Title: Errors in systems approaches

Authors: Kevin MacG. Adams; Patrick T. Hester

Addresses: National Centers for System of Systems Engineering, Old Dominion University, 4111 Monarch Way Suite 406, Norfolk, Virginia 23508, USA ' National Centers for System of Systems Engineering, Old Dominion University, 4111 Monarch Way Suite 406, Norfolk, Virginia 23508, USA

Abstract: Understanding and treating problems in complex systems, independent of the systems construct (i.e., socio-technical systems or socio-ecological systems), dictates the use of a formal systems approach. The systems approach may be methodological, a method, or a technique, but in each case it involves the imposition of order that ranges from the philosophical to the procedural. Independent of the philosophical construct or procedural rigour used in addressing the complex systems problem is the opportunity to commit a number of errors as part of the systems approach. This paper will discuss six classifications for problem solving errors that may be experienced during the application of a systems approach when understanding and treating complex systems problems.

Keywords: systems approaches; problem solving errors; error types; complex systems.

DOI: 10.1504/IJSSE.2012.052683

International Journal of System of Systems Engineering, 2012 Vol.3 No.3/4, pp.233 - 242

Received: 17 Dec 2012
Accepted: 17 Dec 2012
Published online: 16 Aug 2014 *

Full-text access for editors Full-text access for subscribers Purchase this article Comment on this article