Project Mgmt: Projects and Systems Theory
:PROJECT MANAGEMENT 641
ASSIGNMENT 1: Projects and Systems Theory
“The most pervasive intellectual tradition to project management is without doubt the systems approach”
Unit Coordinator: David Baccarini
Teaching Staff: Geoff Salm
By Ben Westerberg
16832778
PART I –THEORY
Describe the key fundamentals of systems theory
Just about anything in life can viewed as having systems (Baccarini 2013). They can be found anywhere from within nature to anywhere in society and business. To better understand the principle of systems and the theories associated with them it is important to define what a ‘system’ is. There have been many experts who have helped create and contribute to systems theory and they all have similar thoughts when defining what a system is. Bánáthy (2013) states that “system means a configuration of parts connected and joined together by a web of relationships”. Similarly, the Systems Thinking (2012) blog defined systems as “a group of interacting, interrelated, and interdependent components that form a complex and unified whole”. Additionally, Business Dictionary (2013) defines it as an organized, purposeful structure that consists of interrelated and interdependent elements. These elements continually influence one another to maintain their activity and the existence of the system, in order to achieve the goal of the system.
So although the various experts have different themes for their definitions, there are some key similarities that capture the essence of what a system is. Firstly, it is said that the system as a whole is made up of a set of interdependent parts that are all connected and can affect one another in certain ways (Hamilton 1997). It is also stated that more must be considered of a system that solely its parts. It is important to also consider the relationships and connection these parts have with one another and how certain environmental factors can affect the system. Aristotles renowned quote “the whole is more
ASSIGNMENT 1: Projects and Systems Theory
“The most pervasive intellectual tradition to project management is without doubt the systems approach”
Unit Coordinator: David Baccarini
Teaching Staff: Geoff Salm
By Ben Westerberg
16832778
PART I –THEORY
Describe the key fundamentals of systems theory
Just about anything in life can viewed as having systems (Baccarini 2013). They can be found anywhere from within nature to anywhere in society and business. To better understand the principle of systems and the theories associated with them it is important to define what a ‘system’ is. There have been many experts who have helped create and contribute to systems theory and they all have similar thoughts when defining what a system is. Bánáthy (2013) states that “system means a configuration of parts connected and joined together by a web of relationships”. Similarly, the Systems Thinking (2012) blog defined systems as “a group of interacting, interrelated, and interdependent components that form a complex and unified whole”. Additionally, Business Dictionary (2013) defines it as an organized, purposeful structure that consists of interrelated and interdependent elements. These elements continually influence one another to maintain their activity and the existence of the system, in order to achieve the goal of the system.
So although the various experts have different themes for their definitions, there are some key similarities that capture the essence of what a system is. Firstly, it is said that the system as a whole is made up of a set of interdependent parts that are all connected and can affect one another in certain ways (Hamilton 1997). It is also stated that more must be considered of a system that solely its parts. It is important to also consider the relationships and connection these parts have with one another and how certain environmental factors can affect the system. Aristotles renowned quote “the whole is more
References: Ansari, Shahid . "Systems Theory and Management Control." Faculty and Research. N.p., n.d. Web. 18 Mar. 2013. <http://faculty.darden.virginia.edu/ansaris/systems%20theory%20and%20mcs-tn.pdf >. Hamilton, Albert. Managing by Projects: Achieving Success in a Changing World. London: Thomas Telford, 1997. Print. Pidwirny, Michael. "4(b) Definitions of Systems and Models." Geography : Physical Geography. N.p., n.d. Web. 18 Mar. 2013. <http://www.physicalgeography.net/fundamentals/4b.html>. Shoech, Dr. . "Concept Paper: Systems Theory." Concept Paper: Systems Theory. N.p., 18 Aug. 2004. Web. 20 Mar. 2013. <wweb.uta.edu/faculty/schoech/cussn/courses/5306/coursepack/theory_systems.pdf>. "Systems Theory Overview." University of New Brunswick. N.p., n.d. Web. 19 Mar. 2013. <www.cs.unb.ca/profs/fritz/cs3503/system35.htm>. "System Theory ." Universiteit Twente. N.p., n.d. Web. 19 Mar. 2013. <http://www.utwente.nl/cw/theorieenoverzicht/Theory%20Clusters/Communication%20Processes/System_Theory.doc/>. "Systems Thinking." Pegasus Communications. N.p., n.d. Web. 20 Mar. 2013. <www.pegasuscom.com/systems-thinking.html pegasus 2012>. "What is System? ." Online Business Dictionary. N.p., n.d. Web. 19 Mar. 2013. <http://www.businessdictionary.com/definition/system.html#ixzz2OFay8lKC>. -------------------------------------------------