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Listing all articles in Systems-Thinking Resources under the category 'General Systems' :

 

Book : Advanced Systems Thinking, Engineering, and Management (2003)

Advanced Systems Thinking, Engineering, and Management

Publisher:Artech House Publishing

Author(s): Hitchins, Derek K.

Published: 2003 ISBN: 1580536190 • 489 pages Delivery Format: Hard Copy - Hardback

Summary

From the publisher:

No matter what field you are working in or studying, Advanced Systems Thinking, Engineering, and Management offers you a comprehensive understanding of systems ideas and methods to help you achieve unmatched success with your challenging projects. This unique resource helps you add a systems-scientific grounding to systems engineering enterprises, showing you how to solve intractable problems, design systems to accommodate complex environments, and manage both creative and operational systems. You learn how to conceive, design and manage a systems engineering process for optimal results.

The book is filled with examples and case studies from a wide range of areas, from integrated transport systems, security systems, and defense procurement, to missile defense architectures, famine relief, and managing markets. This innovative reference introduces a generic systems lifecycle theory that helps you understand how systems form, persist and decay, and presents a 5-layer classification for systems engineering. You discover how to use a generic reference model that allows systems of all types to be addressed within a common framework. Moreover, the book reveals how architecture is used to create system emergent properties, capabilities and behaviors.



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Book : Handbook of Systems Engineering and Management (1999)

Handbook of Systems Engineering and Management

Publisher:John Wiley & Sons

Author(s): Sage, Andrew P. • Rouse, William B.

Published: 1999 ISBN: 0471154059 • 1236 pages Delivery Format: Hard Copy - Hardback

Summary

From the publisher:

Systems engineering is the management technology that supports the planning, organizing, directing, and controlling of the total system development process to ensure evolution of a high-quality, trustworthy, and cost-effective system capable of meeting user needs.  Among the many applications of systems engineering and management are decision support systems, command and control systems, air traffic control systems, intelligent highway vehicle systems, process control systems, and enterprise systems. The factors associated with the engineering of large-scale systems include policy making, planning, decision making, resource allocation, and action deployment.The Handbook of Systems Engineering and Management is a comprehensive, single-volume reference to every aspect of systems engineering and management for fielding systems of all types, especially systems that are information-, technology-, and software-intensive.This volume guides professionals through every phase of the definition, design, implementation, and management of systems of large scale and scope, from identifying user needs and determining costs to ensuring system capabilities and maintaining smooth operations. The handbook will be of long-lasting value to those concerned with the technical direction, development, and management of complex projects of large scale and scope.

The first undertaking of its kind, the Handbook of Systems Engineering and Management presents a single, practical source covering the theory and practice of systems engineering and management.  Taking a multifaceted view of this interdisciplinary subject, the work begins with a comprehensive outline of systems engineering. The handbook then provides major sections on systems engineering methodology and processes, systems management, human factors in systems engineering,quality and standards in systems engineering, and system engineering methods.

With its main focus on the organization and management of complexity, rather than direct technological concerns that affect individual subsystems, it covers a vast number of ingredients associated with the engineering of trustworthy systems, and helps those involved in these large-scale projects with:

  • Systematic measurement approaches and capability-assessment models
  • A knowledge base of effective systems-engineering processes and systems-management strategies
  • An understanding of the complex role of advanced information technologies in enhancing systems’ productivity and quality
  • Detailed discussions of the tools and methods, life cycle processes, and systems management strategies available for the support of complex high-technology systems-engineering efforts

Supplemented with nearly 400 graphs and figures that help clarify difficult concepts and organize complex material, the Handbook of Systems Engineering and Management is an immensely helpful resource for systems engineers, human factors engineers, and systems and software development managers in industry and government.



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Book : Introduction to Systems Engineering (2000)

Introduction to Systems Engineering

Publisher:John Wiley & Sons

Author(s): Sage, Andrew P. • Armstrong, James E.

Published: 2000 ISBN: 0471027669 • 547 pages Delivery Format: Hard Copy - Hardback

Summary

From the publisher:

Systems engineering (SE), or the engineering of large-scale systems, is key to achieving reliable, efficient, cost-effective products and services in diverse fields, including communication and network systems, software engineering, information systems, manufacturing, command and control, and defense systems acquisition and procurement.

