Systems practice
pp. 175-175
in: Robert L. Flood, Michael C. Jackson, Paul Keys (eds), Systems prospects, Berlin, Springer, 1989Abstract
One indicator of the strength of systems thinking is the range of areas in which it has been found to be useful in practice. This should not be a surprising observation for, if systems ideas are as general as they are often claimed to be, then they should find application in a wide range of situations. The different shades of systems thinking and theory support and suggest their use in different contexts. The design and construction of physical artefacts, be they electrical, mechanical or of any other type, can benefit from the involvement of systems ideas to guide and facilitate progress. The diagnosis and improvement of difficulties faced by individuals and groups, whether they be based in organisations or the wider community, can be aided by approaching the situation with a systemic attitude.