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Description
In this programme some of the basic systems ideas dealt with in the first programme are extended from covering simple mechanical systems into dealing with large organisations. The programme concent...rates on systems diagrams - the difficulty in drawing them for complex organisations where human beings are concerned as well as material components. The uses and limitations of these diagrams and particularly their use as conceptual aids to understanding complex organisations are dealt with in detail.
In this programme some of the basic systems ideas dealt with in the first programme are extended from covering simple mechanical systems into dealing with large organisations. The programme concent...rates on systems diagrams - the difficulty in drawing them for complex organisations where human beings are concerned as well as material components. The uses and limitations of these diagrams and particularly their use as conceptual aids to understanding complex organisations are dealt with in detail.
| Module code and title: | T242, Systems management |
|---|---|
| Item code: | T242; 02 |
| Recording date: | 14-12-1973 |
| First transmission date: | 04-03-1974 |
| Published: | 1974 |
| Rights Statement: | |
| Restrictions on use: | |
| Duration: | 00:25:00 |
| + Show more... | |
| Producer: | David Nelson |
| Contributors: | David Elliott; John Martin |
| Publisher: | BBC Open University |
| Keyword(s): | Conceptual aids; Large organisations; Limitations; Systems diagrams; Systems ideas |
| Footage description: | David Elliott introduces the programme which will examine the use of systems ideas in the study of complex systems such as organisations. Elliott discusses the concept of the sub-system. He uses automobile subsystems as examples. Diagrams of car subsystems aid. Elliott explains how a study of various sub-systems can help to understand the system as a whole. Elliott discusses a railway system in terms of its sub-systems. These are all shown on a single complex diagram. John Martin discusses various ways in which systems diagrams can be kept simple enough to understand. D. Elliott examines ways in which subsystems can be identified and studied separately. Diagrams aid his discussion. They show several different types of sub-systems. John Martin discusses conventions for drawing and connecting systems diagrams (dot and arrow). He brings out some of the disadvantages of this approach. Systems diagrams aid his discussion. The difficulty of representing, schematically, complex interactions is brought out. Martin gives several examples. Elliott discusses various ways in which these complex interactions can be represented in a systems diagram. Martin continues the discussion- He then discusses the psychological aspects of systems diagrams. Elliott uses a systems diagram to show how it can be made simple enough to understand easily. The resolution with which the system is viewed must be changed to suit the part being examined Elliott gives examples. Martin discusses the difficulty of diagramming informal, natural relationships within a system. He lists several examples. Elliott discusses the use of systems diagrams to indicate flow within a system, ( physical, information etc.) He uses diagrams of various systems as examples. John Martin continues the discussion and points out some of the difficulties and possible solutions. Elliott examines feedback in an organisation system. Shot of diagram showing simple feedback loop. Animated cartoon shows feedback, in an assembly line operation. Commentary by Elliott explains what is happening. Elliott gives some examples of feedback in organisations. Martin uses the animated cartoon of the assembly line operation to explain the drawbacks of using feedback: - feedback lag. Martin continues his discussion with several more examples of feedback lag. Elliott sums up the programme. |
| Master spool number: | 6HT/71262 |
| Production number: | 00525_5129 |
| Videofinder number: | 783 |
| Available to public: | no |
