Hubka's theory of technical systems (TTS) is briefly outlined. It describes commonalities in all engineering devices, whatever their physical principles of action. This theory is based on a general transformation system (TrfS), which can be used to show engineering in the contexts of society, economics and historic developments. The life cycle of…

Decision making in most universities is taught within the conventional OR/MS (Operations Research/Management Science) paradigm. This paradigm is known to be "hard" since it is consisted of mathematical tools, and normally suitable for solving structured problems. In complex situations the conventional OR/MS paradigm proves to be…

Recent developments in science and engineering indicate the need for systems approach to problem solving in the widest sense. Following the explication of the concept of a system, the scope of system theory and systems engineering is discussed and operationally defined, with characteristic features of the methodology of systems science and…

The Engineering Industry Training Board has produced a method enabling the office supervisor or departmental manager to control the critical parts of his systems--the Commercial Systems Practice (CSP). The systems plot, the staff/task matrix, performance indicators, and benefits of the CSP technique are discussed. (Author/MW)