Systems Theory as the Foundation for Understanding Systems

Authors

Kevin MacG. Adams, Old Dominion University
Peggy T. Hester, Old Dominion UniversityFollow
Joseph M. Bradley, Old Dominion University
Thomas J. Meyers, Old Dominion University
Charles B. Keating, Old Dominion UniversityFollow

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

2014

DOI

10.1002/sys.21255

Publication Title

Systems Engineering

Volume

17

Issue

1

Pages

112-123

Abstract

As currently used, systems theory is lacking a universally agreed upon definition. The purpose of this paper is to offer a resolution by articulating a formal definition of systems theory. This definition is presented as a unified group of specific propositions which are brought together by way of an axiom set to form a system construct: systems theory. This construct affords systems practitioners and theoreticians with a prescriptive set of axioms by which a system must operate; conversely, any set of entities identified as a system may be characterized by this set of axioms. Given its multidisciplinary theoretical foundation and discipline-agnostic framework, systems theory, as it is presented here, is posited as a general approach to understanding system behavior. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Comments

Web of Science: "Free full-text from publisher."

Original Publication Citation

Adams, K. M., Hester, P. T., Bradley, J. M., Meyers, T. J., & Keating, C. B. (2014). Systems theory as the foundation for understanding systems. Systems Engineering, 17(1), 112-123. doi:10.1002/sys.21255

Repository Citation

Adams, Kevin MacG.; Hester, Peggy T.; Bradley, Joseph M.; Meyers, Thomas J.; and Keating, Charles B., "Systems Theory as the Foundation for Understanding Systems" (2014). Engineering Management & Systems Engineering Faculty Publications. 32.
https://digitalcommons.odu.edu/emse_fac_pubs/32