particular organization. As you know, any organization is
is the interaction of two subsystems: control and managed. One
obeys the other. - Structurization, allowing to analyze the elements of the system and their
relationships within a particular organizational structure. Usually,
the process of functioning of the system is determined not so much by the properties of its individual
elements, how many properties of the structure itself. - multiplicity, allowing the use of multiple
cybernetic, economic and mathematical models to describe individual
elements and the system as a whole.
2. Organizational system: main elements and types
Any organization is considered
organizational and economic system that has inputs and outputs, and a certain
the number of external links. The term "organization" should be defined. AT
History has been various attempts to identify this concept.
purposeful arrangement of parts of the whole, which has a specific purpose.
group, individual).
Any system develops on the basis of the struggle of opposites.
its constituent elements. It is an integer that is always greater or less than the sum
its parts (everything depends on the effectiveness of the connections).
management theory): when people get together and formally accept
decision to combine their efforts to achieve common goals, they create
organization.
It was a retrospective. Today an organization can be
defined as a social community that unites a certain set
individuals to achieve a common goal, who (individuals) act on the basis of
certain procedures and rules.
Based on the previously given definition of the system, we define
organizational system.
An organizational system is a set of
internally interconnected parts of the organization, forming a certain integrity.
The main elements of the organizational system (and hence
objects of organizational management) are:
they depend on the efficiency of the use of all other resources.
These elements are the main objects of organizational
management. But the organizational system has another side:
People. The task of the manager is to facilitate coordination and
integration of human activities.
Goals and tasks. Organizational goal - there is an ideal project
the future state of the organization. This goal contributes to the unification of the efforts of people and
their resources. Goals are formed on the basis of common interests, so the organization
tool to achieve goals.
Organizational structure. Structure is a way of combining
elements of the system. Organizational structure - there is a way to connect different
parts of the organization into a certain integrity (the main types of organizational
structures are hierarchical, matrix, entrepreneurial, mixed, etc.
d.). When we design and maintain these structures, we manage.
Specialization and separation labor. This is also an object
management. Breaking down complex manufacturing processes, operations and tasks into
components that presuppose the specialization of human labor.
Organizational power is a right, ability (knowledge + skills)
and the willingness (will) of the leader to pursue his line in the preparation, adoption and
implementation of management decisions. Each of these components is necessary for
the exercise of power. Power is interaction. coordination function and
integration of people activities powerless and ineffective manager to organize
can not. Organizational power is not only a subject, but also an object of management.
Organizational culture- the system of traditions inherent in the organization,
beliefs, values, symbols, rituals, myths, norms of communication between people.
Organizational culture gives an organization its own identity.
Most importantly, it brings people together, creates organizational integrity.
Organizational borders are material and
intangible constraints that fix the isolation of this organization
from other objects located in the external environment of the organization. The manager must
have the ability to expand (in moderation) the boundaries of their own organization. In moderation
It means to take only what you can keep. Managing borders means
outline them in time.
Organizational systems can be divided into closed and
open:
A closed organizational system is one that
which has no connection with its external environment (i.e., does not exchange with the external
environment (products, services, goods, etc.). An example is subsistence farming.
An open organizational system has links to external
environment, i.e. other organizations, institutions that have ties with the external
environment.
Thus, the organization as a system is
a set of interrelated elements that form integrity (i.e. internal
unity, continuity, mutual connection). Any organization is open
system, because interacts with the external environment. She gets out of the environment
environment resources in the form of capital, raw materials, energy, information, people, equipment
etc., which become elements of its internal environment. Part of resources with
using certain technologies is processed, converted into products and
services, which are then transferred to the external environment.
3. Systems theory
Let me remind you that systems theory was developed by Ludwig von
Bertalanffy in the 20th century. Systems theory deals with the analysis, design and
the functioning of systems - independent business units that
formed by interacting, interconnected and interdependent parts.
It is clear that any organizational form of business meets these criteria and can
be studied using the concepts and tools of systems theory.
