Systems Approach Theories-Final

Systems approach theories
Definition
A systems approach theory: It defined as an effort to identify in logical

fashion, the interaction of various internal and external elements that aiming
on an organization's operation.
Characteristics of the systems approach
1. It converts the information and energy into a planned outcome.

2. It shows some degree of integration (the parts work well together).
3. It provides a basic framework for joining content from different disciplines
into a comprehensive body of knowledge.
4. It designs models to facilitate study of real situation.
5. It facilitates understanding of complex phenomena.
6. It encourages nursing manager to resolve problems in the organization.
7. It encourages communication and consciousness among employee in the
organization.
8. It increase work flow efficient and help in evaluation the nursing
departments effectiveness.
Basic principles of systems approach
1. It requires investigating the whole situation.
2. It viewed as a whole, but highly complex system may be broken into

subsystem.
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3. Each system behaves in a characteristic manner (unique relationship among
its parts).
4. Each system is self-contained entity but also part of another system.
5. Every system is an information system.
6. A system is dynamic network of connecting elements.
7. The open system from its environments is highly inter-related.
8. System maintenance is the central objectives of most organizations.
9. System consists of objects and their relationship is more important for the
functioning of the system.
10.The alterations in any system necessitate alterations in other related

subsystems.
11.All systems lend toward equilibrium of various forces operating within and
on the system.
12.To function smoothly a system must be goal directed, governed by feedback

and capable of adapting to changes.
Basic system approach elements
1. Environment: defined as a set of objects, events, or conditions that is not

part of the system but has effect on system functioning.
2. Input: defined as anything fed into the system from the environment such as
information, money, energy, time, effort, and material.
3. Throughput (process): defined as the work process by which the system

converts energy input from the environment into products or services that
are usable by the system itself.
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4. Outputs: defined as final outcome of system throughput (process), the
product or service resulting from system processing of human, social,
technical, and financial input.
5. Feedback and control: defined as mechanism which measures actual output

against desired output (feedback) and which the system automatically
corrects (adaptation) if a deviation exists (system errors). Control over input
regulates the cost of operations. Control over throughput regulates the time,
efficiency, and safety of operations. Control over output regulates
production quality and quantity.
Advantages of systems approach
1. Highlights input and output relationships.

2. Clarifies process steps and channels.
3. Identifies optimum control points.
4. Facilities broad scale.
5. Multidirectional change.
6. Systems effect and affected by their environment.
7. A system has organized interdependent and interrelated components.
Disadvantages of systems approach
1. Centralizes decision making.

2. Observes differences disagreement.
3. Depersonalizes human interactions or doesn‘t explore the impact of
interpersonal relationships.
4. Don‘t focus in specific task function.
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Classifications of systems approach
1. Natural and man- made systems
 A natural system is one that is grow naturally, remains stable over long
period of time, and operates within well-defined limits. Ex Geological,
biological changes.
 A man- made system is one that is created artificially by a human

entrepreneur to accomplish a desired end, ex: orientation and quality
improvement program.
2. Static and dynamic systems
 A static system is one that constitutes a steady state and neither altered by
its environment.
 A dynamic system is one that continuously alerts and altered by its

environment.
3. Open and closed systems
 Open system emphasizes the relationship between a system and its

environment and the interrelationships of different levels of system. e.g.
(human body systems).
 Closed system is self-contained and receives no inputs from its environment

that is shut off from the surrounding environment. (e.g. the earth system).
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4. Internal and external systems
 Internally systems mainly concentrate on the internal processes of an

organization (decision making systems).
 Externally systems mainly concentrate on external processes of an

organization (customers, suppliers).
5. Centralized and decentralized systems
 Centralized system is one a single subsystem plays dominant a role that

minimizes the importance of other subsystem.
 Decentralized system is one sail subsystem is of equal important that

minimizes the importance of other subsystem.
6. Deterministic and probabilistic systems
 A deterministic system is one in which the outcome of a system perfor-

mance is known and a predictable.
 A probabilistic system is one in which the outcome of a system perfor-

mance is somewhat uncertain and impossible to a predictable.
Methods for systems approach analysis
1. Regression analysis (Mathematical): Is a statistical technique in which

