SOS 220. MID TERM EXAM QUESTIONS
AND ANSWERS
what is a system? - Answer-a system is a interconnected set of elements that is
coherently organized in a way to achieve something.
-systems happen all at once in many directions simultaneously.
-has a function or purpose, which is shown by actions, not by stated goals.
-systems are within systems. it can be narrowed down seemingly indefinitely.
systems comprise of 3 things - Answer-elements, interconnections, and function /
purpose.
what are stocks and flows? - Answer-a stock is a foundation of any system. they are
elements of a system you can see. stocks change over time through the action of flows.
-elements (stocks). interconnections (flows)
-stocks are often easiest to grasp
-flows - something leaving or entering a stock over time
- a bathtub has a stock of water, the flow comes from the faucet and leaves from the
drain.
why are feedback loops important? what are some types of feedback loops? - Answer-
Feedback loops are basic operating units of systems. They have consistent behavior
pattern over long period of time.
-mechanism that allows a change in a stock to affect a flow into or out of the same
stock.
-Types of Feedback Loops:
1. Reinforcing (positive) / Self-Reinforcing / Runaway feedback loop which is like
interest for a savings account. Can be a source of positive growth or exponential growth
and if left unchecked can cause collapse. INCREASE STOCK.
2. Dampening (negative) feedback loop like shocks in a car to bring the car down
smoothly. DECREASE STOCK.
3. Balancing (Stabilizing) Feedback Loop seeks to maintain a desired stock level such
as having coffee to stay at a certain energy / performance level. MAINTAIN STOCK.
What is Complexity? - Answer-Generally used to characterize something with many
parts where those parts interact with each other in many ways. The study of these
complex linkages is the main goal of complex systems theory.
-One is able to understand a system's complexity by looking at its individual parts.
-Since there are many components of the system, a interdisciplinary approach is
needed to understand overall behavior of the system.
How does something that is complicated differ from being complex? - Answer-complex
is used to refer to the level of components in a system. if it is complex it means it has
many components.
, -The difference between complexity and complicated arises from number of
components. A complex system has many parts that are not directly linked together.
-A giant knot from one piece of string is complicated while a flock of birds flying
harmoniously together is complex.
what is a complex system? - Answer-complex system: an interdisciplinary field of
research that seeks to explain how large numbers of relatively simple entities organize
themselves, without the benefit of a central controller, into a collective whole that
creates patterns, uses information, evolves and learns
Examples: Traffic, Weather, Flocking
What does complexity have to do with Sustainability? - Answer-By understanding the
system's complexity, we can make changes to it that are sustainable.
What does systems thinking have to do with sustainability? - Answer-Resilience thinking
enables us to embrace complex systems as there rather than trying to change their
natural systems. By fully understanding these systems, we can make sustainable
changes to it.
What is resilience? - Answer-The ability of the system to absorb disturbances and still
maintain its purpose and structure.
What are the strengths and weaknesses of optimization? - Answer-Not effective, short
time spans, puts a value on ecosystem services that is not positive because if it does
not have a high value than it isn't considered as important as it is
• Linear model of thinking, ineffective in understanding systems and solving problems
• Time span is shortened so it is good for rapid response but not for long-term
responses/views
• Puts value on land/ecosystem services that provide great benefits to the Earth
• Could have benefits, could improve efficiency however, when systems are too efficient
they can cause a rapid onset of systemic collapse.
example: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wSXHTNKQVmc
-Decreases resiliency: potato example, not enough genetic diversity because
McDonald's only buys one type of potato so farmers only produce one type of potato
-Resiliency has "shock-absorbers" whereas optimization has such a short-term plan that
it does not have any room for hiccups along the way. Which makes resiliency a much
smarter choice
Describe one way in which a system may begin to oscillate. What does this mean for
system participants/managers? - Answer-The whole idea behind observing oscillation is
trying to find the point at which a change can be made to either stop/further
advance/inhibit the process.
• A time delay in a balancing feedback loop can cause a system to oscillate. *Read car
dealership demand in book.
