System, Approach and System Analysis. Role Name Affiliation

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1 Systems Approach and System Analysis Component-I (A) - Personal Details Role Name Affiliation Principal Investigator Prof. Masood Ahsan Siddiqui Department of Geography, Jamia Millia Islamia, New Delhi Paper Coordinator, if any Dr. Taruna Bansal Department of Geography, Jamia Millia Islamia, New Delhi Content Writer/Author (CW) Content Reviewer (CR) Language Editor (LE) Dr. Janki Jiwan Department of Geography, Shaheed Bhagat Singh College, University of Delhi, New Delhi Component-I (B) - Description of Module Items Subject Name Paper Name Module Name/Title Module Id Pre-requisites Objectives Keywords Description of Module Geography Geographical Thought Systems Approach and System Analysis GEOG/ System, Approach and System Analysis To Study System Analysis System, Elements, Components, Functions and Analysis 1

2 Component II - e-text Systems Approach and System Analysis Janki Jiwan, Ph.D. I. Introduction The system has been taken from a Greek word systema that refers to normal rules and laws governing its structure and behaviours. In other words, system is termed as unified whole (working body) which consists of interdependently functioning elements. Element is very basic part of a unified whole. For example, human body is a biological system involving various elements (parts) like cells, tissues, blood, bones and muscles. These elements (parts) are functioning interdependently. Likewise, the Earth itself is largest system which is made of lithosphere, hydrosphere, atmosphere and biosphere. Biosphere is the largest ecosystem made of interconnected sub-systems (both terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems) viz., forest, grassland, desert, ocean, lake, pond etc. These systems vary greatly in size and scale ranging from microscopic to micro, meso and macro. For instance, biosphere forms an ecosystem of macro size and rivulet can form a micro one. A. System Approach to Geography The concept of the system approach has been fundamentally derived from the general systems approach or theory. A biologist named Ludwig von Bertalanffy who proposed general system theory through publication of his various research papers between 1920s and 1950s. This approach understood an intrinsic unification of different streams of sciences. The main propositions of general systems approach or theory were 1 : 1. There is an isomorphisms between the mathematical constructions in scientific disciplines which can unify them; 2. An interaction between an open system and its environment occur through regular flow of energy; 3. This theory explains the wholeness of system, its growth, differentiation, hierarchical order, control and competition in its environment. 1 Alex J. Ryan (2008) What is a Systems Approach? Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14850, USA, available at 2

3 As per the above mentioned propositions, a general system theory describe an unified whole and functions of inter-connected elements. It is higher order generalization of multiplicity of systems, their complex structures and functions. A system may include either open or closed setting. however, majority of existing systems in the nature are open type. As discussed earlier the earth being an open system functions through exchanges and flow of energy. Such exchange and flow of energy makes innumerable linkages, or connections binding entities together into a system. Theses connections are the ways (paths) through which matters, energy, information, and persons go from an element to other. As very early, Ludwig von Bertalanffy had realised the importance of system approach to non-biological science. Over the period of time, geographers introduced system approach to various geographical studies. R. J. Chorley, Leopold and Landbein, Wolderberg and Berry were some prominent geographers who made its application possible in geography. In fact, it was R. J. Chorley, who become the first geographer brought about this approach or theory to geography. His paper Geomorphology and General system theory (1962) focused on mainly application of concept of open and close system in Geomorphology. In addition, Leopold and Landbein used the concept of entropy and an equilibrium (steady state) in explanation of changing fluvial system. Berry applied concepts of organization and information in study an individual city as a system and its functioning within spatial system of cities. Wolderberg and Berry used system concept to explain central place theory in urban geography and river system in geomorphology. Curry has tied to use this concept to spatial location of settlement. Even new age geographers solve numerous spatial problems through a general systems approach in both human and physical geography. They use systems as analytical models to explain existing spatial patterns and interactions of geographical phenomena. For example, human geographers apply this model to study pattern of human migration, the dissemination of knowledge, ideas, and information. Moreover, physical geographers trust this approach in understanding natural set up in which physical system operate. In short, researchers in both physical and human geography are attentive in recognizing, elucidation, and forecasting flows in physical, socio-economic systems. In other words, the systems approach is used in variety of applied branches of geography viz., land-use planning, natural resource management, watershed management, regional planning, management of pollution (water, air, soil, sound), environmental management, climate 3

