System analysis (the basics of system analysis) is represented in the form of a set of tools and methods that are necessary in the development and construction of multi-level objects, methods for developing, arguing and making decisions on design issues, as well as for managing social, technical, economic and related (human-machine ) systems.
Historical note
There is a related definition - a systematic approach, but this concept is collective. The emergence of system analysis (the basics of system analysis) occurred in the 60s of the last century due to the development of systems engineering. According to methodological characteristics and in theory, the basis of systems analysis consists of a general theory of systems and a systematic approach.
System analysis (SA) is used by specialists in the study of artificial systems, but the main role in the process went to the person. The use of this approach in resolving managerial issues entails the spontaneity of choice in the face of ambiguity, the presence of which is associated with existing related factors, which cannot be estimated from a quantitative point of view. The CA process is aimed at finding alternative solutions to the issue and calculating the extent of uncertainty, as a result of which options are compared according to the relevant necessary criteria to achieve efficiency.
Holistic system
According to the theoretical foundations of systems analysis, any complexity in management should be considered as something complex with interacting components. To determine how to solve issues related to the system under consideration, it is necessary to identify the main and secondary goals. The construction of a generalized model that displays the interconnections with the real situation is the main CA procedure. Having a prototype, the process goes into the comparative stage of the analysis of potential resource costs. CA does not exist without applied mathematical methods, which are widely used in management activities. The technical basis of the process is information systems and computer technology. The following disciplines play a leading role in CA:
- simulation using simulation;
- system dynamics;
- heuristic programming;
- game theory;
- program-targeted management.
A high result is achieved using informal and formalized research methods.
System Analysis Conversion Process
The prerequisites for the next new step in the development of the foundations of systems theory and systems analysis appeared closer to the middle of the last century, this happened due to the development of science and technology, where the main place began to be occupied by the functioning and organization of multicomponent objects.
In the second half of the 20th century, tasks that were similar in their problems moved to the social level. At certain stages in the development of theoretical and practical knowledge, system theories began to appear as independent methodological disciplines that were useful in solving engineering, technical and managerial problems. All this led to the formation of CA. Cybernetics, decision theory, simulation, operations research, expert analysis, structural-linguistic prototyping, and situational management are combined in the term “system research” over time.
As an independent area of ​​system analysis (the basics of system analysis) originated in the United States, it was a necessary step in solving applied business problems (identifying needs for updating equipment, increasing the number of employees, forecasting product demand). Gradually, this approach penetrated the sphere of management of the state apparatus, where there were transformations in the technical equipment of the armed forces, the implementation of state. space exploration projects.
System Analysis Tasks
This discipline is formed when it is necessary to design and analyze large-scale systems that are managed with limited resources and incomplete data. Large systems are spatial structures of a high degree of complexity, where even subsystems by their type are assigned to complex categories.
The logical foundations of system analysis are based on the following tasks:
- Resolution of a problem situation. For this, the object of the question is studied, the causes are identified, solutions are being worked out.
- The difficulty of choosing the right solution, which is associated with determining an alternative to a progressive system.
- The study of the processes of targeting, the development of means of working with goals.
- Organization of management in hierarchical systems.
- Identify similar problems with similar goals.
- Combining formal and informal methods of analysis and synthesis.
- Design of simulation systems of varying complexity.
- The study of the complex of interactions of the analyzed objects with the environment.
The use of computer technology
In the 60-70 years of the XX century there were many approaches to system analysis, which became possible to put into practice through the introduction of computers. The use of technology allowed us to solve complex problems and move from the study of theory to its practical application. The widespread use of system analysis is interconnected with the popularization of the program-targeted management method, when, before solving a problem, they compose a special program, select the necessary specialists, and allocate material resources.
Due to the dynamic technological development, schools of system analysis began to appear, where they began to practice the use of strategic planning and enterprise management, as well as project management of technical complexes. In 1972, the International Institute for Applied Systems Analysis opened in Laxenburg, Austria. The workflow was streamlined thanks to the participation of 12 countries. To date, the institution is working in the application of the methodological basis of system analysis to solve global problems of international scale.
