This book focuses on systems analysis, broadly defined to also include problem formulation and interpretation of proposed alternatives in terms of the value systems of stakeholders. Therefore, the book is a complement, not a substitute to other books when teaching systems engineering and systems analysis. The nature of problem solving discussed in this book is appropriate to a wide range of systems analyses. Thus the book can be used as a stand-alone book for teaching the analysis of systems. Also unique is the inclusion of broad case studies to stress problem solving issues, making How to Do Systems Analysis a complement to the many fine works in systems engineering available today.
Autorentext
John E. Gibson, PhD, was the Commonwealth Distinguished Professor of Systems Management at the School of Engineering and Applied Science, University of Virginia, Charlottesville. He was the past dean of engineering at two universities: The University of Virginia and Oakland University. His research was in manufactruring strategy and management and in total quality leadership. Dr. Gibson received his PhD from Yale University.
William T. Scherer, PhD, is Professor in the Department of Systems and Information Engineering at the University of Virginia where he teaches courses on systems engineering. He has authored and co-authored numerous publications on intelligent decision support systems, combinatorial optimization, and stochastic control. He is an associate editor for International Abstracts in Operations Research and reviewer for Operations Research, Annals of Operations Research, and IEEE Trans-actions on Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS). He has held the Lucien Carr III Professorship of Engineering, recognition of his excellence in undergraduate education.
Klappentext
Many systems engineering books describe the systematic process of developing, designing, and deploying large-scale complex systems, yet fail to present the fundamental systemic thinking needed to conceive complex systems and solve complex socio-technical problems. Rather than delve into the formal processes of systems engineering, this unique book emphasizes the underlying systems analysis component and associated though processes. Systems analysis focuses on problem definition and offers a unique book emphasizes the underlying systems analysis component and associated though processes. Systems analysis focuses on problem defining and offers a unique perspective on problem solving in all type so f domains. How to Do systems Analysis describes an approach that is appropriate for large-scale, complex systems in diverse disciplines. More specifically, How to Do Systems Analysis:
- Covers the six major phases of systems analysis, including goal development, the index of performance, and alternative candidate solutions, as well as the management of the systems team, project management, and more
- presents the core concepts of a general systems analysis methodology
- Includes examples that illustrate systems analysis concepts, along with case studies of systems analysis and systems engineering in the real world
- Features exercises at the end of many chapters to challenge readers to practice systems analysis thinking and skills
An eye-opening, thought-provoking reference for professionals in field that need input from systems engineering, such as telecommunications, transportation,m business consulting, and health care, this book is also a stimulating text for senior undergraduate and graduate students in systems engineering and systems analysis courses.
Inhalt
Preface xi
A Personal Note from William T. Scherer xv
A Personal Note from William F. Gibson xvii
A Personal Note from Scott F. Ferber xix
Original Preface from Jack Gibson xxi
Acknowledgments xxiii
1 Introduction 1
1.1 What Is a System? 2
1.2 Terminology Confusion 4
1.3 Systems Analysis Equals Operations Research Plus Policy Analysis 6
1.4 Attributes of Large-Scale Systems 7
1.5 Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS): An Example of a Large-Scale System 8
1.6 Systems Integration 11
1.7 What Makes a Systems Analysis Different? 12
1.8 Distant Roots of Systems Analysis 14
1.9 Immediate Precursors to Systems Analysis 15
1.10 Development of Systems Analysis As a Distinct Discipline: The Influence of RAND 17
Historical Case Study: IIASA (A) 20
Exercises 24
Case Study: Fun at Six Flags? 25
Historical Case Study: IIASA (B) 26
2 Six Major Phases of Systems Analysis 29
2.1 The Systems Analysis Method: Six Major Phases 29
2.2 The Goal-centered or Top-Down Approach 35
2.3 The Index of Performance Concept 40
2.4 Developing Alternative Scenarios 44
2.5 Ranking Alternatives 45
2.6 Iteration and the Error-embracing Approach 46
2.7 The Action Phase: The Life Cycle of a System 48
Exercises 50
Case Study: Methodologies or Chaos? Part A 51
Case Study: Methodologies or Chaos? Part B 52
Case Study: Wal-Mart Crisis! 53
3 Goal Development 55
3.1 Seven Steps in Goal Development 55
3.2 On Generalizing the Question 59
3.3 The Descriptive Scenario 61
3.4 The Normative Scenario 62
3.5 The Axiological Component 63
3.6 Developing an Objectives Tree 66
3.7 Fitch's Goals for an Urbanizing America: An Example of Objectives Tree Construction 73
3.8 Content Analysis of Fitch's Goals 79
3.9 Validate 82
3.10 Iterate 83
Case Study: Distance Learning in the Future? 84
Historical Case Study: Goals of 4C, Inc. 85
4 The Index of Performance 89
4.1 Introduction 89
4.2 Desirable Characteristics for an Index of Performance 91
4.3 Economic Criteria 95
4.4 Compound Interest 96
4.5 Four Common Criteria of Economic Efficiency 98
4.6 Is There a Problem with Multiple Criteria? 100
4.7 What Is Wrong with the BC Ratio? 105
4.8 Can IRR Be Fixed? 107
4.9 Expected Monetary Value 109
4.10 Nonmonetary Performance Indices 111
Exercises 114
Case Study: Sky High Airlines 116
Case Study: BridgesWhere to Spend the Security Dollars? 122
Case Study: Measuring the Process and Outcomes of Regional Transportation Collaboration 122
Case Study: Baseball Free Agent Draft 123
5 Develop Alternative Candidate Solutions 129
5.1 Introduction 129
5.2 The Classical Approach to Creativity 129
5.3 Concepts in Creativity 131
5.4 Brainstorming 132
5.5 Brainwriting 135
5.6 Dynamic Confrontation 137
5.7 Zwicky's Morphological Box 137
5.8 The Options Field/Options Profile Approach 139
5.9 Computer Creativity 143
5.10 Computer Simulation: a Tool in Option Development 144
5.11 Why a Dynamic Simulation for Creating Options? 145
5.12 Context-Free Simulation Models? 147
5.13 Bottom-Up Simulation or Top-Down? 148
5.14 Lessons from the Susquehanna River Basin Model 151
5.15 The Forrester Urban Model (FUM) and Societal Values 153
5.16 Extensions and Variations 157
5.17 Where to go from Here? 159
Exercises 159
Case Study: Winnebago 160
Case Study: Distance Learning in the Future? 160&l...