Architecture Of Systems Problem Solving

One criterion for classifying books is whether they are written for a single purpose or for multiple purposes. This book belongs to the category of multipurpose books, but one of its roles is predominant-it is primarily a textbook. As such, it can be used for a variety of courses at the first-year graduate or upper-division undergraduate level. A common characteristic of these courses is that they cover fundamental systems concepts, major categories of systems problems, and some selected methods for dealing with these problems at a rather general level. A unique feature of the book is that the concepts, problems, and methods are introduced in the context of an architectural formulation of an expert system referred to as the general systems problem solver or GSPS-whose aim is to provide users of all kinds with computer-based systems knowledge and methodology. The GSPS architecture, which is developed throughout the book, facilitates a framework that is conducive to a coherent, comprehensive, and pragmatic coverage of systems fundamentals--concepts, problems, and methods. A course that covers systems fundamentals is now offered not only in systems ~cience, information science, or systems engineering programs, but in many programs in other disciplines as well. Although the level of coverage for systems science or engineering students is surely different from that used for students in other disciplines, this book is designed to serve both of these needs.

One criterion for classifying books is whether they are written for a single pur pose or for multiple purposes. This book belongs to the category of multipurpose books, but one of its roles is predominant-it is primarily a textbook. As such, it can be used for a variety ofcourses at the first-year graduate or upper-division undergraduate level. A common characteristic of these courses is that they cover fundamental systems concepts, major categories of systems problems, and some selected methods for dealing with these problems at a rather general level. A unique feature of the book is that the concepts, problems, and methods are introduced in the context of an architectural formulation of an expert system referred to as the general systems problem solver or aSPS-whose aim is to provide users ofall kinds with computer-based systems knowledge and methodo logy. Theasps architecture,which is developed throughout the book, facilitates a framework that is conducive to acoherent, comprehensive, and pragmaticcoverage ofsystems fundamentals-concepts, problems, and methods. A course that covers systems fundamentals is now offered not only in sys tems science, information science, or systems engineering programs, but in many programs in other disciplines as well. Although the level ofcoverage for systems science or engineering students is surely different from that used for students in other disciplines, this book is designed to serve both of these needs.

One criterion for classifying books is whether they are written for a single purpose or for multiple purposes. This book belongs to the category of multipurpose books, but one of its roles is predominant-it is primarily a textbook. As such, it can be used for a variety of courses at the first-year graduate or upper-division undergraduate level. A common characteristic of these courses is that they cover fundamental systems concepts, major categories of systems problems, and some selected methods for dealing with these problems at a rather general level. A unique feature of the book is that the concepts, problems, and methods are introduced in the context of an architectural formulation of an expert system referred to as the general systems problem solver or GSPS-whose aim is to provide users of all kinds with computer-based systems knowledge and methodology. The GSPS architecture, which is developed throughout the book, facilitates a framework that is conducive to a coherent, comprehensive, and pragmatic coverage of systems fundamentals--concepts, problems, and methods. A course that covers systems fundamentals is now offered not only in systems ~cience, information science, or systems engineering programs, but in many programs in other disciplines as well. Although the level of coverage for systems science or engineering students is surely different from that used for students in other disciplines, this book is designed to serve both of these needs.

If engineering is the art and science of technical problem solving, systems architecting happens when you don't yet know what the problem is. The third edition of a highly respected bestseller, The Art of Systems Architecting provides in-depth coverage of the least understood part of systems design: moving from a vague concept and limited resources

Systems theorists see common principles in the structure and operation of systems of all kinds and sizes. They promote an interdisciplinary science adapted for a universal application with a common language and area of concepts. In order to solve problems, make recommendations and predict the future, they use theories, models and concepts from the vast area of general systems theory. This approach is chosen as a means to overcome the fragmentation of knowledge and the isolation of the specialist but also to find new approaches to problems created by earlier 'solution of problems.'. This revised and updated second edition of General Systems Theory OCo Ideas and Applications includes new systems theories and a new chapter on self-organization and evolution. The book summarizes most of the fields of systems theory and its application systems science in one volume. It provides a quick and readable reference guide for future learning containing both general theories and practical applications without the use of complicated mathematics. Sample Chapter(s). Chapter 1: The Emergence of Holistic Thinking (2,002 KB). Contents: The Theories and Why: The Emergence of Holistic Thinking; Basic Ideas of General Systems Theory; A Selection of Systems Theories; Communication and Information Theory; Some Theories of Brain and Mind; Self-Organization and Evolution; The Applications and How: Artificial Intelligence and Life; Organizational Theory and Management Cybernetics; Decision-Making and Decision Aids; Informatics; Some of the Systems Methodologies; The Future of Systems Theory. Readership: Computer specialists, architects, businessmen, decision makers of all kinds, teachers and holistic thinkers."

"This book addresses the gap in current literature in terms of linking and understanding the relationship between e-government and government enterprise architecture"--Provided by publisher.

Contents 11. 2. 2. Four Main Areas of Dispute 247 11. 2. 3. Summary . . . 248 11. 3. Making Sense of the Issues . . 248 11. 3. 1. Introduction . . . . 248 11. 3. 2. The Scientific Approach 248 11. 3. 3. Science and Matters of Society . 249 11. 3. 4. Summary . 251 11. 4. Tying It All Together . . . . 251 11. 4. 1. Introduction . . . . 251 11. 4. 2. A Unifying Framework 251 11. 4. 3. Critical Systems Thinking 253 11. 4. 4. Summary 254 11. 5. Conclusion 254 Questions . . . 255 REFERENCES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 257 INDEX . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 267 Chapter One SYSTEMS Origin and Evolution, Terms and Concepts 1. 1. INTRODUCTION We start this book with Theme A (see Figure P. I in the Preface), which aims to develop an essential and fundamental understanding of systems science. So, what is systems science? When asked to explain what systems science is all about, many systems scientists are confronted with a rather daunting task. The discipline tends to be presented and understood in a fragmented way and very few people hold an overview understanding of the subject matter, while also having sufficient in-depth competence in many and broad-ranging subject areas where the ideas are used. Indeed, it was precisely this difficulty that identified the need for a comprehensive well-documented account such as is presented here in Dealing with Complexity.