Universal System Model and Examples

Front

Universal System Model

Back

A model to understand and explain all systems no matter how simple or how complex.

Front

System

Back

An organized group of related parts that work together to accomplish a goal.

Front

Subsystem

Back

A smaller component of a larger system.

Front

Main Parts of the USM

Back

1. Goal 2. Input 3. Process 4. Output 5. Feedback

Front

Input

Back

What is required or needed to have the process happen.

Front

The Types of Input

Back

1. People 2. Information 3. Materials 4. Tools & Machines 5. Energy 6. Time 7. Capital

Front

Process

Back

The action part of the system that works on a task.

Front

Output

Back

The product of the system.

Front

An output can be...

Back

- intended/unintended - desirable/undesirable - immediate/delayed

Front

Feedback

Back

Information about the output that can be used to adjust the system.