Systems approach represents a direction of methodology scientific knowledge and social practice, which is based on the consideration of objects as systems.

The essence of the joint ventureconsists, firstly, in understanding the object of study as a system and, secondly, in understanding the process of studying the object as a systemic one in its logic and means used.

Like any methodology, a systematic approach implies the existence of certain principles and methods of organizing activities, in this case activities related to the analysis and synthesis of systems.

The systems approach is based on the principles of purpose, duality, integrity, complexity, plurality and historicism. Let us consider in more detail the content of these principles.

Purpose Principle focuses on the fact that in the study of the object it is necessary primarily identify the purpose of its operation.

First of all, we should be interested not in how the system is built, but why it exists, what is the goal for it, what is it caused by, what are the means to achieve the goal?

The goal principle is constructive under two conditions:

The goal should be formulated in such a way that the degree of its achievement can be assessed (set) quantitatively;

The system should have a mechanism to assess the degree of achievement of a given goal.

2. Principle of Duality follows from the principle of purpose and means that the system should be considered as part of a higher-level system and at the same time as independent part acting as a whole in interaction with the environment. In turn, each element of the system has its own structure and can also be considered as a system.

The relationship with the principle of the goal is that the goal of the functioning of the object must be subordinated to the solution of the tasks of the functioning of the system of a higher level. Purpose is a category external to the system. It is assigned to it by a system of a higher level, where this system enters as an element.

3.The principle of integrity requires considering the object as something isolated from the totality of other objects, acting as a whole in relation to environment, which has its own specific functions and develops according to its own laws. This does not negate the need to study individual aspects.

4.Complexity principle indicates the need to study the object, as complex education and, if the complexity is very high, it is necessary to consistently simplify the representation of the object so that all its essential properties are preserved.

5.Multiplicity principle requires the researcher to present a description of the object at a variety of levels: morphological, functional, informational.

Morphological level gives an idea of ​​the structure of the system. Morphological description may not be exhaustive. The depth of the description, the level of detail, that is, the choice of elements into which the description does not penetrate, is determined by the purpose of the system. The morphological description is hierarchical.

The concretization of morphology is given at as many levels as they are required to create an idea of ​​the main properties of the system.

Functional description associated with the transformation of energy and information. Any object is interesting primarily as a result of its existence, the place it occupies among other objects in the surrounding world.

Informational Description gives an idea of ​​the organization of the system, i.e. about informational relationships between the elements of the system. It complements the functional and morphological descriptions.

Each level of description has its own specific patterns. All levels are closely interconnected. When making changes at one of the levels, it is necessary to analyze possible changes at other levels.

6. The principle of historicism obliges the researcher to reveal the past of the system and identify trends and patterns of its development in the future.

Predicting the behavior of a system in the future is necessary condition that the decisions made to improve existing system or the creation of a new one ensures the effective functioning of the system for a given time.

SYSTEM ANALYSIS

System analysis represents the totality scientific methods and practical methods for solving various problems based on a systematic approach.

The system analysis methodology is based on three concepts: problem, problem solution and system.

Problem- this is a discrepancy or difference between the existing and the required state of affairs in any system.

The required position may be necessary or desirable. The required state is dictated objective conditions, and the desired is determined by subjective prerequisites, which are based on the objective conditions for the functioning of the system.

Problems that exist in one system, as a rule, are not equivalent. To compare problems, determine their priority, attributes are used: importance, scale, generality, relevance, etc.

Problem Identification carried out by identifying symptoms that determine the inconsistency of the system with its intended purpose or its insufficient efficiency. Systematically manifested symptoms form a trend.

Symptom identification produced by measuring and analyzing various indicators of the system, normal value which are known. The deviation of the indicator from the norm is a symptom.

Solution consists in eliminating the differences between the existing and the required state of the system. Elimination of differences can be done either by improving the system, or by replacing it with a new one.

The decision to improve or replace is made taking into account the following provisions. If the direction of improvement provides a significant increase life cycle systems and costs are incomparably small in relation to the cost of developing the system, then the decision to improve is justified. Otherwise, consideration should be given to replacing it with a new one.