data about past performance are used to describe a system relationship and
predict future system performance.
2. Model building (Structural): Is diagrammatic representation of a system.
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3. Linear programming (Logical): Is a diagrammatic representation of
multistage complex process with time line that uses to determine the
optimum allocation of limited resources.
4. Flowchart (Diagrammatic): Is a graphical representation of a complex

process that indicates the number and sequences of steps in the process.
5. System simulation (Functional): Is the activation of system model to

reveal how the system will operate under change condition.
6. Work sampling (Observational): Is a tabular presentation of tasks

performed and time devoted to each task. Work distribution charts are uses
to detect unnecessary duplication of effort or unfair distribution of work
among staff.
Cybernetics system approach
Cybernetics system approach: Is the regulation of systems as a cybernetic

loop by managing communication, feedback and control mechanism, to
maintain or alter the course of change.
The properties of a cybernetics system approach
1. The system has the capacity to sense departure from the desired output.
2. The system has the capacity to sense results of the change in the process.
3. The system is able to prescribe action to correct deficiencies in the product.
4. The system allocates resources and efforts to implement the proposed

corrective actions.
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Cybernetics system approach application
The relevant systems model, including a cybernetic loop might to as follows:
 Input: The poor patient’s outcome 25% of all patients on crutch walking
suffers fall or injury.
 Throughput (central process): The extensive in-service education program

regarding safe use of crutches walking is offered to nursing staff members for
improved the output.
 Output: The 10% of patients on crutch walking suffer fall or injury.
 Assessment: The change is central processing (offering in-service education

program) did not succeed in causing the goal to be met.
 Goal: The 1% of patients on crutch walking should suffer fall or injury.
 Comparison: The 9% difference between goal and actual output (product).
 Evaluation: The outcome still no acceptable.
 Adjustment: Hence the cybernetic system calls for still further changes in the
central process e.g., the instructor might change the content of her course, the
method of instruction, monitor attendance, staff ignorance of procedures for
safe use of crutches and other factors in the environment which contribute to
falls.
System errors
1. Error in setting goals: A goal is useless if set too high or too low, and in
appropriate.
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2. Error in input: The level of control over input may vary radically among
nursing system. The nursing may not have total control over input e.g.
patient admission as input to the institution. In other cases nursing may have
total control over input, e.g. refuse employee hired as input who does not
meet the qualification.
3. Error in central process: Errors either does not achieve goals or achieve
goal at too or great cost, e.g. when the nurse fails to keep records of nursing
care plan.
4. Error in feedback and comparison: Control cannot succeed unless

operationalized and provide consistent measurement. Feedback and
comparison is not enough if one cannot make adjustment as to conform to
goal.
5. Error in adjustment: There no intelligible adjustment if the processes

(throughput) and output have not been properly associated (no correlations).
Systems approach theories
1. General systems approach theory (Ludwig von Bertalanffy, 1968): This

theory refers to ―a general science of "wholeness". He defined the aims of
the theory as follows:
1) It tendency towards integration in the various natural and social sciences.
2) It may be an important means of aiming at nonphysical fields of science.
3) Developing unifying principles of science through the individual sciences.
4) It can lead to a much-needed integration in scientific education.
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o The chart Gagnè's describes procedures used in system development shows
in Figure (1).
Figure (1): Gagnè's procedures used in system development
2. New-man’s systems approach theory (Robert Glaser, 1962): He

describes five components (phases) of an instructional system as follows:
1) Instructional goals (system objectives).
2) Entering behavior (system input).
3) Instructional procedures (system operator).
4) Performance assessments (output monitor).
5) Research and development logistics (analysis and evaluation).
3. The Air Force's Five Step systems approach theory- Instructional System
Development manual (1970): It developed that system into the Five-Step
Approach that providing feedback and interaction, constraints, and flexibility.
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Major phases of the Five Step Approach:
1) Analyze system requirements: This step includes occupational, job, and

task analysis which result in statements of behavior, conditions, and
standards for task performance.
2) Define education and training Requirements: This step includes a needs

analysis to determine if training is needed, assessment of target population
characteristics, and selection of tasks for instruction.
3) Develop objectives and tests: This step includes writes course objectives
and writes criterion test items to measure student performance on each
objective.
4) Plan, develop, and validate instruction: This step includes designs and
produces course materials, and using the criterion test items to ensure that
the students can achieve course objectives.
5) Conduct and evaluate instruction: This step includes evaluate of

instructional effectiveness for the life of the course and identifies needs for
improving or updating the instruction.
4. Training system approach theory (George, 1968): He describes eight

types of training systems:
1) Training as static system: It is concerned with organization chart.

