The AI team take a deep dive into Prof Derek Hitchins’ book “putting systems to work”. The book presents a comprehensive approach to systems engineering, contrasting traditional “closed-system” methodologies with a novel “open-system” framework. The open-system approach emphasizes adaptability, cohesion, and the importance of human elements within systems. The text explores various methods for analyzing and designing complex systems, including soft systems methodology, cognitive mapping, and the use of generic reference models. A core concept is the “Unified Systems Hypothesis,” proposing unifying principles applicable across diverse system types. Case studies illustrate the practical application of these principles in real-world scenarios, focusing on problem resolution and the creation of robust, enduring systems.
Prof Hitchins may be found at http://systems.hitchins.net/systems/index.html