Systems

17 pages, 2717 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperArticle

On the Architecture of Systemology and the Typology of Its Principles

by David Rousseau

Systems 2018, 6(1), 7; https://doi.org/10.3390/systems6010007 - 13 Mar 2018

Cited by 18 | Viewed by 12023

Systems engineering is increasingly challenged by the rising complexity of projects undertaken, resulting in increases in costs, failure rates, and negative unintended consequences. This has resulted in calls for more scientific principles to underpin the methods of systems engineering. In this paper, it [...] Read more.

Systems engineering is increasingly challenged by the rising complexity of projects undertaken, resulting in increases in costs, failure rates, and negative unintended consequences. This has resulted in calls for more scientific principles to underpin the methods of systems engineering. In this paper, it is argued that our ability to improve systems Engineering’s methods depends on making the principles of systemology, of which systems engineering is a part, more diverse and more scientific. An architecture for systemology is introduced, which shows how the principles of systemology arise from interdependent processes spanning multiple disciplinary fields, and on this basis a typology is introduced, which can be used to classify systems principles and systems methods. This framework, consisting of an architecture and a typology, can be used to survey and classify the principles and methods currently in use in systemology, map vocabularies referring to them, identify key gaps, and expose opportunities for further development. It may, thus, serve as a tool for coordinating collaborative work towards advancing the scope and depth of systemology. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Systems Thinking)

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15 pages, 2892 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Veterinary Telemedicine: A System Dynamics Case Study

by John Voyer and Tristan Jordan

Systems 2018, 6(1), 6; https://doi.org/10.3390/systems6010006 - 15 Feb 2018

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 7534

Abstract

Veterinary telemedicine has existed since the late 1990s. Various scholars have predicted its growth, others its decline. We constructed a system dynamics model of a veterinary telemedicine company providing services in one specialty in the industry. The model showed that severe shortages of [...] Read more.

Veterinary telemedicine has existed since the late 1990s. Various scholars have predicted its growth, others its decline. We constructed a system dynamics model of a veterinary telemedicine company providing services in one specialty in the industry. The model showed that severe shortages of specialists would limit growth in that, even with extensive marketing efforts. This limitation is likely to hold in other aspects of veterinary telemedicine. The paper concludes with recommendations for the company and the industry. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Theory and Practice in System Dynamics Modelling)

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12 pages, 1352 KiB

Open AccessEditorial

Overview and Insights from ‘Systems Education for a Sustainable Planet’

by Robert Y. Cavana and Vicky E. Forgie

Systems 2018, 6(1), 5; https://doi.org/10.3390/systems6010005 - 13 Feb 2018

Cited by 11 | Viewed by 8064

Abstract

An announcement by Bosch and Cavana, in Systems, called for new papers to provide updated perspectives about and fresh insights into developments that influence ‘systems education for a sustainable planet’. This paper’s objective is to provide an overview of the 14 papers that [...] Read more.

An announcement by Bosch and Cavana, in Systems, called for new papers to provide updated perspectives about and fresh insights into developments that influence ‘systems education for a sustainable planet’. This paper’s objective is to provide an overview of the 14 papers that were published in the special issue, and present some insights and findings from their content. It does this by classifying the papers into five distinct themes, then analysing their content and the linkages between the themes. This process revealed that: (1) Specialised systems education at a tertiary level is predominantly at graduate level, using a diverse range of approaches; and (2) Delivering specialised systems education remains a challenge for programs that endeavour to provide an integrated and interdisciplinary learning experience. Barriers include current institutional structures and the need for students to be both big picture thinkers and detail-oriented technocrats; (3) Teaching systems approaches outside of specialised programs for students (both young and mature) help to expose systems thinking to a wider demographic; (4) The strong links that exist between systems approaches and sustainability goals are increasingly being recognised. Systems education can help transition towards a sustainable planet, as it helps people appreciate that individual actions are not isolated events but contribute to an interconnected system that determines both the well-being of humans and the planet. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Systems Education for a Sustainable Planet)

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28 pages, 2898 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Rediscovering and Reviving Old Observations and Explanations of Metabolic Scaling in Living Systems

by Douglas S. Glazier

Systems 2018, 6(1), 4; https://doi.org/10.3390/systems6010004 - 29 Jan 2018

Cited by 54 | Viewed by 10681

Abstract

Why the rate of metabolism varies (scales) in regular, but diverse ways with body size is a perennial, incompletely resolved question in biology. In this article, I discuss several examples of the recent rediscovery and (or) revival of specific metabolic scaling relationships and [...] Read more.