This book offers a unique introduction to the world of systems engineering, focusing on analysis and problem-solving techniques that can be applied throughout the life cycle of product systems and service systems. While the authors provide a framework for the functional levels involved in systems engineering processes and system management, the bulk of the discussion is devoted to the practical application of formulation, analysis, and interpretation methods.

Through the use of real-world examples and useful graphs, readers will learn to:

  • Choose the most appropriate methods and tools for a given project
  • Apply issue formulation methods to assure that the right problem has been identified
  • Work with formal analysis methods to assure that the problem is solved correctly
  • Apply issue interpretation methods to insure that decisions reflect human values and technological realities, and thereby make interpretation work for them in the decision-making process
  • Develop an appreciation for the engineering and troubleshooting of large systems


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Book : Managing Complex Technical Projects - A Systems Engineering Approach (2002)

Managing Complex Technical Projects - A Systems Engineering Approach

Publisher:Artech House Publishing

Author(s): Faulconbridge, R Ian • Ryan, Michael J.

Published: 2002 ISBN: 1580533787 • 274 pages Delivery Format: Hard Copy - Hardback

Summary

From the publisher:

This unique resource delivers complete, easy-to-understand coverage of the management of complex technical projects through systems engineering. Written for a wide spectrum of readers, from novices to experienced practitioners, the book holds the solution to delivering projects on time and within budget, avoiding the failures and inefficiencies of past efforts.

It provides you with a framework that encapsulates all areas of systems engineering, clearly showing you where the multitude of systems engineering activities fit within the overall effort. You get a top-down approach that introduces you to the philosophical aspects of this discipline, and offers you a cohesive understanding of a plethora of important terms, standards and practices that have been developed independently. Moreover, the authors present key systems engineering issues in a manner that promotes individual thinking and unique approaches to the varied projects you encounter in the field.

About the Author

R. Ian Faulconbridge is a senior lecturer at the University of New South Wales, where he received his M.Eng.Sc. in electrical engineering. He received his M.B.A. in project management from the University of Southern Queensland.

Michael J. Ryan serves as senior lecturer at the University of New South Wales. He earned his M.Eng.Sc. and Ph.D. in electrical engineering at this university.



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Book : Practical Systems Thinking (1996)

Practical Systems Thinking

Publisher:International Thomson Business Press

Author(s): Waring, Alan

Published: 1996 ISBN: 0412717506 • 272 pages Delivery Format: Hard Copy - Paperback

Summary

This new textbook examines three principal methods of applied systems thinking: systems failures, hard and soft systems methods. Other systems methodologies are described briefly. The book is written in an open learning style with activities, exercises and case studies with an emphasis on practice and technique. It is supported by numerous illustrations, in keeping with the diagramming techniques of systems work.



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Book : Putting Systems to Work (1992)

Putting Systems to Work

Categories: General SystemsSystems Thinking

Tags: book

Publisher:John Wiley & Sons

Author(s): Hitchins, Derek K.

Published: 1992 ISBN: 0471934267 • 342 pages Delivery Format: Hard Copy - Paperback

Summary

This text, examining the nature, views and uses of systems, aims to develop a sound systems ethic and systems methods that will improve the performance of systems, organizations and businesses while preserving the environment.

There are four distinct but interrelated parts, progressing from basic systems notions and principles, through the establishment of some building blocks, through to full systems synthesis. Classical systems engineering is discussed, as a basis for comparison with, and foundation for, a New Systems Engineering, and speculation is put forward about the way in which some aspects of system design might be undertaken in the future.



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Book : Requirements Engineering - A Good Practice Guide (1997)

Requirements Engineering - A Good Practice Guide

Publisher:John Wiley & Sons

Author(s): Sawyer, Pete • Somerville, Ian

Published: 1997 ISBN: 0471974447 • 404 pages Delivery Format: Hard Copy - Paperback

Summary

From the publisher:

Requirements engineering is the process of discovering, documenting and managing the requirements for a computer-based system. The goal of requirements engineering is to produce a set of system requirements which, as far as possible, is complete, consistent, relevant and reflects what the customer actually wants. Although this ideal is probably unattainable, the use of a systematic approach based on engineering principles leads to better requirements than the informal approach which is still commonly used.