4 change etc. These areas involve study of elements and sub-system of general environment like qualitative, quantitative, behavioural and socio-economic subsystems. The qualitative subsystem contains definite space like empty or filled places existing either in urban or rural areas, psychological spaces, and their multiple-uses. It also includes a variety of concepts like capability, carrying capacity and stability. The economic subsystem comprises decision making processes based on well tested economic theories whereas citizens, governments, civil administrations, and civil societies form the political subsystem, which plays a vital role in geo-politics of a state (nation) being studied in political geography. The behavioural subsystem consists of attitudes, values, beliefs, customs, and traditions, which are integral parts of behavioural geography. The general system is a composite system theory in which physical and socio-economic variables are intricately linked. Some of these variables may be measured quantifiably. Now geographers use statistical tools like multi-variable analysis, principal components analysis (PCA), probability theory, Chi-Square and gini-coefficent to analyze data on geographical variables explaining interlinks between them in a system. II. Systems Analysis A. Basic Elements System, as discussed earlier, is a unified whole or working body, which consists of interdependently functioning elements. There are multiple variable or elements that forms a system. System forming basic elements are as follows: 1. Inputs and Outputs: Every system requires a regular flow of inputs for producing an amount of output. Without inputs, no outputs can be produced in a system. For example, a fixed agricultural output needs a certain amount of inputs of seeds, water, fertilizers, labour etc. in the assumed constant external environment. 2. Processors: It is an operational component of a system transforming input into output. 3. Control: This is an important element, which guides and controls activities like processing input and producing output. 4. Feedback: It is an is indication for characteristics, amount of produced output against the set parameters and standard. Feedback is conducted on the principle of cybernetics which comprises communication and control. Feedback are of two types., viz., positive or negative. It is good to have positive feedback, which strengthens system s performance. Negative feedback gives the wrong signal if system is not functioning well and it also makes available the controller with information on actions required for its correction. 4

5 5. Environment: Every system is operating in a unique environment. It is a broader framework often called supra-system, Which affect operating system and determining routes and rules of its functioning. 6. Boundaries and Interfaces: Delineated boundary and interfaces in a system help in identification of its components, processes, and interrelationships while interacting with its environment. B. Components of a System A set of elements form component and a set of components form a system. All systems of varying scales are having three basic components as follows: 1. Set of elements 2. Set of functioning links 3. Set of links (relationships) between system and external environment All systems have internal and external environments. The external environment influences the internal environment of the system. Some systems are close and some are open. A close system can easily be created in science laboratories (a controlled environment). For example, chemists conduct chemical tests in their labs but such kind of total control is not possible in an open environment like agricultural or forest land, but in open environment like agricultural land, some elements can only be partially controlled. Such partially controlled environments are of great importance for semi-scientific experiments aiming at socio-economic development. This is to be understood with this example. If farmers want to know impacts of certain inputs on a crop production. Impacts of inputs like fertilizers, pesticides, high yield seeds, labour on crop production can be known by controlled and regulating inputs in a farm. With above discussion, we can find certain the characteristics which can be summarized as follows: 1. A system is a well organised and an integrated ideal body; 2. A system has multiple elements and components; 3. Components of a system are interdependently functioning; 4. A system has a pattern of structure and behaviour; 5. It is often at balancing and enduring state; 6. A systems affects and is affected by its internal and external environment; 7. They are either closed and open and 8. Predominant systems in environment are open ended. 5