Soviet school
Active development of CA occurs in the 60 years of the last century. A.A. Bogdanov became the forerunner of the Soviet school, it was he who proposed the concept of tectology - a universal organizational science interconnected with the theory of Bertalanffy systems, which believed that the development of all objects takes place in an organized manner, depending on the differences in the properties of the whole and its component elements. As a result of this analysis, it was possible to identify excellent parameters of the concept of a complex system - similar assumptions and conclusions began to appear in scientific notes, textbooks of the basics of system analysis began to be published as textbooks.
Bogdanov began to delve into the study of the statistical state of structures, the study of the dynamic behavior of objects, taking into account the goals of the organization, focusing on the important role of open systems, modeling and mathematical analysis. All his ideas were continued in the works of Shmalgauzen I.I. and Beklemishev V.N. But it was Chernyak Yu. I., Golubkov E.P. and Valuev S.A. who developed the first Soviet CA methods, and in 1973 they held a seminar “ System analysis in design and management. ”
Foreign and Soviet teachers began to publish textbooks on the basics of system analysis both as a separate discipline and as an integral part of similar ones. The first such publications are:
- “The Formation and Essence of a Systematic Approach” (1973), authored by I. Blauberg and E. G. Yudin
- "System Engineering: An Introduction to the Design of Large Systems" (1962), Good G. H. and Makol R. Z.
- “Problems of systemology (problems of the theory of complex systems)” (1976), V. Druzhinin and D. S. Kontorov
- "Analysis of complex systems" (1969), Quade E.
- "The theory of hierarchical multilevel systems" (1973), Mesarovich M., Mako D., Takahara M.
- “System analysis for solving business and industrial problems” (1969), Optner S.
- "Introduction to Systems Analysis" (1989), Peregudov F.I. and Tarasenko F.P.
- “Adaptation of complex systems” (1981), L. Rastrigin
- “Foundations of the general theory of systems. Logical and methodological analysis ”(1974), Sadovsky V.N.
- “Studies in the general theory of systems” (1969), Sadovsky V.N. and Yudin E.G.
- "System Analysis and Management Structures" (1975), ed. V. G. Shorin.
- “Systematic approach and general theory of systems” (1978), A. Uemov.
Striving for unity
Now the basics of systems analysis theory are used in all areas. The synthesis of knowledge arises as a result of a complete set and cooperation of its structural variations. Unity and synthesis are steps in the development of science. The types of integrity of scientific knowledge are:
- The emergence of cybernetics, the general theory of systems, semiotics and other identical disciplines, is a synthesis of new knowledge.
- The desire for methodological unity, when there is a continuation of special science in the process of transferring its theoretical justification to other objects of research (methodological expansion).
- The emergence of fundamental concepts in the field of natural language, subsequently included in the system of philosophical categories (conceptual form of the unity of science).
- The development and use of a unified philosophical methodology, which is the root cause for the formation of higher synthesis at more narrow levels of research ideas.
Consistency around the world is a hierarchy of organized and interacting systems. In practice, there is a comparison and coordination of the systems of the world and human thinking. It is recommended that you begin the study of the basics of system analysis and management by familiarizing yourself with the reference signals presented by V.F. Shatalov (compiled a list based on the expressions of professors and teachers), because the modern higher education system is formed on a linear basis, unlike the surrounding world, which systemic nature. Thanks to such “signals”, which are definitions and theses with the encoded content of the discipline compiled by specialists in system analysis, it is possible to present new information in the most convenient form for study and understanding.
Fundamental expressions of a professor
The training manual “Fundamentals of System Analysis” by V. N. Spitsnadel tells about the history of the development of the process, and also deepens the reader’s knowledge in the logical, methodological and practical principles of using SA in science, education, technology and economics. “A systematic approach is one of the most important intellectual properties of a person,” the professor believes, offering this expression as a reference signal for beginners in systems analysis. Understanding the need for interaction between the elements of the system to achieve the desired result, Spitsnadel demonstrates through one saying that an English officer once said in World War II: “These guys will not even take up a soldering iron until they analyze the military strategy in the entire Pacific Theater.” Thus, in this expression, we can trace the unity of tasks of local and world significance.
