Elements of a System
Regardless of their origin, all systems possess some common elements. To specify:
A system is a group of two or more interrelated components or subsystems that serve a common purpose.
Let’s analyze the general definition to gain an understanding of how it applies to businesses and infor- mation systems.
MULTIPLE COMPONENTS. A system must contain more than one part. For example, a yo-yo carved from a single piece of wood and attached to a string is a system. Without the string, it is not a system.
RELATEDNESS. A common purpose relates the multiple parts of the system. Although each part func- tions independently of the others, all parts serve a common objective. If a particular component does not contribute to the common goal, then it is not part of the system. For instance, a pair of ice skates and a vol- leyball net are both components; however, they lack a common purpose, and thus do not form a system.
SYSTEM VERSUS SUBSYSTEM. The distinction between the terms system and subsystem is a mat- ter of perspective. For our purposes, these terms are interchangeable. A system is called a subsystem when it is viewed in relation to the larger system of which it is a part. Likewise, a subsystem is called a system when it is the focus of attention. Animals, plants, and other life forms are systems. They are also subsystems of the ecosystem in which they exist. From a different perspective, animals are systems com- posed of many smaller subsystems, such as the circulatory subsystem and the respiratory subsystem.
PURPOSE. A system must serve at least one purpose, but it may serve several. Whether a system pro- vides a measure of time, electrical power, or information, serving a purpose is its fundamental justifica- tion. When a system ceases to serve a purpose, it should be replaced.
Elements of a System
Regardless of their origin, all systems possess some common elements. To specify:
A system is a group of two or more interrelated components or subsystems that serve a common purpose.
Let’s analyze the general definition to gain an understanding of how it applies to businesses and infor- mation systems.
MULTIPLE COMPONENTS. A system must contain more than one part. For example, a yo-yo carved from a single piece of wood and attached to a string is a system. Without the string, it is not a system.
RELATEDNESS. A common purpose relates the multiple parts of the system. Although each part func- tions independently of the others, all parts serve a common objective. If a particular component does not contribute to the common goal, then it is not part of the system. For instance, a pair of ice skates and a vol- leyball net are both components; however, they lack a common purpose, and thus do not form a system.
SYSTEM VERSUS SUBSYSTEM. The distinction between the terms system and subsystem is a mat- ter of perspective. For our purposes, these terms are interchangeable. A system is called a subsystem when it is viewed in relation to the larger system of which it is a part. Likewise, a subsystem is called a system when it is the focus of attention. Animals, plants, and other life forms are systems. They are also subsystems of the ecosystem in which they exist. From a different perspective, animals are systems com- posed of many smaller subsystems, such as the circulatory subsystem and the respiratory subsystem.
PURPOSE. A system must serve at least one purpose, but it may serve several. Whether a system pro- vides a measure of time, electrical power, or information, serving a purpose is its fundamental justifica- tion. When a system ceases to serve a purpose, it should be replaced.
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