Validate: System Name

Overview

This table validates the system definition for the system element name.

Validate using Russell Ackoff's Definition and 5 Conditions

Definition: System: A system is a whole consisting of two or more parts that satisfies the following five conditions:

1. The whole has one or more defining properties or functions

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2. Each part of the set can affect the behavior or properties of the whole

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3. There is a subset of parts that is sufficient in one or more environments for carrying out the defining function of the whole; each of these parts is necessary but insufficient for carrying out this defining function.

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4. The way that each essential part of a system affects its behavior or properties depends on (the behavior or properties of )at least one other essential part of the system.

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5. The effect of any subset of essential parts on the system as a whole depends on the behavior of at least one other such subset.

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Validate using 10 things to understand about systems

The 10 things are used to validate the system-of-interest

1. A system exists within a wider 'context' or environment

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2. A system is made up of parts that interact with each other and with the wider environment

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3. A system has structure, function, performance, behaviour and a lifecycle.

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4. A system has system-level properties ("Emergent properties") that are properties of the whole system not attributable to individual parts.

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5. A system both changes it environment and adapts to its environment when it is deployed.

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6. Systems contain multiple feedback loops with variable time constraints.

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7. A system may be part of one or several wider 'containing systems'.

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8. A system may have one of three basic types of relationship with its environment: distinct, close-coupled, fluid and dynamic.

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9. A system may offer 'affordances' for interaction.

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10. Types of system include technical, social, ecological, environmental and any combination of these.

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