What is a System?

 Definition: A system is a set of interrelated

components working together toward a common goal
by accepting inputs and producing outputs in an
organized transformation process.

 Examples of Systems: Computer systems,

biological systems, ecological systems, economic
systems, and business systems.
Characteristics of a
•Boundaries: Defines the limits of a system (what is
System
inside and what is outside).
•Components: Parts or elements that make up the
system.
•Environment: External factors that influence the
system.
•Interdependence: How system components rely on
each other.
•Input and Output: Data, materials, or energy
entering and exiting the system.
•Feedback Mechanism: Information sent back into
the system to adjust processes.
Types of Systems
 Open Systems: Interact with their environment and
adapt to external changes (e.g., ecosystems, business
organizations).
 Closed Systems: Have little to no interaction with their
external environment (e.g., a chemical reaction in a
sealed container).
 Natural Systems: Created by nature (e.g., ecosystems,
weather systems).
 Man-made Systems: Created by humans (e.g.,
information systems, transportation systems).
Subsystems
 Definition: A subsystem is a smaller system
within a larger system that has its own specific
role but contributes to the larger system’s
objectives.
 Examples: The circulatory system as a subsystem
of the human body, or customer service as a
subsystem of a business.
System Components and
Functions
 Input: What is put into the system (e.g., resources,
data, information).
 Processes: The actions or activities that transform
inputs into outputs.
 Output: The result produced by the system (e.g.,
services, finished goods).
 Feedback: Information used to monitor and adjust
the system for optimal performance.
System Thinking
 Definition: A holistic approach that looks at how
parts of a system interact and how changes in one
part of the system affect the whole.
 Key Principles:
o Understanding relationships and
interconnections.
o Identifying feedback loops.
o Considering long-term impacts rather than short-
term fixes.
System Models
 Physical Models: Representations of actual
systems, like models of ecosystems or machinery.
 Conceptual Models: Diagrams or frameworks
showing how different components of a system
interact (e.g., flowcharts, data flow diagrams).
 Mathematical Models: Systems represented
through equations and formulas, often used in
engineering and economics.
System Development Life Cycle
(SDLC)
 Stages:
o Planning: Defining the system requirements and
scope.
o Analysis: Understanding the needs and specifying
the system’s features.
o Design: Creating blueprints of the system.
o Implementation: Developing and integrating the
system.
o Maintenance: Monitoring and updating the system
after deployment.
Cybernetic Systems