Any enterprise is a system that turns a set
resources invested in production - costs (raw materials, machines, people) - in goods and
services. It functions within a larger system - foreign policy,
economic, social and technical environment in which it constantly enters
into complex interactions. It includes a series of subsystems that also
interconnected and interacting. Malfunction in one part
system causes difficulties in other parts of it. For example, a large bank is
a system that operates within a wider environment, interacts and
associated with it, and is also affected by it. Departments and branches of the bank
are subsystems that must interact without conflict in order to
the bank as a whole worked effectively. If something is broken in a subsystem, it, in
will ultimately (if not contained) affect performance
the bank as a whole.
Basic concepts and characteristics of general systems theory:
from openness, is determined through its composition. These components and the relationships between them
create the properties of the system, its essential characteristics.
limiters that distance the system from the external environment. In terms of general
systems theory, each system is part of a larger system (which
called supersystem, supersystem, supersystem). In turn, each
the system consists of two or more subsystems.
used to describe phenomena in which the whole is always greater or less,
than the sum of the parts that make up the whole. The system operates until
until the relations between the components of the system become antagonistic
character.
represented as three processes. Their interaction gives a cycle of events.
Any open system has an event loop. With a systematic approach, it is important
the importance of studying the characteristics of the organization as a system, i.e.
characteristics of "input", "process" ("transformation") and characteristics of "output".
With a systematic approach based on marketing research, first the
"exit" options , those. goods or services, that is
to produce, with what quality indicators, at what cost, for whom, in
when to sell and at what price. The answers to these questions should be
clear and timely. At the “output”, as a result, there should be a competitive
products or services. Then determine "login" options , those.
the need for resources (material financial, labor and
information), which is determined after a detailed study
organizational and technical level of the system under consideration (prior art,
technologies, features of the organization of production, labor and management) and
parameters of the external environment (economic, geopolitical, social,
ecological, etc.). And, finally, no less important is
study "process" parameters, which converts resources into finished
products. At this stage, depending on the object of study,
considered production technology, or control technology, and
as well as factors and ways to improve it.
the emergence of Yu the formation of Yu the functioning of Yu the crisis of Yu
collapse
the functioning of all other elements depends to a decisive extent and
viability of the system as a whole.
Characteristics of open organizational systems
organizations to death;
necessary resources from the external environment, can counteract this trend.
This ability is called negative entropy;
entropy, and, thanks to this, some of them live for centuries;
d) for a commercial organization, the main criterion
negative entropy is its sustainable profitability at a significant
time interval.
Feedback. Feedback means
information that is generated, collected, used by an open system
to monitor, evaluate, control and correct their own activities.
Feedback allows an organization to receive information about possible or
real deviations from the intended goal and make timely changes to the process
its development. Lack of feedback leads to pathology, crisis and collapse
organizations. People in an organization who collect and analyze information
interpreting it, systematizing information flows, have
colossal power.
Open organizational systems are inherent dynamic
homeostasis. All living organisms show a tendency to internal
equilibrium and balance. The process by which an organization maintains a balanced
state and is called dynamic homeostasis.
Open organizational systems are characterized
differentiation- a trend towards growth, specialization and division of functions
between the various components that form a given system.
Differentiation is the system's response to a change in the external environment.
Equivalence. Open organizational systems
able, unlike closed systems, to achieve their goals
in different ways, moving towards these goals from different starting conditions. No and
there can be no single best method goal achievement. The goal can always
be achieved in different ways, and you can move towards it with different
speeds.
Let me give you an example: consider a bank from the point of view of systems theory.
An examination of the bank from a systems theory point of view would begin with
clarification of objectives to help understand the nature of the decisions that need to be made
take in order to achieve these goals. It would be necessary to investigate the external environment,
to understand the ways in which the bank interacts with its wider environment.
