Defining “System” – an Engineering Point of View
Arthur S. Paul · INCOSE International Symposium · 1997
ABSTRACT Having observed different terminology, emphases, and concepts being used by writers from various disciplines to define “system,” this analyst hypothesized that an analysis of these definitions will identify diversity in the current uses and applications of the word “system,” and provide a basis for a definition that is applicable to the engineering community. This analysis involved a preliminary review of definitions of “system” from a wide variety of sources, and selecting a set which seemed to apply to engineering work for more detailed analysis. Fourteen definitions, which satisfy this criterion, are discussed in this paper. While varying extensively in terminology, level of details, applicability, and scope, these definitions of “system” are remarkably consistent in conveying some fundamental concepts, such as: wholeness, order, interrelationships among parts, and purpose.