A system is created to solve the problem.

Main components of system analysis are:

1. Purpose of system analysis.

2. The goal that the system must achieve in the process: functioning.

3. Alternatives or options for building or improving the system, through which it is possible to solve the problem.

4. Resources needed to analyze and improve an existing system or create a new one.

5. Criteria or indicators that allow you to compare different alternatives and choose the most preferable.

7. A model that links together the goal, alternatives, resources and criteria.

System analysis methodology

1.System description:

a) determining the purpose of the system analysis;

b) determination of the goals, purpose and functions of the system (external and internal);

c) determining the role and place in the system of a higher level;

G) functional description(input, output, process, feedback, restrictions);

e) structural description (opening relationships, stratification and decomposition of the system);

e) informational description;

g) description of the life cycle of the system (creation, operation, including improvement, destruction);

2.Identification and description of the problem:

a) determination of the composition of performance indicators and methods for their calculation;

b) Choosing a functional to evaluate the effectiveness of the system and setting requirements for it (determining the necessary (desired) state of affairs);

b) determination of the actual state of affairs (calculation of the effectiveness of the existing system using the selected functionality);

c) establishing the discrepancy between the necessary (desired) and the actual state of affairs and its assessment;

d) the history of the occurrence of the nonconformity and an analysis of the causes of its occurrence (symptoms and trends);

e) problem statement;

e) identifying the relationship of the problem with other problems;

g) forecasting the development of the problem;

h) assessment of the consequences of the problem and conclusion about its relevance.

3. Selection and implementation of the direction of solving the problem:

a) structuring the problem (identification of subproblems)

b) identification of bottlenecks in the system;

c) study of the alternative “improvement of the system - creation new system”;

d) determination of directions for solving the problem (selection of alternatives);

e) assessment of the feasibility of directions for solving the problem;

f) comparing alternatives and choosing an effective direction;

g) coordination and approval of the chosen direction of solving the problem;

h) highlighting the stages of solving the problem;

i) implementation of the chosen direction;

j) checking its effectiveness.

A systematic approach in the study of management can be represented as a set of principles that must be followed and which reflect both the content and the peculiarity of the systematic approach. .

BUT. The principle of integrity

It consists in highlighting the object of study as a holistic formation, i.e., delimiting it from other phenomena, from the environment. This can only be done by defining and evaluating distinctive properties phenomena and comparison of these properties with the properties of its elements. At the same time, the object of study does not have to bear the name of the system. For example, a management system, a personnel management system, etc. This can be a mechanism, process, solution, goal, problem, situation, etc.

B. The principle of compatibility of elements of the whole

A whole can only exist as a whole when its constituent elements are compatible with each other. It is their compatibility that determines the possibility and existence of connections, their existence or functioning within the framework of the whole. The system approach requires to evaluate all the elements of the whole from these positions. At the same time, compatibility should be understood not simply as a property of an element as such, but its property in accordance with the position and functional status in this whole, its relation to system-forming elements.

AT. The principle of the functional-structural structure of the whole

This principle lies in the fact that in the study of control systems it is necessary to analyze and determine functional structure systems, that is, to see not only the elements and their connections, but also the functional content of each of the elements. In two identical systems with the same set of elements and their same structure, the content of the functioning of these elements and their relationship according to certain functions. This often affects the effectiveness of management. For example, in the control system there may be undeveloped functions social regulation, forecasting and planning functions, public relations functions.

A special factor in the use of this principle is the factor of development of functions and the degree of their isolation, which to a certain extent characterizes the professionalism of its implementation.

The study of the functional content of the control system must necessarily include the definition of dysfunctions that characterize the presence of such functions that do not correspond to the functions of the whole and thus can disrupt the stability of the control system, the necessary stability of its functioning. Dysfunctions are, as it were, superfluous functions, sometimes outdated, having lost their relevance, but still exist due to inertia. They need to be identified during research.

G. Development principle

Any management system that is the object of research is at a certain level and stage of development. All its characteristics are determined by the characteristics of the level and stage of development. And this must be taken into account in the conduct of the study.