The researcher would then turn to internal environment. To
try to understand the main subsystems of the bank, interaction and connections with the system in
In general, the analyst would analyze the decision paths, the most important
information necessary for their acceptance, as well as the communication channels through which this
information is transmitted.
Decision making, information system, communication channels especially
important to the systems analyst because if they perform poorly, the bank
will be in a difficult position. In each area, a systematic approach led to the emergence
new useful concepts and technical methods.
Making decisions
Information systems
Communication channels
Making decisions
In the field of decision making, systems thinking has contributed to
classification various types solutions. The concepts of certainty have been developed,
risk and uncertainty. Logical approaches to the adoption of complex
solutions (many of which had a mathematical basis), which had a great
helping managers improve the process and quality of decision making.
Information systems
The nature of the information held by the recipient
decision has an important impact on the quality of the decision itself, and it is not surprising that
much attention has been paid to this issue. Those who develop systems
management information, try to give relevant information
the right person at the right time. To do this, they need
know what decision will be made when the information is provided, and
also how soon this information will reach (if speed is an important element
decision making). Providing relevant information that improved
would improve the quality of decisions (and would eliminate unnecessary information that simply increases
costs) is a very significant circumstance.
Communication channels
Communication channels in an organization are important elements
in the decision-making process as they convey the required information.
Systems Analysts provided many useful examples of deep understanding of the process
relationships between organizations. Significant progress has been made in the study
and solving the problems of "noise" and interference in communications, problems of transition from one
system or subsystem from another.
4. The value of a systematic approach to management
The importance of a systems approach is that managers
can more easily align their specific work with that of the organization as a whole,
if they understand the system and their role in it. This is especially important for general
director, because a systematic approach encourages him to maintain the necessary
balance between the needs of individual units and the goals of the whole
organizations. He makes him think about the flows of information passing through the whole
system, and emphasizes the importance of communications. Systems approach
helps to establish the reasons for making ineffective decisions, it also provides
tools and techniques to improve planning and control.
A modern leader must have a systemic mindset,
as:
the amount of information and knowledge that is necessary for the adoption of managerial
decisions;
relate one area of the organization's activities to another,
allow quasi-optimization of managerial decisions;
everyday life and realize what place his organization occupies in the external
environment, how it interacts with another, larger system, part of which
is an;
implement its main functions: forecasting, planning,
organization, leadership, control.
Systems thinking not only contributed to the development of new
ideas about the organization (in particular, Special attention paid
integrated nature of the enterprise, as well as the paramount importance and
importance of information systems), but also provided the development of useful mathematical
tools and techniques that greatly facilitate the adoption of managerial decisions,
use of more advanced planning and control systems. Thus,
a systematic approach allows us to comprehensively evaluate any
production and economic activities and activities of the management system at
level of specific characteristics. This will help to analyze any situation in
within a single system, identify the nature of input, process and
exit. The application of a systematic approach allows the best way organize
decision-making process at all levels in the management system.
Despite all the positive results, systems thinking
still not fulfilled its most important purpose. The assertion that it
will allow the application of modern scientific method to management, still not
implemented. This is partly because large-scale systems are very
complex. It is not easy to understand the many ways in which the external environment
affects the internal organization. Interaction of many subsystems within
enterprises are not well understood. The boundaries of systems are very difficult to establish,
too broad a definition would lead to an accumulation of costly and unusable
data, and too narrow - to a partial solution of problems. It won't be easy
formulate questions that will arise before the enterprise, determine the
accuracy of information needed in the future. Even if the best and most
a logical solution will be found, it may not be feasible. However,
A systematic approach provides an opportunity to better understand how the enterprise works.
A systematic approach is a direction of philosophy and methodology of scientific knowledge, which is based on the study of objects as systems.
The peculiarity of the system approach is that it is focused on revealing the integrity of the object and the mechanisms that ensure it, on identifying the diverse types of connections of a complex object and bringing them together into a single theoretical picture.
