Properties of a System

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 Properties of a good System
A system has the following properties −
 Organization
 Interaction
 Interdependence
 Integration
 Central Objective

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 Properties of a good System
1. Organization
Organization implies structure and order. It is the arrangement of
components that helps to achieve predetermined objectives.

2. Interaction
It refers to the manner in which each component functions with other
components of the system.

3. Interdependence
It means that parts of the organization or computer system depend on
one another. They are coordinated and linked together according to a
plan. One subsystem depends on the output of another subsystem for
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proper functioning.
 Properties of a good System
4. Integration
Integration is concerned with how a system components are
connected together. It means that the parts of the system work
together within the system even if each part performs a unique
function. It refers to the holism of systems. It is concerned with how a
system is tied together.

5. Central Objective
A system should have a central objective. The users must know the
main objective of a computer application early in the analysis for a
successful design and conversion.

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Elements of a System
The following diagram shows the elements of a system:
Outputs and Inputs
Processor
Control
Feedback
Environment
Boundaries and Interface

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Elements of a System

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Elements of a System
Outputs and Inputs
The main aim of a system is to produce an output which is useful for its
user.
Inputs are the information that enters into the system for processing.
Output is the outcome of processing.

Processor
The processor is the element of a system that involves the actual
transformation of input into output.
Processors may modify the input either totally or partially depending on
the output specification.
As the output specifications change, so does the processing. In some
cases, input is also modified to enable the processor for handling the
transformation. 7
Elements of a System
Control
The control element guides the system.
It is the decision–making subsystem that controls the pattern of activities
governing input, processing, and output.
The behavior of a computer System is controlled by the Operating
System and software. In order to keep system in balance, what and how
much input is needed is determined by Output Specifications.
Feedback
Feedback provides the control in a dynamic system.
Positive feedback is routine in nature that encourages the performance of
the system.
Negative feedback is informational in nature that provides the controller
with information for action. 8
Elements of a System
Environment
The environment is the “super system” within which an organization
operates.
It determines how a system must function. For example, vendors and
competitors of organization’s environment, may provide constraints that
affect the actual performance of the business.

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Elements of a System
Boundaries and Interface
A system should be defined by its boundaries. Boundaries are the limits
that identify its components, processes, and interrelationship when it
interfaces with another system.
Each system has boundaries that determine its sphere of influence and
control.
The knowledge of the boundaries of a given system is crucial in
determining the nature of its interface with other systems for successful
design.

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Types of Systems
The systems can be divided into several types, some of them are:
Open or Closed Systems
An open system must interact with its environment. It receives inputs
from and delivers outputs to the outside of the system. For example, an
information system which must adapt to the changing environmental
conditions.
A closed system does not interact with its environment. It is isolated
from environmental influences. A completely closed system is rare in
reality.
Adaptive and Non Adaptive System
Adaptive System responds to the change in the environment in a way to
improve their performance and to survive. For example, human beings,
animals and most of robotic systems.
Non Adaptive System is the system which does not respond to the
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environment. For example, machines.
Types of Systems
Natural and Manufactured System
Natural systems are created by the nature. For example, Solar system,
seasonal system.
Manufactured System or Artificial system is the man-made system. For
example, Rockets, dams, trains and most of the computer application
systems.
Deterministic or Probabilistic System
Deterministic system operates in a predictable manner and the
interaction between system components is known with certainty. For
example, two molecules of hydrogen and one molecule of oxygen makes
water. Most of the production systems are deterministic.
Probabilistic System shows uncertain behavior. The exact output is not
known. For example, Weather forecasting, mail delivery.
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