TE12 3.03: Assess complex systems thinking.

Many systems are often parts of:

• larger technological systems.

• newly constructed knowledge.

• randomly unrelated technologies.

• problems seeking solutions.

Complex systems usually have components that detect, back-up, bypass, or compensate for:

• major failures.

• all failures.

• minor failures.

• no failures.

What provides information in a complex system?

• Layers of controls and feedback loops

• Human intervention

• Feedback levers

• Control levers

Complex systems usually include multiple layers and:

• non-complex designs.

• hand tools.

• feedback loops.

• simple designs.

The design of a complex project, such as a major transportation system, needs to be checked:

• every other year

• continually

• never.

• occasionally.

The stability of a complex technological system is influenced by:

• all the components in that system.

• most of the components in that system.

• all the components in the important parts of that system.

• some of the components in that system.

A fully automatic blood pressure system cannot function without energy from:

• ocean currents.

• a human.

• the moon.

• electricity.

The more parts and connections in a system, the more likely it is that the system may:

• be perfect.

• not work properly.

• shut down entirely.

• work properly.

In the Apollo 13 space mission, what was necessary for the astronauts' successful return to Earth?

• Robotic control system

• New fuel system to power the system

• System with no feedback loops

• Human intervention

Fully automatic systems:

• seldom require human control.

• do not truly exist.

• do not interface with humans at any point.

• require human control at some point.