The concept of "system approach" (from English - systems approach) began to be widely used in 1960 - 1970, although the very desire to consider the object of study as an integral system arose in ancient philosophy and science (Plato, Aristotle). Idea systemic organization knowledge, which arose in ancient times, is formed in the Middle Ages and is most developed in German classical philosophy (Kant, Schelling). A classic example of a systematic study is "Capital" by K. Marx. The principles of studying the organic whole embodied in it (ascent from the abstract to the concrete, the unity of analysis and synthesis, logical and historical, the identification of different-quality relationships and their interaction in the object, the synthesis of structural-functional and genetic ideas about the object, etc.) were the most important component dialectical-materialistic methodology of scientific knowledge. Ch. Darwin's theory of evolution serves as a vivid example of the application of a systematic approach in biology.
In the XX century. The systematic approach occupies one of the leading places in scientific knowledge. This is primarily due to the change in the type of scientific and practical problems. In a number of fields of science, the problems of studying the organization and functioning of complex self-developing objects, the boundaries and composition of which are not obvious and require special research in each individual case, begin to occupy a central place. The study of such objects - multilevel, hierarchical, self-organizing biological, psychological, social, technical - required the consideration of these objects as systems.
There are a number of scientific concepts, which are characterized by the use of the basic ideas of the systems approach. So, in the teachings of V. I. Vernadsky about the biosphere and the noosphere, scientific knowledge is proposed new type objects - global systems. A. A. Bogdanov and a number of other researchers begin to develop the theory of organization. The allocation of a special class of systems - information and control - served as the foundation for the emergence of cybernetics. In biology, systems ideas are used in environmental studies, in the study of higher nervous activity, in the analysis of biological organization, in systematics. In economics, the principles of a systematic approach are used in setting and solving problems of optimal economic planning, which require the construction of multicomponent models of social systems. different levels. In management practice, the ideas of a systematic approach are crystallized in the methodological means of system analysis.
Thus, the principles of a systematic approach apply to almost all areas scientific knowledge and practices. In parallel, the systematic development of these principles in methodological terms begins. Initially, methodological studies were grouped around the problems of constructing a general theory of systems (the first program for its construction and the term itself were proposed by L. Bertalanffy). In the early 1920s the young biologist Ludwig von Bertalanffy began to study organisms as definite systems, summarizing his views in the book Modern Theory of Development (1929). He developed a systematic approach to the study of biological organisms. In the book "Robots, people and consciousness" (1967), the scientist transferred the general theory of systems to the analysis of the processes and phenomena of social life. In 1969 another book by Bertalanffy, General Systems Theory, was published. The researcher turns his systems theory into a general disciplinary science. He saw the purpose of this science in the search for the structural similarity of the laws established in various disciplines, on the basis of which it is possible to derive system-wide patterns.
However, the development of research in this direction has shown that the totality of the problems of the methodology of system research significantly exceeds the scope of the tasks of the general theory of systems. To designate this broader scope of methodological problems, the term "systems approach" is used, which has been used since the 1970s. firmly entered into scientific use (in the scientific literature of different countries, other terms are also used to refer to this concept - "system analysis", "system methods", "system-structural approach", "general systems theory"; at the same time, behind the concepts of system analysis and The general theory of systems also has a specific, narrower meaning; with this in mind, the term "system approach" should be considered more accurate, moreover, it is most common in the literature in Russian).
The following stages in the development of a systematic approach in the 20th century can be distinguished. (Table 6.1).
