03_system.md

3. Define Systems and Systems Thinking

3.1 Define Systems

The Oxford Dictionary:

1. A set of things working together as parts of a mechanism or an interconnecting network.
2. A set of principles or procedures according to which something is done; an organized framework or method.
3. The prevailing political or social order, especially when regarded as oppressive and intransigent.

3.2 Define Systems of Systems (SoS)

ISO/IEC/IEEE 21839 definition:

"Set of systems or system elements that interact to provide a unique capability that none of the constituent systems can accomplish on its own. "

3.3 Characteristics of a SoS (Boardman & Saucer)

• Autonomy
• Belonging
• Connectivity
• Diversity
• Emergence

3.4 US Healthcare Delivery System

• "A true cohesive system does not exist" (Chapter 1, page 2)
• "Its basic features characterize it as a patchwork of subsystems" (Chapter 1, page 37)
• It can be considered as a system of systems (SoS)
• We can use both system and system of systems approach to analyze it.