Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela

Ministry of popular power for education

"Santiago Mariño" University Institute
Mérida Expansion

Reference to systems engineering

Author:
Raul Andrés Veleño Parra
CI: 31.921.249
#47
Teacher:
Araceli Torres

Mérida, October 2023

 Indey

Introduction…………………………………………………………………………Pág.03

What it is and it’s importance…………………………………………………….Pág.04

Introduction to general systems theory………………………………………….Pág.06

Origin of general systems theory…………………………………………………Pág.08

Objectives of the general theory………………………………………………….Pág.09

Definition and characteristic………………………………………………………Pág.10

Methodological contributions……………………………………………………..Pág.12

Conclusion………………………………………………………………………….Pág.0

Bibliography…………………………………………………………………………Pág.0
 Introduction

Systems engineering is an interdisciplinary field of engineering that focuses on the

design and management of complex systems. This discipline combines knowledge
of engineering, mathematics, computer science and management to develop
efficient and effective solutions to complex problems.

Pág.03
What it is and it’s importance

What is systems engineering?

Systems engineering deals with analyzing, designing, researching, developing and
managing all types of systems. These systems can be physical, such as
transportation systems or energy systems, or they can be information systems,
such as software systems or communication networks.

Systems engineering is based on principles and methodologies that allow complex

problems to be addressed systematically and efficiently. Systems engineers use
modeling, analysis, and design techniques to understand and solve problems in
complex systems.

¿What a systems engineer do?

A systems engineer is the olosional trained to apply the principles of systems
engineering in practice.
Some of the tasks a systems engineer may perform include:

-Analyze and understand the requirements and needs of a system.

-Design technical and functional solutions to satisfy those requirements.
-Research and evaluate technologies and olos to implement the system.
-Develop and build the system, whether through programming, hardware
configuration or component integration.
-Manage and maintain the system throughout its life cycle.
-Perform testing and ensure that the system meets quality and performance
standards.
-Collaborate with other professionals, such as software engineers, interface
designers, and security specialists, to develop complex systems.

Pág.04
Importance of systems engineering:

Systems engineering is essential in solving complex problems in various fields,

such as industry, health, energy, communications and transportation. It allows
problems to be addressed from a holistic perspective, considering all aspects of
the system and its interaction with the environment.

Furthermore, systems engineering is crucial in the development of information

systems and technology. It allows you to design and build software systems,
communication networks and information systems that are efficient, secure and
reliable.

In summary, systems engineering is an interdisciplinary discipline that combines

knowledge of engineering, mathematics, computer science and management to
solve complex problems. Systems engineers play a critical role in the design,
development and administration of complex systems in various fields.

Pág.05
Introduction to general systems theory

The study of complex realities, in which the whole is noticeably more than the sum
of the parts, forces us to go beyond the traditional analytical method based on the
separate study of the different parts of an object. On the contrary, the systemic
approach foregrounds the study of the interactions between the parts and between
them and their environment.

In this study, it is found that certain relationships appear repeatedly in systems of

different nature. The focus on the structure of relationships over the nature of the
systems involved leads us to the construction of General Systems: a General
System can be considered as a class of Particular Systems with the same
structure of relationships, so that any of They can be taken as a model for others.

Different Theories are thus built for different General Systems. These Theories can
have a mathematical form, since it is common to take the abstract mathematical
system of its relations as a representative of the corresponding class. But its
content is not merely formal, but refers to the materiality of the common properties
of the Particular Systems of that class.
Now, we can also build a General Systems Theory for the systematic treatment of
the properties of any General System. This will be a formal mathematical theory,
without specific material content.
A General Systems Theory, ideally applicable to any real or imaginable system,
should be able to treat systems with any number of variables (even infinite
variables), continuous or discrete in nature. Thus, for example, according to
Mesarovic, a System is any subset of a generalized Cartesian product (we may
have to resort to the Axiom of Choice for its construction).

Pág.06
 The importance of interactions in the systemic approach will make us interested in
distinguishing between the input variables generated by the environment and the
output variables generated by the System under consideration.

In some cases, the value of the output variables will depend uniquely on the value
of the input variables. But, normally, these will be trivial cases that could be treated
without using Systems Theory. In another case, the different outputs with the same
input can be explained by the existence of different internal states of the System.
And the change of these internal states will lead us to take into consideration the
temporal transition, whether these processes are deterministic or probabilistic.