Why the rate of metabolism varies (scales) in regular, but diverse ways with body size is a perennial, incompletely resolved question in biology. In this article, I discuss several examples of the recent rediscovery and (or) revival of specific metabolic scaling relationships and explanations for them previously published during the nearly 200-year history of allometric studies. I carry out this discussion in the context of the four major modal mechanisms highlighted by the contextual multimodal theory (CMT) that I published in this journal four years ago. These mechanisms include metabolically important processes and their effects that relate to surface area, resource transport, system (body) composition, and resource demand. In so doing, I show that no one mechanism can completely explain the broad diversity of metabolic scaling relationships that exists. Multi-mechanistic models are required, several of which I discuss. Successfully developing a truly general theory of biological scaling requires the consideration of multiple hypotheses, causal mechanisms and scaling relationships, and their integration in a context-dependent way. A full awareness of the rich history of allometric studies, an openness to multiple perspectives, and incisive experimental and comparative tests can help this important quest. Full article

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17 pages, 2438 KiB

Open AccessConcept Paper

How to Disable Mortal Loops of Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) Implementation: A System Dynamics Analysis

by Kaveh M. Cyrus, Davide Aloini and Samira Karimzadeh

Systems 2018, 6(1), 3; https://doi.org/10.3390/systems6010003 - 16 Jan 2018

Cited by 14 | Viewed by 10577

Abstract

Successful Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) implementation depends upon various factors known as critical success factors (CSFs). This study developed a system dynamics model of ERP implementation based on CSFs to discuss ERP implementation complexities, which identifies the effect of CSF interrelations on different [...] Read more.

Successful Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) implementation depends upon various factors known as critical success factors (CSFs). This study developed a system dynamics model of ERP implementation based on CSFs to discuss ERP implementation complexities, which identifies the effect of CSF interrelations on different aspects of ERP project failure. Based on the model hypothesis, CSF interrelations include many causal loop dependencies. Some of these causal loops are called mortal loops, because they may cause the failure of risk reduction efforts to a more severe failure in effect of lack of system thinking on CSFs interrelations. This study discusses how system thinking works as a leverage point for overcoming ERP implementation challenges. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Theory and Practice in System Dynamics Modelling)

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28 pages, 720 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Compositional Approach to Distributed System Behavior Modeling and Formal Validation of Infrastructure Operations with Finite State Automata: Application to Viewpoint-Driven Verification of Functionality in Waterways

by Mark A. Austin and John Johnson

Systems 2018, 6(1), 2; https://doi.org/10.3390/systems6010002 - 12 Jan 2018

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 8219

Abstract

Now that modern infrastructure systems are moving toward an increased use of automation in their day-to-day operations, there is an emerging need for new approaches to the formal analysis and validation of system functionality with respect to correctness of operations. This paper describes [...] Read more.

Now that modern infrastructure systems are moving toward an increased use of automation in their day-to-day operations, there is an emerging need for new approaches to the formal analysis and validation of system functionality with respect to correctness of operations. This paper describes a compositional approach to the multi-level behavior modeling and formal validation of large-scale distributed system operations with hierarchies and networks of finite state automata. To avoid the well-known state explosion problem, we develop a new procedure for viewpoint-action-process traceability, thereby allowing parts of a behavior model not relevant to a specific decision to be removed from consideration. Key features of the methodology are illustrated through the development of behavior models and validation procedures for polite conversation between two individuals, and lockset- and system-level concerns for ships traversing a large-scale waterway system. Full article

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2 pages, 306 KiB

Open AccessEditorial

Acknowledgement to Reviewers of Systems in 2017

by Systems Editorial Office

Systems 2018, 6(1), 1; https://doi.org/10.3390/systems6010001 - 9 Jan 2018

Viewed by 5400

Abstract

Peer review is an essential part in the publication process, ensuring that Systems maintains high quality standards for its published papers. In 2017, a total of 53 papers were published in the journal.[...] Full article

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Systems, Volume 6, Issue 1 (March 2018) – 7 articles

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