INTRODUCTION TO SYSTEMS THINKING
QUESTIONS WITH RIGHT ANSWERS.
System ANS - A set of interacting or interdependent components forming an integrated whole.
What are common elements of all systems? ANS - input, output, feedback loop, throughput,
environment, boundaries, equilibrium, constraints
What is the function of any system? ANS - to process energy, information, or materials into a product
or outcome for use within the system - or outside the system (environment), or both
What is necessary for a system to be viable? ANS - strongly goal-directed, governed by feedback,
interdependent and strongly coordinated components, and an ability to adapt to changing
circumstances (adaptable)
What are some examples of constraints? ANS - educational, sociocultural, legal/political, economic
What are examples of resources? ANS - capital, people, knowledge and technology
Feedback Loop ANS - input --> throughput --> output (repeat) with influences from constraints and
resources
The Major Inputs ANS - Environment, Resources, History
Environment ANS - which imposes constrains and opportunities about what the organization can or can
not do
Resources ANS - capital, people, knowledge, and technology
History ANS - which consists of memories of past successes, failures,
QUESTIONS WITH RIGHT ANSWERS.
System ANS - A set of interacting or interdependent components forming an integrated whole.
What are common elements of all systems? ANS - input, output, feedback loop, throughput,
environment, boundaries, equilibrium, constraints
What is the function of any system? ANS - to process energy, information, or materials into a product
or outcome for use within the system - or outside the system (environment), or both
What is necessary for a system to be viable? ANS - strongly goal-directed, governed by feedback,
interdependent and strongly coordinated components, and an ability to adapt to changing
circumstances (adaptable)
What are some examples of constraints? ANS - educational, sociocultural, legal/political, economic
What are examples of resources? ANS - capital, people, knowledge and technology
Feedback Loop ANS - input --> throughput --> output (repeat) with influences from constraints and
resources
The Major Inputs ANS - Environment, Resources, History
Environment ANS - which imposes constrains and opportunities about what the organization can or can
not do
Resources ANS - capital, people, knowledge, and technology
History ANS - which consists of memories of past successes, failures,