6 C. Essential Features Above mentioned basic characteristics exhibits some interlinked essential features of a system as follows: a) The Environment b) The Behaviour c) The State d) The Organization and Information e) Its Structure 1. The Environment: Environment is supra-structure in which system operate. There are countless system and their sub-systems are working in our environment. Environment is classified as physical environment, socio-cultural environment, political environment. In fact, each system has its own physical, socio-economic environment that affects performance of that system positively or negatively. For example, farmland is a system, its good agricultural productivity depends upon conducive physical, socio-economic environment. 2. The Behaviour: It refers to all dynamic activities of a system like introduction of a new stimuli, flows, and responses, inputs and outputs etc. It studies flow of energy between the elements of a system and between a system and another system. Functions within a system is called internal behaviour and outside a system is external behaviour. Internal and external behaviours are interlinked. For example, an element of a system is the part of external environment, change in external environment will bring some behavioural change in a one element and change in one element will affected all inter-connected elements of that system. Such behavioural change can be explained by its flow from input (simple stimulus) to the output (response) (Fig.1). SYSTEM STIMULUS (INPUT) RESPONSE (OUTPUT) Fig: 1 Input-output analysis in economics is popular example for explaining flow of behavioural change. Increase in final demands (created by exports, home consumption etc.) works as a stimulus to rise in the total outputs in numerous sectors in an Indian economy (a system). 6

7 3. The State: Each system wants to achieve its state of equilibrium. Slight change in one element of system disturb its equilibrium. A disturbed system may experience morphogenesis to gain a complex level of equilibrium. Equilibrium denotes maintaining a kind of balance in a system. There are two types of equilibrium namely stable and dynamic. The stable equilibrium includes homeostasis state and steady state. A homeostatic system is often involved in some activity, but it does not modify the balance amongst its components. A steady state system seems to be stable, but it alters the balance between different components systematically. Dynamic type of equilibrium denotes a process by which a small disturbance in one part causes constant change in the entire system. 4. The Organization and Information: Normally system is well organized, that s why one can predict possible amount of change in all set of elements of a system if change occurred to an element is known but such prediction is not possible if system is not organised. The information is an indication about how much a system is organized. Good information means well organized system. In addition, the word entrophy and negentrophy are associated with organization and information. Changing level of energy in a system creates a disorder, hence disorganizing the system. In other words, entropy (a quantity of unavailable energy) shows disorder in a system. In the contrary, the negative entropy or negentropy, on the other hand, is a measure of order in a system. Close system may have highest entrophy hence making a system inactive. While interacting with the environment, it is good for open system to have optimum level of entrophy creating a more complex system in a geographical environment. 5. The Structure Structure of a system depends upon how element and components of a system is arranged and interlinked. Therefore, structure may vary in term of its shape and size. Structure could be hierarchal or parallel. For example, in Walter Christaller s Central Place Theory, settlements are hierarchal arranged in an urban system. Large urban cities in few number lies at the top of order and small cities in large number at the bottom (Fig. 2). 7

8 Huge Fewest Size of Settlement Number of Settlements Tiny Most Source: Slideplayer.com Fig. 2 D. Common Relationships The links of elements shape components and structure of a system. Different pattern of links between elements forms a variety of relationships, some of the most common relationships are being illustrated through Figure no. 3, 4, 5, 6 to Cause and Effect Relationship: This is simplest relationship which is also called Series relationship in which elements are connected by an unalterable link. Ai Aj Fig.3: Cause and Effect Relationship For instance, rainfall may soil erosion but soil erosion does not have direct impacts on rainfall. 2. Parallel Relationship: When two elements affects third element making relationship called parallel one. For Example, rainfall and temperature affect vegetation and vegetation, in turn, directly or indirectly affects amount of rainfall and local temperature. 8