 Definition: Systems that can automatically adjust

to maintain stability using feedback.
 Example: A thermostat system that adjusts
temperature based on feedback from the
environment.
Information Systems
 Definition: Systems designed to collect, store, process,
and distribute information.
 Types:
o Transaction Processing Systems (TPS): Handle
day-to-day transactions.
o Management Information Systems (MIS): Provide
managers with reports and tools for decision-making.
o Decision Support Systems (DSS): Help with more
complex decision-making by analyzing data.
Systems Theory
Definition: An interdisciplinary study of systems in
general, aiming to understand principles that apply
across various types of systems (biological,
mechanical, social).
Emergent Properties
Definition: Characteristics of the system as a whole
that arise from the interactions of its components but
are not present in individual components.
Examples: Consciousness emerging from neural
interactions, or the success of a team from
collaboration.
System Constraints and
Bottlenecks
Constraints: Limitations or
restrictions that affect system
performance (e.g., resource
availability).
Bottlenecks: Points in the system
where the flow of work is slowed
down, reducing efficiency.
What is Systems
Engineering?
•Overview: Systems engineering is an
interdisciplinary approach that focuses on
designing, integrating, and managing complex
systems throughout their life cycles.
•Objective: Ensure all parts of a system work
together efficiently to achieve the system’s goals.
Systems Engineering
Process
•Conceptual Design: Identifying system requirements
and defining the basic architecture.
•Preliminary Design: Developing initial designs and
specifications.
•Detailed Design: Finalizing system design, including
detailed engineering of components.
•Integration: Assembling and testing components to
ensure they work together.
Systems Engineering
Process
•Verification and Validation: Ensuring the system
meets its design specifications and operates as
intended.
•Operation and Maintenance: Managing the
system during its operational phase, including
updates and troubleshooting.
•Decommissioning: Safely and efficiently retiring a
system at the end of its life cycle.
Life Cycle of a System
•Definition: The entire process a system goes
through from conception to retirement.
•Phases:
• Requirement Definition: Understanding the
need and defining the system's purpose.
• Design and Development: Creating a
blueprint and building the system.
• Implementation: Deploying the system in
the real world.
• Operation: Using and managing the system.
• End-of-Life: Decommissioning or upgrading
the system.
System Requirements
Engineering
•Requirement Elicitation: Gathering the needs and
expectations of stakeholders.
•Requirement Analysis: Breaking down and
understanding system needs.
•Requirement Documentation: Clearly documenting
what the system must achieve.
•Requirement Verification: Ensuring that the system
fulfills these requirements.
Systems Architecture
•Definition: The conceptual model that defines the
structure, behavior, and more views of a system.
•Key Elements:
• Functional Architecture: How the system will
perform its required functions.
• Physical Architecture: Physical components and
their interrelations.
• Operational Architecture: How the system will
operate in different scenarios.
Systems Integration
•Definition: The process of bringing together
component subsystems into one system and
ensuring they function together.
•Integration Challenges:
• Compatibility: Ensuring components work
together.
• Interfacing: Defining how components
communicate.
• Timing and Synchronization: Making sure
components work in sync.
Model-Based Systems Engineering
(MBSE)
•Overview: MBSE is an approach to systems engineering that
uses models to support the design, analysis, and verification of
complex systems.
•Tools and Languages:
• SysML: Systems Modeling Language, a standard used for
systems engineering modeling.
• Simulation Software: Tools that allow for the virtual
testing of system designs.
•Advantages: Reduces the likelihood of errors, improves
communication among stakeholders, and provides a clearer
understanding of complex systems.
Risk Management in Systems
Engineering
•Risk Identification: Recognizing potential
issues that could affect the system.
•Risk Analysis: Assessing the probability and
impact of each risk.
•Risk Mitigation: Planning strategies to reduce
or eliminate risks.
•Monitoring and Control: Continuously
monitoring risks throughout the system life
cycle.
Reliability, Availability, and
Maintainability (RAM)that a system will
•Reliability: The probability
perform its intended function without failure over a
specific period.
•Availability: The percentage of time a system is
operational and able to perform its function.
•Maintainability: The ease with which a system can
be repaired or maintained.
•Tools: Reliability block diagrams, fault tree analysis,
and failure mode effects analysis (FMEA).
Verification and Validation (V&V)
•Verification: Ensuring the system is built correctly
and adheres to the specifications.
•Validation: Ensuring the right system is built,
meeting user needs and requirements.
•Techniques: Testing, simulation, prototyping, and
inspections.
Human Factors
Engineering
•Definition: The application of knowledge about
human behavior, abilities, and limitations to the
design of systems.
•Objective: Improve system performance and user
satisfaction by designing systems that are safe,
efficient, and easy to use.
•Human-Machine Interaction: Ensuring that users
can interact effectively with technology.
Trade-Off Analysis
•Definition: The process of comparing different
system design options based on cost, performance,
risk, and other factors.
•Key Considerations:
• Cost vs. Performance: Balancing budget
constraints with system capabilities.
• Risk vs. Reward: Weighing the potential
benefits against the risks involved.
• Flexibility vs. Complexity: Ensuring the
system is adaptable without making it
unnecessarily complicated.
Optimization in Systems
Engineering
•Goal: Maximize system performance or minimize
costs while meeting all requirements.
•Optimization Techniques: Linear programming,
genetic algorithms, and simulations.
Sustainability in Systems
Engineering
•Sustainable Systems: Systems designed to be
environmentally friendly, socially acceptable, and
economically viable over the long term.
•Lifecycle Analysis: Evaluating the environmental
impact of a system from cradle to grave.
•Green Engineering: Designing systems to minimize
environmental impact, conserve resources, and reduce
waste.
Emerging Trends in Systems
Engineering
•Cyber-Physical Systems: Integration of physical
systems with digital technologies (e.g., smart grids,
autonomous vehicles).
•Artificial Intelligence in Systems: Using AI to
optimize system performance and decision-making
processes.
•Internet of Things (IoT): Connecting physical
devices and systems to improve automation and
control in industries like manufacturing and
healthcare.
•Digital Twin Technology: Creating virtual models
of physical systems to simulate and predict behavior
in real time.
END.