This book presents a set of guidelines which reflect the best practice in requirements engineering. Based on the authors’ experience in research and in software and systems development, these guidelines explain in an easy-to-understand way how you can improve your requirements engineering processes.

The guidelines are applicable for any type of application and, in general, apply to both systems and software engineering. The guidelines here range from simple ‘common sense’ to those which propose the introduction of complex new methods. The guidelines and process improvement schemes have been organised so that you can pick and choose according to your problems, goals and available budget. There are few dependencies between guidelines so you can introduce them in any order in your organisation.

Guidelines presented in the book

  • are consistent with ISO 9000 and CMM
  • are ranked with cost/benefit analysis
  • give implementation advice
  • can be combined and applied to suit your organisation’s needs
  • are supported by a web page pointing to RE tools and resources


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Book : Soft Systems Methodology in Action (1990)

Soft Systems Methodology in Action

Publisher:John Wiley & Sons

Author(s): Checkland, Peter • Scholes, Jim

Published: 1990 ISBN: 0471927686 • 346 pages Delivery Format: Hard Copy - Paperback

Summary

Soft Systems Methodology was developed in the 1970s. It grew out of the failure of established methods of “systems engineering” (SE) when faced with messy complex problem situations. SE is concerned with creating systems to meet defined objectives, and it works well in those situations in which there is such general agreement on the objectives to be achieved that the problem can be thought of simply as the selection of efficacious and efficient means to achieve them.

SSM was developed expressly to cope with the more normal situation in which the people in a problem situation perceive and interpret the world in their own ways and make judgements about it using standards and values which may not be shared by others. Deciding how a company should make use of information technology, launching a new product, choosing a career, running a sports club, setting about improving care of the elderly in a District of the National Health Service are all problems of the latter type, for which SSM is appropriate.



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Book : System Analysis, Design, and Development: Concepts, Principles, and Practices (2006)

System Analysis, Design, and Development: Concepts, Principles, and Practices

Publisher:John Wiley & Sons

Author(s): Wasson, Charles S

Published: 2006 ISBN: 0471393339 • 832 pages Delivery Format: Hard Copy - Hardback

Summary

From the publisher:

Written in a practical, easy to understand style, this text provides a step-by-step guide to System Analysis and Engineering by introducing concepts, principles, and practices via a progression of topical, lesson oriented chapters.

Each chapter focuses on specific aspects of system analysis, design, and development, and includes definitions of key terms, examples, author’s notes, key principles, and challenging exercises that teach readers to apply their knowledge to real world systems.

Concepts and methodologies presented can be applied by organizations in business sectors such as transportation, construction, medical, financial, education, aerospace and defense, utilities, government, and others, regardless of size.

An excellent undergraduate or graduate-level textbook in systems analysis and engineering, this book is written for both new and experienced professionals who acquire, design, develop, deploy, operate, or support systems, products, or services.



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Book : Systems Archetype Basics: From Story To Structure (2007)

Systems Archetype Basics: From Story To Structure

Categories: BusinessGeneral SystemsSystems Thinking

Tags: andersonbookkimmanagementorganisationpegasus

Publisher:Pegasus Communications Inc.

Author(s): Anderson, Virginia • Kim, Daniel H.

Published: 2007 ISBN: 1883823048 • 208 pages Delivery Format: Hard Copy - Paperback

Summary

From the publisher:

Does your organization make the same mistakes over and over again, without being able to get a grip on the cause? If so, a systems archetype might be at work behind the scenes! The archetypes depict the recurring “stories” that often indicate imbalance in a system.

Working with these tools can help individuals and teams surface their mental models, communicate the “story,” and engage in creative dialogue about the entire system.

Written by top authors in the field, this workbook brings you the latest thinking about the archetypes—and provides plenty of practice using them.

Familiarize yourself with eight classic archetypes, such as Fixes That Fail and Limits to Success, by working step-by-step through vivid examples, illustrations, and exercises. Additional activities, potential responses, a handy “archetypes at a glance” chart, and a glossary of terms complete your learning experience.

Ideal for self-study or group practice, Systems Archetype Basics will give you the confidence and skill to start putting your knowledge to work.



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