Objectives and definitions are the input, classes are the processes, and
trained people are the output.
2) Training as clock like system: It is concerned with a structure based on

time (hours of training) at the beginning of course until the program is
completed.
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3) Training as cybernetic system: It is concerned with training needs will be
identified, the training process will meet the needs, and evaluation will
measure the effect (changing behaviors).
4) Training as cell system: It is concerned with the training department is

sustained on a self-maintaining basis and providing training to other line
departments.
5) Training as an organism: It is concerned with the Analogous (an animal or

a human) has receptors to provide information to its brain such as advisory
groups and research.
6) Training as plant system: It is concerned with modeled after a central stem

with branches and twigs. Branches can be snipped or grafted on such as
sales training or leadership training.
7) Training as social organization: It is concerned with complex relations and

numerous contact points.
8) Training as a social movement: It is concerned with a social change

movement.
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Systems approach theories

A systems approach theory: It defined as an effort to identify in logical

Characteristics of the systems approach

1. It converts the information and energy into a planned outcome.

Basic principles of systems approach

1. It requires investigating the whole situation.

2. It viewed as a whole, but highly complex system may be broken into

4. Each system is self-contained entity but also part of another system.

5. Every system is an information system.

6. A system is dynamic network of connecting elements.

7. The open system from its environments is highly inter-related.

8. System maintenance is the central objectives of most organizations.

10.The alterations in any system necessitate alterations in other related

12.To function smoothly a system must be goal directed, governed by feedback

Basic system approach elements

1. Environment: defined as a set of objects, events, or conditions that is not

3. Throughput (process): defined as the work process by which the system

5. Feedback and control: defined as mechanism which measures actual output

Advantages of systems approach

1. Highlights input and output relationships.

Disadvantages of systems approach

1. Centralizes decision making.

1. Natural and man- made systems

 A man- made system is one that is created artificially by a human

2. Static and dynamic systems

 A dynamic system is one that continuously alerts and altered by its

3. Open and closed systems

 Open system emphasizes the relationship between a system and its

 Closed system is self-contained and receives no inputs from its environment

 Internally systems mainly concentrate on the internal processes of an

 Externally systems mainly concentrate on external processes of an

5. Centralized and decentralized systems

 Centralized system is one a single subsystem plays dominant a role that

 Decentralized system is one sail subsystem is of equal important that

6. Deterministic and probabilistic systems

 A deterministic system is one in which the outcome of a system perfor-

 A probabilistic system is one in which the outcome of a system perfor-

Methods for systems approach analysis

1. Regression analysis (Mathematical): Is a statistical technique in which

2. Model building (Structural): Is diagrammatic representation of a system.

4. Flowchart (Diagrammatic): Is a graphical representation of a complex

5. System simulation (Functional): Is the activation of system model to

6. Work sampling (Observational): Is a tabular presentation of tasks

Cybernetics system approach

Cybernetics system approach: Is the regulation of systems as a cybernetic

The properties of a cybernetics system approach

3. The system is able to prescribe action to correct deficiencies in the product.

4. The system allocates resources and efforts to implement the proposed

The relevant systems model, including a cybernetic loop might to as follows:

 Throughput (central process): The extensive in-service education program

 Output: The 10% of patients on crutch walking suffer fall or injury.

 Assessment: The change is central processing (offering in-service education

 Goal: The 1% of patients on crutch walking should suffer fall or injury.

 Comparison: The 9% difference between goal and actual output (product).

 Evaluation: The outcome still no acceptable.

4. Error in feedback and comparison: Control cannot succeed unless

5. Error in adjustment: There no intelligible adjustment if the processes

Systems approach theories