How can this be taken into account? Obviously, through comparative analysis its past state, present and possible future. Of course, here there are difficulties of an informational nature, namely: the availability, sufficiency and value of information. But these difficulties can be reduced with a systematic study of the management system, which allows you to accumulate the necessary information, determine development trends and extrapolate them to the future.

D. Function labilization principle

Assessing the development of the management system, one cannot exclude the possibility of changing it common functions, the acquisition by it of new functions of integrity, with the relative stability of the internal, i.e., their composition and structure. This phenomenon characterizes the concept of lability of the functions of the control system. In reality, it is often necessary to observe the lability of control functions. It has certain limits, but in many cases it can reflect both positive and negative phenomena. Of course, this should be in the field of view of the researcher.

E. The principle of semi-functionality

The control system may have multifunctional functions. These are functions connected according to a certain attribute in order to obtain some special effect. It can be otherwise called the principle of interoperability. But the compatibility of functions is determined not only by its content, as is often assumed, but also by the goals of management and the compatibility of performers. After all, a function is not just a type of activity, but also a person who implements this function. Often functions that seem to be incompatible in their content turn out to be compatible in the activities of a certain specialist. And vice versa. In the study of multifunctionality, one should not forget about the human factor of management.

J. Iterative principle

Any research is a process involving certain sequence operations, use of methods, evaluation of preliminary, intermediate and final results. This characterizes the iterative structure of the research process. Its success depends on how we choose these iterations, how we combine them.

Z. The principle of probabilistic estimates

In a study, it is not always possible to accurately trace and evaluate all causal relationships, in other words, to present the object of study in a deterministic way. Many connections and relationships are objectively probabilistic in nature, many phenomena can only be estimated probabilistically, if we take into account modern level, modern possibilities of studying the phenomena of the socio-economic and socio-psychological plan. Therefore, the study of management should be focused on probabilistic estimates. This means the widespread use of methods statistical analysis, methods for calculating probability, normative estimates, flexible modeling, etc.

AND. The principle of variation.

This principle follows from the principle of probability. The combination of probabilities gives various options reflection and understanding of reality. Each of these options can and should be the focus of research. Any research can be focused either on obtaining a single result, or on the definition options reflection real situation cases with subsequent analysis of these options. The variance of the study is manifested in the development of not a single, but several working hypotheses or various concepts at the first stage of the study. Variation can also be manifested in the choice of aspects and methods of research, various ways, say modeling phenomena.

But these principles of systematicity can only be useful and effective, can reflect a truly systematic approach, when they themselves are taken into account and used systematically, that is, in interdependence and in connection with each other. Such a paradox is possible: the principles of a systematic approach do not give a systematic approach to research, because they are used sporadically, without taking into account their connection, subordination, and complexity. The principles of systemicity must also be used systematically.

Thus, a systematic approach is a set of principles that determine the goal and strategy for solving complex problems, a method based on presenting the object-carrier of the problem as a system, including, on the one hand, decomposition difficult problem into its components, analysis of these components, up to setting specific tasks with proven solution algorithms, and on the other hand, keeping these components in their inseparable unity. An important feature system approach is that not only the object, but the process of research itself acts as a complex system, whose task, in particular, is to combine into a single whole various models object.

methodological direction in science, the main task of which is to develop methods for research and design of complex objects - systems different types and classes.

