a method of formal analysis in which the object of study is viewed as comprising distinct analytical sub-units. Thus in archaeology, it comprises a form of explanation in which a society or culture is seen through the interaction and interdependence of its component parts; these are referred to as system parameters, and may include such things as population size, settlement pattern, crop production, technology etc.
Systems thinking. Thinking about things as if they are systems, with boundaries, inputs, processes, and outputs. In other words, applying General Systems Theory.
An analytical approach that focuses on how the variables under study interacts with other elements of a system - of which it is a part.
The last of Senge's five learning disciplines of his learning organization: "A way of thinking about, and a language for describing and understanding, the forces and interrelationships that shape the behavior of systems... helps us to see how to change systems more effectively, and to act more in tune with the larger processes of the natural and economic world." (Senge et al., Fieldbook, p.6) Return to Top of this Page || Glossaries || Econ&Bus Geog
Identify all factors important to a process or issue with the purpose of understanding the correlations of the factors and their interdependent relationships, "pushing all parts simultaneously." This is compared to a linear approach where factors are considered one at a time, trying to find the one things which is the controlling factor.
The systems approach relates to considering wholes rather than parts, taking all the interactions into account, see also General Systems Theory. It considers processes rather than things to be primary.
This concept underlies all our work. Systems thinking is a holistic approach to analysis that focuses on the way an organizations's parts interrelate over time and in the context of other systems. It provides high leverage opportunities for change while preserving a respect for all components of an organization.
Seeing interconnections and relationships, the whole picture as well as the component parts (Guray, 2001). Task Analysis A process of identifying the elements or steps which make up a task or activities (Knight and Nestor, 2000).
Systems thinking encompasses a large and fairly indeterminate group of methods, tools, and principles that are concerned with the interrelatedness of forces that are part of a common process. The main idea is that the behavior of all systems follows certain common principles (Senge, 1994).
Looks at interconnections, impacts and interdependence in relation to natural and human systems
Systems thinking is an approach to analysis that is based on the belief that the component parts of a system will act differently when isolated from its environment or other parts of the system, and argues against Descartes's reductionist view. It includes viewing systems in a holistic manner, rather than through purely reductionist techniques.