Table 6.1. The main stages in the development of a systematic approach
|
Period |
Researchers |
||
|
L. A. Bogdanov |
General organizational science (tectology) - a general theory of organization (disorganization), the science of universal types of structural transformation of systems |
||
|
1930s-1940s |
L. von Bertalanffy |
General systems theory (as a set of principles for studying systems and a set of individual empirically identified isomorphisms in the structure and functioning of heterogeneous system objects). System - a complex of interacting elements, a set of elements that are in certain relationships with each other and with the environment |
|
|
Development of cybernetics and design of automated control systems. Wiener discovered the laws of information interaction of elements in the process of system management |
|||
|
1960-1980s |
M. Mesarovich, P. Glushkov |
Concepts of the general theory of systems, provided with their own mathematical apparatus, for example, models of multi-level multi-purpose systems |
|
The systematic approach does not exist in the form of a strict methodological concept, but rather a set of research principles. A systematic approach is an approach in which the object under study is considered as a system, i.e. a set of interrelated elements (components) that has an output (goal), input (resources), connection with the external environment, feedback. In accordance with general theory systems, an object is considered as a system and at the same time as an element of a larger system.
The study of an object from the standpoint of a systematic approach includes the following aspects of:
- - system-elemental (identification of the elements that make up this system);
- - system-structural (the study of internal relationships between the elements of the system);
- - system-functional (identification of system functions);
- - system-target (identifying the goals and sub-goals of the system);
- - system-resource (analysis of resources required for the functioning of the system);
- - system-integration (determination of a set of qualitative properties of the system that ensure its integrity and are different from the properties of its elements);
- - system-communication (analysis of external relations of the system with the external environment and other systems);
- - system-historical (studying the emergence of the system, stages of its development and prospects).
Thus, the system approach is a methodological direction in science, the main task of which is to develop methods for researching and constructing complex objects - systems of different types and classes.
One can meet a dual understanding of the systems approach: on the one hand, this is a consideration, analysis of existing systems, on the other hand, the creation, design, synthesis of systems to achieve goals.
In relation to organizations, the systems approach is most often understood as a comprehensive study of an object as a whole from the standpoint of system analysis, i.e. clarification of a complex problem and its structuring into a series of tasks solved using economic and mathematical methods, finding criteria for their solution, detailing goals, designing effective organization to achieve goals.
System Analysis is used as one of the most important methods in a systematic approach, as an effective means of solving complex, usually not clearly formulated problems. System analysis can be considered a further development of the ideas of cybernetics: it explores the general patterns related to complex systems that are studied by any science.
System engineering - applied science that studies the problems of real creation of complex control systems.
The process of building a system consists of six stages:
- 1) system analysis;
- 2) system programming, which includes the definition of current goals: scheduling and work plans;
- 3) system design - the actual design of the system, its subsystems and components to achieve optimal efficiency;
- 4) creation of software programs;
- 5) putting the system into operation and testing it;
- 6) system maintenance.
The quality of the organization of the system is usually expressed in the synergy effect. It manifests itself in the fact that the result of the functioning of the system as a whole is higher than the sum of the results of the same name of the individual elements that make up the totality. In practice, this means that from the same elements we can obtain systems of different or identical properties, but of different efficiency, depending on how these elements are interconnected, i.e. how the system will be organized.
Organization, which is an organized whole in the most general abstract form, is the ultimate extension of any system. The concept of "organization" as an ordered state of the whole is identical to the concept of "system". The concept opposite to "system" is the concept "non-system".
A system is nothing but an organization in statics, i.e. some currently fixed state of order.
Considering an organization as a system allows you to systematize and classify organizations according to a number of common features. So, according to the degree of complexity, there are nine levels of hierarchy:
- 1) the level of static organization, reflecting the static relationships between the elements of the whole;
- 2) simple level dynamic system with pre-programmed mandatory movements;
- 3) the level of information organization, or the level of "thermostat";
- 4) self-preserving organization - an open system, or cell level;
- 5) genetically public organization;
- 6) organization of the "animal" type, characterized by the presence of mobility, purposeful behavior and awareness;
- 7) the level of the individual human organism - the "human" level;
- 8) social organization, representing a variety of public institutions;
- 9) transcendental systems, i.e. organizations that exist in the form of various structures and relationships.
The application of a systematic approach to the study of an organization makes it possible to significantly expand the understanding of its essence and development trends, to more deeply and comprehensively reveal the content of ongoing processes, to identify the objective patterns of the formation of this multifaceted system.
