Systems and Systems Analysis Methods and Applications

A system can be defined as a set of components (subsystems, units), which when coupled together form a functional whole. This definition suggests three major themes to the study of systems: (1) identifying the subunits of the total system, (2) identifying the structural connections of subunits, and (3) assessing the properties that emerge when this collection of components are coupled together into a specific dynamic structure and allowed to change over time.