SYSTEMS METHODOLOGIES
| Collection | International Encyclopedia of Systems and Cybernetics |
|---|---|
| Year | 2004 |
| Vol. (num.) | 2(2) |
| ID | ◀ 3471 ▶ |
| Object type | General information, Methodology or model |
There are various types of systems methodologies, according to their respective aims and uses. (see G. DYER, Template:Ency entity, 1992, p.1186). Hereafter a probably quite incomplete listing:
- Hard Systems Methodology : “Systems-based methodology, also known as ”systems engineering “, for tackling real world problems in which an objective or an end to be achieved can be taken or given. A system is then engineered to achieve the stated objective ” (R. RODRIGUEZ ULLOA, Glossary, 1999)
The objective is in general functional, material or organizational in quite precise limits. Human psychological, social and cultural factors are not considered.
- Soft systems methodology, applicable to ill-structured problems (P. CHECKLAND and his followers, principally in England, including more evolved Total System Intervention — M.C. JACKSON, R.L. FLOOD and others)
- Global Design and Interactive Management, based on Interpretive Structural Modeling and assorted practical networking methods (J. WARFIELD and followers in U.S, Mexico and various developing countries)
- Architecture of Complexity, applied to the study of the internal structures of complex systems, in order to manage them rationally (H. SIMON)
- Reconstructability Analysis and General Systems Problem Solver, aimed at creating more adequate models of complex systems and ways to manage them (G. KLIR)
- Coparticipative Design, aiming at a better integration of human groups in their own design projects (B. BANATHY and the FUSCHL Group)
- Management Science, developed principally along metadisciplinary concepts and corresponding practical methods (R.L. ACKOFF and his Pennsylvania University team)
- Systems Dynamics, developed in order to simulate complex systems on computers (with sometimes doubtful results) (J. FORRESTER and his M.I.T. team)
- The Viable System modeling, aimed at defining the basic parameters of complex systems in order to modelize them and evaluate their viability or the changes to be introduced (S. BEER)
- Expert systems, based on human experts knowledge transfered to computers and applicable to specific situations
In some cases Systems Analysis and Systems Engineering techniques are used within these larger reference frames.