In cases of greater systemic interest, the output of a System reacts on its input,
through a feedback loop that produces a non-linear process. Therefore, the
processes derived from regulation and balance that are common in open living or
electronic systems are of special interest in General Systems Theory.

Pág.07
Origin of general systems theory

General systems theory (GST) is an interdisciplinary theory that seeks to

understand and explain systems in their entirety, considering the interactions
between their components and their environment. It was developed by Austrian
biologist Ludwig von Bertalanffy in the 1950s. Before the emergence of TGS,
science focused on the study of individual systems in specific disciplines, such as
physics, biology or sociology. However, it was recognized that many phenomena
could not be adequately explained from a single discipline, since they were
influenced by multiple factors and connections.

Previous research that gave rise to TGS was based on the idea that complex
systems share certain common principles and characteristics. Bertalanffy studied
various scientific disciplines and found similarities in the way the systems worked,
regardless of their specific nature.

Bertalanffy was inspired by physics and cybernetics, as well as biology and

psychology, to develop TGS. He observed that systems, whether physical,
biological or social, have common elements, such as the interaction between their
parts, feedback and the ability to adapt to their environment.

TGS proposes that systems can be studied and understood holistically,

considering the interactions between their components and their environment. This
theory has had a significant impact on various disciplines, such as management,
engineering, sociology and ecology, among others. In summary, general systems
theory emerged as a result of previous research that sought to understand
complex systems as a whole. Ludwig von Bertalanffy developed this
interdisciplinary theory that seeks to explain the common principles and
characteristics of systems, regardless of their specific nature. TGS has had a
significant impact on various disciplines and has enabled a more comprehensive
approach to the study of systems.

Pág.08
Objectives of the general theory

General Systems Theory (GST) has several objectives that seek to understand
and explain systems in their entirety. These objectives are the following:

-Promote the development of a general terminology that allows describing the

characteristics, functions and systemic behaviors. The TGS seeks to establish a
common language to talk about systems, regardless of their specific nature.
-Develop a set of laws applicable to all these behaviors. TGS seeks to identify
general principles and patterns that apply to systems in different disciplines and
contexts.
-Promote a mathematical formalization of these laws. TGS seeks to use
mathematical tools to model and analyze systems, allowing a more precise and
quantitative understanding of their operation.
-Search objectives. All systems include interacting components, and the interaction
causes some goal, end state, or equilibrium position to be reached. TGS seeks to
understand how systems establish and pursue objectives.
-Study the inputs and products of the systems. Systems receive inputs from the
environment, process them internally, and generate outputs as a result of their
operation. TGS seeks to understand how systems interact with their environment
and how they transform inputs into outputs.

These objectives reflect the intention of General Systems Theory to provide a

conceptual and methodological framework for the study of systems in different
disciplines. TGS seeks to understand the common principles and characteristics of
systems, allowing a more comprehensive and holistic approach to their study.

Pág.09
Definition and characteristic

General Systems Theory (TGS) is an interdisciplinary theory that seeks to

understand and explain systems in their entirety, considering the interactions
between their components and their environment. This theory was developed by
Austrian biologist Ludwig von Bertalanffy in the 1950s.

TGS is based on the premise that complex systems share certain common
principles and characteristics, regardless of their specific nature. This theory seeks
to establish a conceptual and methodological framework for the study of systems in
different disciplines.

Some key features of the TGS are:

1. Holistic approach: TGS considers systems as complete entities and seeks

to understand how the parts interact with each other and with their
environment. It focuses on the study of the emergent properties and
interdependencies of the components of a system.

2. Interdisciplinarity: TGS is applied in various disciplines, such as biology,

physics, sociology, psychology, administration, among others. It seeks to
establish a common language and general principles that are applicable to
all systems.

3. Feedback: The TGS recognizes the importance of feedback in systems, as

it allows adjustments and adaptations in response to changes in the
environment. Feedback can be positive (reinforcing) or negative
(regulating).
 Pág.10
4. Hierarchy and levels of organization: The TGS recognizes that systems can
have a hierarchical structure, with subsystems and superiors. Additionally,
systems can be part of larger systems, forming a hierarchy of organizational
levels.

5. Adaptability and change: The TGS recognizes that systems have the
capacity to adapt and change in response to external or internal stimuli.
Systems can maintain their balance (homeostasis) or undergo
transformations and evolution.