Great Definition

Incomplete definition ↓

systems approach

SYSTEMS APPROACH- the direction of the philosophy and methodology of science, special scientific knowledge and social practice, which is based on the study of objects as systems. S. p. focuses research on the disclosure of the integrity of the object and the mechanisms that ensure it, on the identification of diverse types of connections of a complex object and their reduction into a single theoretical picture. The concept "S. P." (English "systems approach") has been widely used since the late 60s - early 70s. 20th century in English and Russian. philosophical and systemic literature. Close in content to "S. P." are the concepts of "systemic research", "principle of systemicity", " general theory systems" and " system analysis". S. p. - interdisciplinary philosophical and methodological and scientific direction research. Not directly solving philosophical problems, S. p. needs a philosophical interpretation of its provisions. important part philosophical substantiation of S. p. systemic principle. Historically, the ideas of a systematic study of the objects of the world and the processes of cognition arose in ancient philosophy (Plato, Aristotle), were widely developed in the philosophy of the New Age (I. Kant, F. Schelling), were studied by K. Marx in relation to the economic structure capitalist society. In the theory created by Ch. Darwin biological evolution not only an idea was formulated, but an idea of ​​the reality of supra-organismal levels of life organization ( essential premise systems thinking in biology). S. p. represents a certain stage in the development of methods of cognition, research and design activities, methods of describing and explaining the nature of analyzed or artificially created objects. The principles of S. p. come to replace the widespread in the 17-19 centuries. concepts of mechanism and oppose them. Most wide application S. methods are found in the study of complex developing objects - multi-level, hierarchical, self-organizing biological, psychological, social, and other systems, large technical systems, man-machine systems, etc. To the number critical tasks S. p. include: 1) the development of means of representing the studied and constructed objects as systems; 2) building generalized models of the system, models different classes and specific properties of systems; 3) study of the structure of systems theories and various system concepts and developments. In a system study, the analyzed object is considered as a certain set of elements, the interconnection of which determines the integral properties of this set. The main emphasis is on identifying the variety of connections and relationships that take place both within the object under study and in its relationship with external environment, environment. object properties as complete system are determined not only and not so much by the summation of the properties of its individual elements, but by the properties of its structure, special backbone, integrative links of the object under consideration. To understand the behavior of systems (first of all, purposeful), it is necessary to identify the control processes implemented by this system - forms of information transfer from one subsystem to another and ways of influencing some parts of the system on others, coordination lower levels system from the side of its elements top level management, the impact on the latter of all other subsystems. Significant importance in S. p. is attached to revealing the probabilistic nature of the behavior of the objects under study. An important feature of S. the item is that not only the object, but also the process of research itself acts as a complex system, the task of which, in particular, is to combine various models of the object into a single whole. System objects are very often not indifferent to the process of their research and in many cases can have a significant impact on it. In the context of the development of the scientific and technological revolution in the second half of the 20th century. there is a further refinement of the content of S. p. - the disclosure of its philosophical foundations, the development of logical and methodological principles, further progress in the construction of a general systems theory. S. p. is theoretical and methodological basis system analysis. A prerequisite for the penetration of S. p. into science in the 20th century. was, first of all, the transition to a new type scientific tasks: in a number of areas of science, the problems of organization and functioning of complex objects begin to occupy a central place; cognition operates with systems, the boundaries and composition of which are far from obvious and require special research in each individual case. In the second half of the 20th century similar problems arise in social practice: in social management instead of the previously prevailing local, sectoral tasks and principles, major complex problems begin to play a leading role, requiring close interconnection of economic, social, environmental and other aspects public life(e.g., global problems, complex problems of socio-economic development of countries and regions, problems of creating modern productions, complexes, urban development, nature protection activities, etc.). Changing the type of scientific and practical tasks is accompanied by the appearance of general scientific and special scientific concepts, which are characterized by the use in one form or another of the basic ideas of S. p. Along with the spread of the principles of S. p. to new areas scientific knowledge and practice, from the middle of the 20th century. starts systematic development these principles methodologically. Initially, methodological studies were grouped around the problems of constructing a general theory of systems. However, the development of research in this direction has shown that the totality of the problems of the methodology of system research goes beyond the scope of the tasks of developing only a general theory of systems. To designate this wider scope of methodological problems, the term "S. P.". S. p. does not exist in the form of a strict theoretical or methodological concept: it performs its heuristic functions, remaining a set cognitive principles, whose main meaning is the corresponding orientation case studies. This orientation is carried out in two ways. First, the substantive principles of S. p. allow fixing the insufficiency of old, traditional subjects of study for setting and solving new problems. Secondly, the concepts and principles of S. p. significantly help to build new subjects of study, setting the structural and typological characteristics these objects and thus contributing to the formation of constructive research programs. The role of S. p. in the development of scientific, technical and practice-oriented knowledge is as follows. First, the concepts and principles of S. p. reveal a wider cognitive reality compared to that which was fixed in the previous knowledge (for example, the concept of the biosphere in the concept of V. I. Vernadsky, the concept of biogeocenosis in modern ecology, the optimal approach to economic management and planning, etc.). Secondly, within the framework of S. p., new, in comparison with the previous stages in the development of scientific knowledge, schemes of explanation are developed, which are based on the search for specific mechanisms for the integrity of an object and the identification of a typology of its connections. Thirdly, it follows from the thesis about the variety of types of relations of an object, which is important for s., that any complex object admits several divisions. At the same time, the criterion for choosing the most adequate division of the object under study can be the extent to which, as a result, it is possible to construct a “unit” of analysis that allows fixing the integral properties of the object, its structure and dynamics. The breadth of the principles and basic concepts of S. p. puts it in close connection with other methodological directions of modern science. In terms of its cognitive attitudes, S. p. has much in common with structuralism and structural-functional analysis, with which he is connected not only by operating with the concepts of system, structure and function, but also by the emphasis on the study of heterogeneous relations of an object. At the same time, the principles of S. p. have a broader and more flexible content; they were not subjected to such rigid conceptualization and absolutization, which was characteristic of some interpretations of structuralism and structural-functional analysis. I.V. Blauberg, E.G. Yudin, V.N. Sadovsky Lit .: Problems of methodology of system research. M., 1970; Blauberg I.V., Yudin E.G. Formation and essence of the system approach. M., 1973; Sadovsky V.N. Foundations of General Systems Theory: Logical and Methodological Analysis. M., 1974; Uemov A.I. System approach and general systems theory. M., 1978; Afanasiev V.G. Consistency and society. M., 1980; Blauberg I.V. The problem of integrity and a systematic approach. M., 1997; Yudin E.G. Science Methodology: Consistency. Activity. M, 1997; System Research. Yearbook. Issue. 1-26. M., 1969-1998; Churchman C.W. The Systems Approach. N.Y., 1968; Trends in General Systems Theory. N.Y., 1972; General Systems Theory. Yearbook. Vol. 1-30. N.Y., 1956-85; Critical Systems Thinking. Directed Readings. N.Y., 1991.

