Week 5 - How systems theory influences understanding of organisations

Question 1

Define Hard properties in systems

Answer 1

Elements within a system that can be defined, measured or assesed in an objective way.

Question 2

Give an example of a system with Hard properties.

Answer 2

Inventory systems which are structured and mechanistic with predicatable inputs and outputs.

Question 3

Define Soft properties in systems.

Answer 3

Imprecise; matters of subjective opinion and individual values; open to interpretation.

Question 4

Give an example of a Soft system in an organisation

Answer 4

Organisational activity systems as; Their boundaries or scope may be fluid; open to interpretation depending on the view of the stakeholder

Question 5

As part of Soft Systems Methodology, organisations are broken down into Human Activity Subsystems. What are the four aspects analysed in the process.

Answer 5

People, Technology, Process, Attitudes

Question 6

Define what ‘Rich Pictures is used for’

Answer 6

Used as a communication tool between the systems analyst and stakeholder groups.

Question 7

What is the CATWOE components of systems analysis

Answer 7

C - Clients/Customers
A - Actors
T - Transformation
W - Worldview
O - Owner
E - Envirnoment

Question 8

What are the two key areas of a Socio-Technical systems theory?

Answer 8

A combination of Material Technology (Tools, machinery, techniques, physical location) and a Social Organisation (People with capabilities, needs, relationships, communication patterns, authority structures)