In conclusion, General Systems Theory is an interdisciplinary theory that seeks to

understand systems in their entirety, considering the interactions between their
components and their environment. This theory provides a conceptual and
methodological framework for the study of systems in different disciplines,
recognizing characteristics such as the holistic approach, interdisciplinarity,
feedback, hierarchy and adaptability.
 Pág.11
Methodological contributions

The General Systems Theory (TGS) has made important methodological

contributions in the study of systems. Some of these contributions are:

-Holistic approach: TGS proposes a holistic approach that considers systems as

complete entities, instead of analyzing their parts in isolation. This involves
studying the interactions between the components of a system and its
environment, recognizing that the whole is more than the sum of its parts.
-Systems analysis: The TGS has developed methodologies for systems analysis,
which allow us to understand the structure, interactions and functions of a system.
These methodologies include the identification of system components, the
definition of the relationships between them and the study of information and
energy flows within the system.
-Systems modeling: The TGS has promoted the use of models to represent and
simulate complex systems. These models can be used to understand the behavior
of a system, predict its evolution and evaluate the impact of changes or
interventions in the system.
-Interdisciplinary approach: The TGS encourages collaboration between different
disciplines in the study of systems. This involves the integration of knowledge and
methods from different fields, which makes it possible to address complex
problems from multiple perspectives and enrich the analysis of systems.
-Feedback approach: The TGS recognizes the importance of feedback in systems,
both in terms of positive and negative feedback. This involves studying how the
system's responses to external or internal stimuli can influence its behavior and
evolution.

General Systems Theory has made important methodological contributions in the

study of systems, promoting a holistic approach, the analysis and modeling of
systems, the interdisciplinary approach and the study of feedback. These
contributions have allowed us to advance the understanding and application of
systems principles in various disciplines.
 Pág.12
Conclusion

General Systems Theory (GST) has had a significant impact on various disciplines
and fields of study. Although no specific conclusion was found in the search
results, some general conclusions can be drawn about TGS:

1. Integrative approach: TGS has allowed an integration of knowledge and

approaches from different disciplines, which has led to a more complete and
holistic understanding of systems.
2. Global vision: The TGS has promoted a global vision of phenomena and
problems, recognizing the interconnection and interdependence between
the elements of a system.
3. Analytical tool: The TGS provides a conceptual and methodological
framework to analyze and understand systems, identifying their
components, relationships and processes.
4. Practical applicability: TGS has been applied in various fields, such as
management, engineering, biology, psychology, among others, to
understand and address complex problems.
5. Systemic approach to problem solving: The TGS has promoted a systemic
approach to problem solving, recognizing the importance of considering the
system as a whole and not just its individual parts.

To conclude, TGS has provided a theoretical and methodological framework to

understand and address systems comprehensively. It has promoted the integration
of knowledge, global vision, systems analysis and practical application in various
fields. Through its systemic approach, TGS has contributed to a deeper
understanding of systems and provided tools to address complex problems from a
holistic perspective.
 Pág.13
Bibliography

Ludwig von Bertalanffy, born on September 19, 1901 in Austria and died on June
12, 1972 in Canada, was an Austrian biologist and the creator of the General
Systems Theory (TGS). Bertalanffy studied biology in Vienna and specialized in
theoretical biology and philosophy of biology.

Throughout his career, Bertalanffy was interested in understanding the common

principles and patterns found in living and non-living systems. He observed that
many natural phenomena could not be adequately explained using the traditional
reductionist approach, which focused on the study of the individual parts of a
system.

In the 1930s, Bertalanffy began developing General Systems Theory, which

proposes a holistic and interdisciplinary approach to the study of systems in all
fields of science. Its objective was to establish a conceptual framework that would
allow understanding the general principles and patterns that apply to all systems,
regardless of their specific nature.

Bertalanffy's best-known work is his book "General Systems Theory", published in

1968. In this book, he presents the fundamental concepts of TGS and its
application in various fields, such as biology, psychology, sociology and
management. .

Bertalanffy's General Systems Theory has had a significant impact on various

disciplines and has opened new perspectives for the study of complex systems. Its
interdisciplinary approach and its emphasis on the interrelationship and
interdependence of the elements of a system have influenced the development of
systems science and provided a theoretical framework for addressing complex
problems from a holistic perspective.
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