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This book describes a comprehensive approach to applying systems
science formally to the deep analysis of a wide variety of complex
systems. Detailed 'how-to' examples of the three phases
(analysis-modeling-design) of systems science are applied to
systems of various types (machines, organic (e.g. ecosystem), and
supra-organic (e.g. business organizations and government). The
complexity of the global system has reached proportions that
seriously challenge our abilities to understand the consequences of
our use of technology, modification of natural ecosystems, or even
how to govern ourselves. For this reason, complex mathematics is
eschewed when simpler structures will suffice, allowing the widest
possible audience to apply and benefit from the available tools and
concepts of systems science in their own work. The book shows, in
detail, how to functionally and structurally deconstruct complex
systems using a fundamental language of systems. It shows how to
capture the discovered details in a structured knowledge base from
which abstract models can be derived for simulation. The knowledge
base is also shown to be a basis for generating system design
specifications for human-built artifacts, or policy
recommendations/policy mechanisms for socio-economic-ecological
systems management. The book builds on principles and methods found
in the authors' textbook Principles of Systems Science (co-authored
with Michael Kalton), but without prerequisites. It will appeal to
a broad audience that deals with complex systems every day, from
design engineers to economic and ecological systems managers and
policymakers.
This pioneering text provides a comprehensive introduction to
systems structure, function, and modeling as applied in all fields
of science and engineering. Systems understanding is increasingly
recognized as a key to a more holistic education and greater
problem solving skills, and is also reflected in the trend toward
interdisciplinary approaches to research on complex phenomena.
While the concepts and components of systems science will continue
to be distributed throughout the various disciplines, undergraduate
degree programs in systems science are also being developed,
including at the authors' own institutions. However, the subject is
approached, systems science as a basis for understanding the
components and drivers of phenomena at all scales should be viewed
with the same importance as a traditional liberal arts education.
Principles of Systems Science contains many graphs, illustrations,
side bars, examples, and problems to enhance understanding. From
basic principles of organization, complexity, abstract
representations, and behavior (dynamics) to deeper aspects such as
the relations between information, knowledge, computation, and
system control, to higher order aspects such as auto-organization,
emergence and evolution, the book provides an integrated
perspective on the comprehensive nature of systems. It ends with
practical aspects such as systems analysis, computer modeling, and
systems engineering that demonstrate how the knowledge of systems
can be used to solve problems in the real world. Each chapter is
broken into parts beginning with qualitative descriptions that
stand alone for students who have taken intermediate algebra. The
second part presents quantitative descriptions that are based on
pre-calculus and advanced algebra, providing a more formal
treatment for students who have the necessary mathematical
background. Numerous examples of systems from every realm of life,
including the physical and biological sciences, humanities, social
sciences, engineering, pre-med and pre-law, are based on the
fundamental systems concepts of boundaries, components as
subsystems, processes as flows of materials, energy, and messages,
work accomplished, functions performed, hierarchical structures,
and more. Understanding these basics enables further understanding
both of how systems endure and how they may become increasingly
complex and exhibit new properties or characteristics. Serves as a
textbook for teaching systems fundamentals in any discipline or for
use in an introductory course in systems science degree programs
Addresses a wide range of audiences with different levels of
mathematical sophistication Includes open-ended questions in
special boxes intended to stimulate integrated thinking and class
discussion Describes numerous examples of systems in science and
society Captures the trend towards interdisciplinary research and
problem solving
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