9 Ai Ak Aj Fig.4: Parallel Relationship 3. Feedback Relationship: This is newly introduced relationship into analytical structures. Two elements get mutually affected. For example, farmers grow pulses (leguminous plants) which enriches nitrogenous fertilizer in the soil and in turn, production of pulses increases because of enriched soil. Aj Fig.5: Feedback Relationship 4. Simple Compound Relationship: In simple compound relationship, components are modified by itself and influenced by a set of other external components. Both processes operate simultaneously. For example, industries in India are removing their old technologies and adapting new foreign technologies to increase low cost production in the competitive global market. Ai Aj Fig.6: Simple Compound Relationship 9

10 5. Complex Compound Relationship This is the most complex relationship of elements in which element of internal and external environment is mutually affected and influences each other. In our environment, all real systems have complex compound relationships amongst their element and complements. Our ecosystem is best example of complex compound relationship, which is very difficult to interpret correctly. Aj Ai AK Al An Fig.7: Complex Compound Relationship E. Classification of Systems On the basis of above mentioned relationships, salient features and characteristics, Systems can be classified as homeostatic, dynamic, self-regulatory, adaptive, controlled systems etc. 1. Homeostatic System: A constant balance maintained in a system is named as homeostatic system. Such system by its constant operating environment restore its equilibrium or steady-state behaviour if it faces some external interventions. As per its nature, it resists an alternation caused by internal environment but if it faces new change, its processor restores previous equilibrium or steady-state. There are innumerable homeostatic systems in our environment. For example, human body is a homeostatic system that maintain its equilibrium in its temperature at about 98.2 degrees celsius. Temporarily, it might change but body again restores equilibrium in its temperature. In geography, cycle of erosion is a homeostatic system in which if any element like amount of water, slope, suspended particles etc. changes, the entire system gets affected but with certain changes, cycle again maintains steady-state. 10

11 2. Adaptive System: Such system has adaptive capacity to changing external environment. It s some characteristics are similar to homeostatic system. This system sustains constant operating environment to achieve desire state which has been emerged because of certain change in external environment. For example, our socio-economic systems are becoming adaptive to climate change. 3. Dynamic System: It is different from both homeostatic and adaptive systems which experiences some change over the period of time in achieving steady or desired states. Dynamic System show a chain of continuous changes along with a line behaviour in the entire system over the period of time. For example, vicious cycle of poverty and cumulative causation as Economic growth models. 4. Controlled System: It is a system in which elements or inputs can be regulated to achieve goals (results). As previously discussed, such kind of system lies in the close environment like laboratories. For example, scientists, doctors and chemists conduct experiments to assess the impacts of certain chemicals as medicines on animals or human bodies in a controlled environment. In study of system engineering and cybernetics (the study of communication and control mechanisms in machines and living beings), partially controlled systems are of great importance for human well-being. Even in geographical subject matters like resource management, regional and economic planning, partially controlled systems can be created and applied. For example, economically backward region can be developed by pushing huge investment in infrastructures hence creating employment opportunities for local people. In conclusion system approach and its analysis offers a simplified theoretical and conceptual framework to study the subject matters of geography like study of landforms, river system, ecosystem, regional and economic planning and social and economic development etc. Geographers can apply this approach in all three stages of research viz., descriptive, analytical (explanation and seeking governing natural laws and undegrading orders in real world) and predictive (how existing orders are likely to change in future?). 11

12 III. Advantages and Disadvantages Application of system approach and analysis in geographical studied has various pros and cons. It discloses inherent information on current state, structures and dynamic behaviours of various geographical systems. Our open existing environment is so complex that it goes beyond our understanding. Therefore, system approach simplifies existing environment in order to make it easy for students to understand. In words, it is a technical tool to comprehend interaction between elements of any complex geographical structure in simplified ways. It also helps us to develop of a variety of abstract geographical theories. More importantly, its mathematical languages like geometry and probability theory are widely used in solving numerous geographical problems like rising pollution and prediction of climate change and understanding affecting factors. Despite these advantages, this approach is criticised because its overemphasis on positivism and quantification social science (quantitative revolutions) and avoiding normative values (beliefs, attitudes, desire, hopes, fears). Nevertheless, system approach is still relevant in geography. 12