Systems, Development and Structures

Chapter 4

Pio G. Castillo/BA100: Dana Tesone

Systems Thinking
System It is a network of relationships.
Sub-system System
Work Unit Organization External Environment

Macrosystem

Systems Thinking
Theory It is an underlying principle or explanation of something scientific or philosophical.

Practice It consists of how to do things based on why things happen (theory).

Tool It is something used to perform a practice.

Systems Thinking
Systems Thinking is a practice related to theories from science and philosophy that describe patterns of collaborative energy called relationships. It is a practice that comes from theories that require us to view the enterprise and its people as subsystems within systems.

Interdependency is a state of mutual dependence and independence existing at the same time.

Systems Thinking
Closed Systems are systems that are not influenced by the outside environment, examples of which are mechanistic systems which have definitive life spans and continuously atrophy into nonexistence. They do not have the capacity to adapt to environmental changes.

Systems Thinking
Open Systems are those that constantly interact with the external environment for survival and evolution in order to keep up with the changes in the world around them. They, like organic systems, have the capacity for infinite life because of their ability to evolve.

Systems Thinking
Linear Systems
Inputs Transformational Process Outputs

Resources

Systems

Products

Everyone in the organization is serving someone, either internally or externally.

Systems Thinking
Nonlinear Systems

Inputs

Transformational Process

Outputs

Resources

Systems

Products

External Environment

Systems Thinking
Functional Systems
Inputs Human Resource Finance Materials Procurement Operations Marketing

Transformational Process

Outputs

Technology

Organizational functions represent areas of business specialization.

Systems Thinking
Invisible Nonlinear Organization Systems
Meaning System
Inputs Transformational Process

Outputs

Resources

Systems

Products

Learning System External Environment

Systems Thinking
Learning Process Model
Reflection

Self-Awareness

Knowledge

Experience

Systems Thinking
Learning Organizations Organizations where people rapidly assimilate information, alter behaviors, share knowledge and modify cognitive processes to remain in synchronization with the dynamic and global external environment.

Butterfly Effect

Stages of Development
1.

2.
3. 4.

5.

Assimilation Advancement Influence Integration Retirement

Structures
1.

2.
3. 4.

Travel Agency Airline Company Hotel Restaurant

Group Assignment Due Date: August 1, 2011 (MWF Classes) August 2, 2011 (TTh Classes)