Systems For All

This volume offers a new systems paradigm, presents a systems outlook, defines key concepts and outlines the principles of characterizing complex systems in a qualitative way and by the systematic use of models and measures. The book presents the product/process (P/p) methodology: a coherent collection of generic but readily understandable concepts, rigorous but applicable methods and principles of reasoning. This methodology assists in understanding any system and helps in the formulation and effective solution of complex problems, regardless of the field in which they arise and irrespective of the specialist disciplines needed for supplying the solution. Systems for All is aimed at three kinds of readers: practising professionals (managers, administrators, engineers and scientists) whose job is to develop, operate and manage complex systems; students (both undergraduate and postgraduate) whose courses demand an integrated study of several disciplines; members of the public who wish to know what makes sophisticated systems tick and why some important systems fail. A separate booklet, containing guidelines for developing solutions to some selected exercises, is available to instructors who wish to adopt the book for a lecture course. The book is designed for: undergraduate and postgraduate students in systems engineering, information technology and management; professionals working in these fields; and general readers with an interest in systems.