AND ANSWERS
what is a system? - Answer-a system is a interconnected set of elements that is
coherently organized in a way to achieve something.
-systems happen all at once in many directions simultaneously.
-has a function or purpose, which is shown by actions, not by stated goals.
-systems are within systems. it can be narrowed down seemingly indefinitely.
systems comprise of 3 things - Answer-elements, interconnections, and function /
purpose.
what are stocks and flows? - Answer-a stock is a foundation of any system. they are
elements of a system you can see. stocks change over time through the action of flows.
-elements (stocks). interconnections (flows)
-stocks are often easiest to grasp
-flows - something leaving or entering a stock over time
- a bathtub has a stock of water, the flow comes from the faucet and leaves from the
drain.
why are feedback loops important? what are some types of feedback loops? - Answer-
Feedback loops are basic operating units of systems. They have consistent behavior
pattern over long period of time.
-mechanism that allows a change in a stock to affect a flow into or out of the same
stock.
-Types of Feedback Loops:
1. Reinforcing (positive) / Self-Reinforcing / Runaway feedback loop which is like
interest for a savings account. Can be a source of positive growth or exponential growth
and if left unchecked can cause collapse. INCREASE STOCK.
2. Dampening (negative) feedback loop like shocks in a car to bring the car down
smoothly. DECREASE STOCK.
3. Balancing (Stabilizing) Feedback Loop seeks to maintain a desired stock level such
as having coffee to stay at a certain energy / performance level. MAINTAIN STOCK.
What is Complexity? - Answer-Generally used to characterize something with many
parts where those parts interact with each other in many ways. The study of these
complex linkages is the main goal of complex systems theory.
-One is able to understand a system's complexity by looking at its individual parts.
-Since there are many components of the system, a interdisciplinary approach is
needed to understand overall behavior of the system.
How does something that is complicated differ from being complex? - Answer-complex
is used to refer to the level of components in a system. if it is complex it means it has
many components.
, -The difference between complexity and complicated arises from number of
components. A complex system has many parts that are not directly linked together.
-A giant knot from one piece of string is complicated while a flock of birds flying
harmoniously together is complex.
what is a complex system? - Answer-complex system: an interdisciplinary field of
research that seeks to explain how large numbers of relatively simple entities organize
themselves, without the benefit of a central controller, into a collective whole that
creates patterns, uses information, evolves and learns
Examples: Traffic, Weather, Flocking
What does complexity have to do with Sustainability? - Answer-By understanding the
system's complexity, we can make changes to it that are sustainable.
What does systems thinking have to do with sustainability? - Answer-Resilience thinking
enables us to embrace complex systems as there rather than trying to change their
natural systems. By fully understanding these systems, we can make sustainable
changes to it.
What is resilience? - Answer-The ability of the system to absorb disturbances and still
maintain its purpose and structure.
What are the strengths and weaknesses of optimization? - Answer-Not effective, short
time spans, puts a value on ecosystem services that is not positive because if it does
not have a high value than it isn't considered as important as it is
• Linear model of thinking, ineffective in understanding systems and solving problems
• Time span is shortened so it is good for rapid response but not for long-term
responses/views
• Puts value on land/ecosystem services that provide great benefits to the Earth
• Could have benefits, could improve efficiency however, when systems are too efficient
they can cause a rapid onset of systemic collapse.
example: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wSXHTNKQVmc
-Decreases resiliency: potato example, not enough genetic diversity because
McDonald's only buys one type of potato so farmers only produce one type of potato
-Resiliency has "shock-absorbers" whereas optimization has such a short-term plan that
it does not have any room for hiccups along the way. Which makes resiliency a much
smarter choice
Describe one way in which a system may begin to oscillate. What does this mean for
system participants/managers? - Answer-The whole idea behind observing oscillation is
trying to find the point at which a change can be made to either stop/further
advance/inhibit the process.
• A time delay in a balancing feedback loop can cause a system to oscillate. *Read car
dealership demand in book.