System is a set of parts or components that are organizationally interconnected. Therefore, the concept "system"

The essence of the systematic approach:

"analysis-synthesis"

("synthesis-analysis").

L. von Bertalanffy, .

Russell Ackoff defines

1) identification of the whole (system), part of which is the object of interest to us;

3) an explanation of the behavior or properties of the object of interest to us in terms of its role or functions in general, of which it is a part. (i.e. the sequence "synthesis-analysis").

73. The concept of "system". System objects. Systems approach

System is a set of parts or components that are organizationally interconnected. System- a set of interrelated and interacting elements (according to international ISO standards). V. Afanasiev believes that the key feature of the system is emergence. This principle of the appearance of properties in the whole that are not characteristic of elements individually is called W. R. Ashby emergence principle.

Therefore, the concept "system" most often defined as a set of elements that are in relationships and connections with each other, which forms a certain integrity.

In organizational systems, there is a constant process of transformation, during which elements change their state. In the transformation process, input elements are transformed into output elements.

The essence of a systematic approach

Previously, a reductionist approach dominated science and practice (in order to understand the whole, it is necessary to study its elements). Those. research methodology - "analysis-synthesis"(from parts to whole). The systems approach emerged as opposed to the reductionist one.

In accordance with systems thinking, it is believed that a better understanding of the system under study can be achieved by expanding the system, and not by reducing it to its constituent elements. Understanding goes from the whole to its parts ("synthesis-analysis"). Understanding the whole cannot be ignored, because this is very important information for the researcher.

The broadest interpretation of the system approach methodology belongs to L. von Bertalanffy, who proceeded from the fact that any organization is, first of all, the relationship between the interdependent parts of the system that ensure its existence. Therefore, the study of individual parts of the system cannot give a correct idea of ​​it as a whole. From this it was concluded that the system is qualitatively different from its constituent components, subsystems, and cannot be considered as a simple sum of its constituent elements.