In The Fundamentals of Systems Analysis, Spitsnadel says that the approach, if scientific, is already systemic. “All human practice is of a systemic nature. It is necessary to coordinate thinking and system. ” He refutes the fact that education is linear (non-systemic), he argues that thinking is provided by education, which implies that it should be systemic. The professor sees the importance and advantage of using SA in making optimal decisions.
Customs
CA is used in various fields of activity. Russian theoretical physicist Makrusev V.V. talked a lot on this subject, considering discipline under a versatile prism (customs activity, cognitive dynamics, global information-computer systems, management). During his life, he published a lot of textbooks.
The textbook, V. V. Makrusev, “Fundamentals of System Analysis and Management in Customs,” was written to consider an integrative management model, the use of system analysis, and evolutionary research methods for this area of ​​activity. Such a manual has important information about the essence of the discipline, considers its segments and characteristics, analyzes the primary classifications and the basic properties of the system. The textbook is intended for specialists and masters, as well as for anyone interested in system analysis.
The basics of system analysis in customs are discussed in more detail in other manuals, notes and publications of the doctor of physical and mathematical sciences:
- Innovative directions for the development of a system of coordination of state customs services.
- Systemic development and regulation of the activity of the external economy and customs according to a similar model.
- Planning in theory and developing the ultimate goals of CA in customs.
- Transformation of the institute of customs administration into the structure of customs services: the problem and the features of its solution.
- Development of a customs institute as a system of customs services.
- System analysis in customs.
Many textbooks were written together with colleagues (Volkov V.F., Evseeva P.V., Dianova V. Yu., Timofeev V.T., Andreev A.F. and others).
Scientific and educational literature
The basics of system analysis in customs are presented by V. V. Makrusev in the eponymous manual, where he examines the issues of this discipline, provides an integrated approach to the study of organizational, social and economic systems. Here the term “customs system” appears for the first time, modern problems of the customs system are identified and analyzed, information controlling options are determined and management solutions to emerging problems are found. The textbook examines the software and information tools of the analytical work of representatives of the customs authorities, and also shows the effectiveness of the methodological tools of expert analysis.
The textbook "Fundamentals of System Analysis" (V. Makrusev) is useful for university students enrolled in the specialty of "Customs", "System Analysis, Management and Processing of Information", and for the management team of the analytical units of the RTU and units. Information may be necessary for customs officials. Here you can find answers to questions of targeting, methodology and methodology of system analysis.
Higher Professional Education
There are a number of manuals on system analysis, where a student of a higher educational institution can find the information he needs. Such a textbook is “Fundamentals of Systems and System Analysis” Kachala V.V., which is recommended for students studying the specialties “Applied Informatics”, “Business Informatics”, “Information Systems and Technologies”, as well as other students and graduate students of economic faculties. The manual consists of a preface, introduction, control questions and tasks, two parts (“the basics of systems theory” and “the basics of system analysis”), 17 chapters and a glossary. Each chapter has subitems where each question is described in more detail. At the end of the chapter there is a summary and a section with questions and assignments.
The book is recommended for reading if you have questions on the following subject of discussion:
- Goals and goal setting.
- Object, model and system.
- Properties and their measurements.
- Constructive and functional properties of the system.
- System-wide patterns.
- Classification of systems.
- Systems in management and organization.
- Methodology and modeling in system analysis.
- Mathematical models.
- Expert and structural-functional methods for solving problems.
- Structuring methods.
- A systematic approach to forecasting.
- Examples of methods of system analysis.
These fundamentals of systems and systems analysis help to solve global issues of a managerial nature in the enterprise, in education, customs and other activities.
Textbook F. I. Peregudov and F. P. Tarasenko
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Each chapter analyzes the issue from several points of view, detailing the specifics of this discipline. At the end of the book there are questions for self-testing, where the reader can consciously control the knowledge gained. At the beginning of the Tarasenko and Peregudov study guide, the basics of system analysis are presented as a result of the scientific and technological revolution, which contributed to the emergence of the term “complex systems”. Over the years, methods and approaches to solving emerging problems have developed and generalized, forming a technology for overcoming quantitative and qualitative difficulties. Applied and theoretical disciplines formed a “systemic movement”, respectively, an applied science should have arisen that would combine systemic practice with abstract theories. Such a “bridge” was a system analysis, which today has become an independent discipline and attracts a wide range of tools and capabilities to solve the tasks. Such applied dialectics attaches great importance to the methodological aspects of any systems research.
