Systems Thinking
Directions:
Step 1 – Review the information posted below.
Step 2 – Answer the question(s) in a clear and organized paragraph.
Technology and Engineering Practices - Systems Thinking
Our world is a system made up of many other systems. Things are connected in remarkably complex ways. To solve problems, or to truly improve conditions, engineers need to be able to recognize and consider how all those different systems are connected.
Systems thinking refer to the understanding that all technologies contain interconnected components and that these technologies interact with the environments in which they operate.
Systems thinking also includes an understanding of the universal systems model, consisting of inputs, processes, outputs, and feedback.
Inputs consider the material, financial, and energy resources needed to create a technology.
Processes examine how the product or system is made, and / or the requirements of its operation.
Outputs look first at the immediate performance of the product or system, and then more broadly at the positive and negative impacts of it use.
Feedback analyzes the process and outputs of a product or system and loops the insights gained from this analysis into operations of the product or system and into possible changes to improve its performance or to minimize its negative side effects on users, society, and the environment.
The goal of systems thinking is the creation of technological solutions that are more effective, more efficient, and more beneficial than might otherwise be the case. Systems thinking is important at all stages of technological development.
Questions
Answer the following question(s) in a clear and organized paragraph.
- Start with your topic sentence. This is where you should state your ideas.
- Then, include evidence to support your ideas.
- Finally, finish your paragraph with a brief wrap-up sentence.
- Then, include evidence to support your ideas.
- Finally, finish your paragraph with a brief wrap-up sentence.
I recommend you type your answers in Word or Google Docs and copy / paste your responses below. This will allow you to save a back-up version of your work.