This critical analysis argues against the use of results from a computer model to project the growth and decay of cities as proposed by Forrester in his book "Urban Dynamics." (EB)

This study was designed to extend the generality of the Substrata-Factor Theory by two methods of investigation: (1) theoretically, to est"blish the validity of the hypothesis that an isomorphic relationship exists between the Substrata-Factor Theory and the General Open Systems Theory, and (2) experimentally, to disc"ver through a…

This study was designed to extend the generality of the Substrata-Factor Theory by two methods of investigation: (1) theoretically, to establish the validity of the hypothesis that an isomorphic relationship exists between the Substrata-Factor Theory and the General Open Systems Theory, and (2) experimentally, to discover through a series of…

Based on Auerback's study of the present structures and processes of the Work Incentive (WIN) Program, the Model WIN System is a portrayal of what the program would look like if a number of suggested changes were made. Its purpose is to envision an "ideal" system within reasonable constraints and limitations. This report presents the…

The Systems Movement has gained considerable impetus in this decade. This article reflects on the applicability of a systems approach to many problems in numerous fields. Two books related to this topic are reviewed in detail with content summaries and analyses. (MA)

Written for training directors and human resource developers who have had experience and now need a systematic way to plan new programs, this book presents a new way of thinking about human learning and of organizing programs which has been developed from the systems engineering field. A first chapter explains what is meant by "systems"…

This introduction to dynamic systems is intended for freshman and sophomore students in engineering, physical science, or social science. Material has been class tested and has led to increased student interest in further work in systems analysis and operations research. Notes are written for the student and are self-contained. Material can be…

Operations research is defined as the application of scientific or quantitative methods to problems involving the operations of a system, which are directed toward obtaining optimal solutions. The goal, as applied to mental health systems, is the establishment of a "best" improvement path which can be implemented with minimum uncertainty. The…

The fifth (of 14) volume of the Education and Training Consultant's (ETC) series on systems engineering of education is designed for readers who have completed others in the series. It reviews arithmetic and algebraic procedures and applies these to simple education and training systems. Flowchart models of example problems are developed and…

This document conceptualizes the university as a living social system with technical, managerial, service, and institutional subsystems that have specialized goals. The document discusses models of university compliance systems--the compliance of university participants in different models such as formal, semiformal, and informal. In developing…

Educational management programs have planned outcomes that can be achieved through alternative routes. Methods-means selection is a systematic approach to choosing the most favorable route. "Methods" refer to the specific strategies and "means" refer to the actual resources and personnel used to carry out the chosen method. This systems analysis…

From the systems viewpoint, educational planning is the mechanism through which the educational system makes its goals specific and adapt its priorities, resources, and operational patterns to the changing environmental forces of its particular society. The systems-oriented administrator is a change agent and innovative strategist who delegates…

This document presents a systems theory approach to post-secondary education. Terms such as entropy, energy, and "essergy" together with the laws of thermodynamics are applied to educational concepts. A philosophical approach with interspersed quotations from Hegel, Korzybski, and Adelman is used to design a new educational paradigm based upon…

THIS PAPER INVESTIGATES VARIOUS ASPECTS OF THE SYSTEMS APPROACH FOR SOLVING EDUCATIONAL PROBLEMS--(1) THE SYSTEMS CONCEPT, (2) THE RELIABILITY OF THE ASSUMPTIONS ON WHICH THE SYSTEMS APPROACH IS BASED, (3) THE LIMITATIONS INHERENT IN THE SYSTEMS APPROACH, (4) THE HUMAN ELEMENT AND ITS RELATIONSHIP WITH THE SYSTEMS APPROACH, (5) THE WAYS THE…

This handbook delineates the procedures recommended for the installation of a working planning, programing, budgeting system (PPBS). Primary emphasis is placed on the step-by-step implementation of such a management control system. The presentation repeats the implementation cycle for the four time periods involved: (1) current year's ongoing…