A systematic approach, or a systematic method, is an explicit (obviously, openly expressed) description of the procedures for determining objects as systems and methods for their specific systematic research (descriptions, explanations, predictions, etc.).
A systematic approach to the study of the properties of the organization allows you to establish its integrity, consistency and organization. With a systematic approach, the attention of researchers is directed to its composition, to the properties of elements that manifest themselves in interaction. Establishment in the system of a stable relationship of elements at all levels and steps, i.e. the establishment of the law of connections between elements is the discovery of the structural nature of the system as the next step in concretizing the whole.
Structure as an internal organization of the system, a reflection of its internal content is manifested in the orderliness of the interconnections of its parts. This allows you to express a number of essential aspects of the organization as a system. The structure of the system, expressing its essence, is manifested in the totality of the laws of a given field of phenomena.
Study of the structure of the organization - milestone knowledge of the variety of connections that take place within the object under study. This is one of the aspects of the system. The other side is to identify intra-organizational relations and relationships of the object under consideration with other components of the higher-level system. In this regard, it is necessary, firstly, to consider the individual properties of the object under study in their relationship with the object as a whole, and secondly, to reveal the laws of behavior.
System is a set of parts or components that are organizationally interconnected. Therefore, the concept "system"
The essence of the systematic approach:
"analysis-synthesis"
("synthesis-analysis").
L. von Bertalanffy, .
Russell Ackoff defines
1) identification of the whole (system), part of which is the object of interest to us;
3) an explanation of the behavior or properties of the object of interest to us in terms of its role or functions in general, of which it is a part. (i.e. the sequence "synthesis-analysis").
73. The concept of "system". System objects. Systems approach
System is a set of parts or components that are organizationally interconnected. System- a set of interrelated and interacting elements (according to international ISO standards). V. Afanasiev believes that the key feature of the system is emergence. This principle of the appearance of properties in the whole that are not characteristic of elements individually is called W. R. Ashby emergence principle.
Therefore, the concept "system" most often defined as a set of elements that are in relationships and connections with each other, which forms a certain integrity.
In organizational systems, there is a constant process of transformation, during which elements change their state. In the transformation process, input elements are transformed into output elements.
The essence of a systematic approach
Previously, a reductionist approach dominated science and practice (in order to understand the whole, it is necessary to study its elements). Those. research methodology - "analysis-synthesis"(from parts to whole). The systems approach emerged as opposed to the reductionist one.
In accordance with systems thinking, it is believed that a better understanding of the system under study can be achieved by expanding the system, and not by reducing it to its constituent elements. Understanding goes from the whole to its parts ("synthesis-analysis"). Understanding the whole cannot be ignored, because this is very important information for the researcher.
The broadest interpretation of the system approach methodology belongs to L. von Bertalanffy, who proceeded from the fact that any organization is, first of all, the relationship between the interdependent parts of the system that ensure its existence. Therefore, the study of individual parts of the system cannot give a correct idea of it as a whole. From this it was concluded that the system is qualitatively different from its constituent components, subsystems, and cannot be considered as a simple sum of its constituent elements.
The system approach is interdisciplinary and general scientific, because focuses on the integration of the achievements of all sciences (social, natural and technical), as well as the experience of practical activities, primarily in the field of organization and management. A good manager, as well as a good doctor, is a systems specialist who knows the structure and work of the entire organization or the whole organism. This is very valuable information for decision making.
Synthesis, or knowledge of the object as a whole, is the key to systems thinking. Russell Ackoff defines system approach methodology as the following order of the three stages of knowledge:
1) identification of the whole (system), part of which is the object of interest to us;
2) an explanation of the behavior of the whole or the properties of the whole;
3) an explanation of the behavior or properties of the object of interest to us in terms of its role or functions in general, of which it is a part. (i.e. the sequence "synthesis-analysis").
In the traditional approach, the sequence is opposite - "analysis-synthesis".