The system approach is interdisciplinary and general scientific, because focuses on the integration of the achievements of all sciences (social, natural and technical), as well as the experience of practical activities, primarily in the field of organization and management. A good manager, as well as a good doctor, is a systems specialist who knows the structure and work of the entire organization or the whole organism. This is very valuable information for decision making.

Synthesis, or knowledge of the object as a whole, is the key to systems thinking. Russell Ackoff defines system approach methodology as the following order of the three stages of knowledge:

1) identification of the whole (system), part of which is the object of interest to us;

2) an explanation of the behavior of the whole or the properties of the whole;

3) an explanation of the behavior or properties of the object of interest to us in terms of its role or functions in general, of which it is a part. (i.e. the sequence "synthesis-analysis").

In the traditional approach, the sequence is opposite - "analysis-synthesis".

Systems approach- the direction of the methodology of scientific knowledge, which is based on the consideration of an object as a system: an integral complex of interrelated elements (I. V. Blauberg, V. N. Sadovsky, E. G. Yudin); sets of interacting objects (L. von Bertalanffy); sets of entities and relations (Hall A. D., Fagin R. I., late Bertalanffy)

Speaking of a systematic approach, we can talk about some way of organizing our actions, one that covers any kind of activity, identifying patterns and relationships in order to use them more effectively. At the same time, a systematic approach is not so much a method of solving problems as a method of setting problems. As they say, "That's right. question asked is half the answer. This is a qualitatively higher, rather than just objective, way of knowing.

Basic principles of the systems approach

Integrity, which allows to consider the system simultaneously as a whole and at the same time as a subsystem for higher levels.

Hierarchy of the structure, that is, the presence of a set (at least two) of elements located on the basis of the subordination of elements of a lower level to elements of a higher level. The implementation of this principle is clearly visible in the example of any particular organization. As you know, any organization is an interaction of two subsystems: managing and managed. One is subordinate to the other.

Structuring, which allows you to analyze the elements of the system and their relationships within a specific organizational structure. As a rule, the process of functioning of the system is determined not so much by the properties of its individual elements, but by the properties of the structure itself.

Plurality, which allows using a variety of cybernetic, economic and mathematical models to describe individual elements and the system as a whole.

Consistency, the property of an object to have all the features of the system.

Features of a systematic approach

Systems approach is an approach in which any system (object) is considered as a set of interrelated elements (components) that has an output (goal), an input (resources), a connection with external environment, feedback. This is the most difficult approach. The system approach is a form of application of the theory of knowledge and dialectics to the study of processes occurring in nature, society, and thinking. Its essence lies in the implementation of the requirements of the general theories systems, according to which each object in the process of its study should be considered as a large and complex system and at the same time as an element of a more general system.

A detailed definition of a systematic approach also includes the obligatory study and practical use of the following eight aspects:

- system-element or system-complex, which consists in identifying the elements that make up this system. In all social systems, one can find material components (means of production and consumer goods), processes (economic, social, political, spiritual, etc.) and ideas, scientifically conscious interests of people and their communities;

- system-structural, which consists in clarifying the internal connections and dependencies between the elements of a given system and allowing you to get an idea of ​​​​the internal organization (structure) of the system under study;

- system-functional, involving the identification of functions for the performance of which corresponding systems have been created and exist;

system-target, meaning the need for a scientific definition of the goals and sub-goals of the system, their mutual coordination with each other;

- system-resource, which consists in carefully identifying the resources required for the functioning of the system, for solving a particular problem by the system;

- system integration, which consists in determining the totality of the qualitative properties of the system, ensuring its integrity and peculiarity;

- system communication, meaning the need to identify the external relations of this system with others, that is, its relations with the environment;

- system-historical, allowing to find out the conditions at the time of the emergence of the system under study, the stages it has passed, the current state, as well as possible development prospects.

Almost all modern sciences built on a systematic basis. An important aspect of the systematic approach is the development of a new principle of its use - the creation of a new, unified and more optimal approach (general methodology) to knowledge, to apply it to any cognizable material, with the guaranteed goal of obtaining the most complete and holistic view of this material.