Writers are sure that, having read this book, one cannot become a specialist and fully study the basics of a systems approach and system analysis. Professionalism is acquired only in practice. The most difficult and at the same time interesting part of system analysis is the search and solution of problems from real life, the separation of the important from the insignificant.
Principles of System Analysis
There are no universal methods for conducting SA, often the same methods are developed or identical, which can be used for similar problems. The general is considered to be the determination of the laws of the functioning of the system, the formation of alternative algorithms and the selection of the most suitable solution to the problem. The list of CA principles is a generalization of the practice of working with complex systems. Each author has principles that are different in some elements, for example, Makrusev in “Fundamentals of System Analysis” describes his own version of such concepts, but they have one common concept. Basic principles:
- The ultimate goal (emphasizes the priority of the main task, the achievement of which involves the submission of all elements of the system) It is carried out according to the following plan: statement of purpose; understanding of the main purpose of the goal of the studied system; assessment of changes in relation to the achievement of the final goal.
- Measurements. The effectiveness of the system can only be determined in relation to the goals and objectives of the supersystem.
- Equifinality. The required result can be achieved in various ways, regardless of time and initial conditions.
- Unity. The system is considered as a whole, consisting of many interconnected elements.
- Connectivity. The dependence of the system on the external environment, as well as its relationship with its own subsystems, is examined and revealed.
- Modular construction. The study of the system as a set of modules (group of elements). The partitioning of the system into interacting modules depends on the purpose of the study and may have an informational, functional and algorithmic basis. Instead of the definition of “module”, the terms “subsystem” or “block” may appear.
- Hierarchies. This principle, common to all complex systems, simplifies its development and organizes its parts. In linear organizational structures, central management is used, in non-linear ones, any degree of decentralization is used.
- Functionality. The analysis is performed with the priority of the function over the structure. Any structure is associated with the function of the system and its components. With the advent of new potential functions, the structure is being revised. Teachers at a lesson in the basics of system analysis examine separately structures, functions and processes, the latter being reduced to the analysis of the main flows in the system: energy, information, material flows, change of states. There is a parallelism in the work of governing bodies, attempts to improve the organization by changing the structure of the system.
- Development. Taking into account the variability of the system, its adaptation and ability to expand. At the core is the pursuit of improvement.
- Centralization and decentralization. Differences in increasing the adaptation time of a system: what happens in centralized systems in a short time, in a decentralized system it is implemented slowly.
- Uncertainties. Analysis of accidents in the system. Complex open systems do not obey the laws of probability. Upon receipt of fuzzy and stochastic input information, the research results will be probabilistic in nature and decisions may lead to ambiguous consequences.
All of the above principles of system analysis (the basics of system analysis) have a high degree of generality. For their practical use, it is necessary to fill them with specific content applicable to the subject of the study.
21st Century Editions
In modern times, system analysis has transformed and expanded its capabilities. This discipline can be applied in any field of activity. System analysis is now being studied as a teaching tool and taught at universities and other educational institutions. Textbooks that can be useful to anyone interested in systems analysis:
- “System analysis”, Antonov A.V. (2004)
- "System analysis in management", Anfilatov V. S., Emelyanov A. A., Kukushkin A. A., under. ed. A.A. Emelyanova (2002).
- “From the history of the development of systems analysis in our country”, Volkova V. N. (2001).
- “The general theory of systems (systems and systems analysis)”, M. Gaides (2005).
- "Theories of systems and the foundations of systems analysis", Kachala V.V. (2007).
- “Horizons of system analysis”, Lnogradsky L. A. (2000).
- “System analysis in logistics”, L. Mirotin and S. Tashbaev. E. (2002).
- “System analytics ... On the design of software products”, Radzishevsky A. (2015).
- “System Analysis: A Short Course of Lectures”, ed. V.P. Prokhorova (2006).
- “System analysis and decision-making” (reference dictionary, textbook for universities), ed. V.N. Volkova, V.N. Kozlova (2004).