Exploring the Unique Approaches of Systems Science Systems Engineering and Systems Thinking

In this article will contrast systems science, systems thinking, and systems engineering to emphasize the primary differences between the three and where they are overlapping. Systems science, systems thinking, and systems engineering are different disciplines. However, they are integrated and could be considered as interdependent disciplines to contribute to an integrated system approach for solving complex problems.

Before we dive into the specific differences between these three fields, let's first define what we mean by "systems." In general, a system is a set of interconnected components that work together to achieve a common goal or function. Systems can be found in a wide range of contexts, from biological systems and social systems to technological systems and business systems. Considering that those systems are complex systems, not trivial easy systems. There are several fields that focus on understanding, analyzing, and managing these systems, including systems science, systems engineering, and systems thinking.

Systems science, systems engineering, and systems thinking have different characteristics, in the following section I will illustrate my view of the distinct points that show their characteristics.

Now, let's look at each of the three fields in more detail.

Systems science concentrates on building the foundation of the theories and it is not limited to engineering, it is extended to other disciplines (e.g., nature, society,…), we could consider the systems science defines systems and system properties, concepts, principals, patterns and tools accessible to practitioners of the “system approach”. Systems science seeks to understand and analyze complex systems from a holistic perspective. It involves the use of mathematical and computational tools to model and analyze the behavior of systems.

Systems engineering on the other hand, concentrates on defining customer requirements and needs early in the development cycle that involves design, development, and management of complex systems. In addition to that identifying the economical solution to satisfy customer needs as moving forward in the development process. It involves the integration of multiple technical and non-technical components to achieve a specific goal, and it often involves the use of tools and techniques from fields such as project management, risk assessment, and performance evaluation.

Finally, there is systems thinking. Systems thinking focuses on drawing the full context around the problem being solved to provide better understanding of the purpose and value that drives the proposed solution. It is a way of thinking that focuses on the relationships and connections between different parts of a system, rather than just the individual components themselves. It involves the use of tools and techniques such as cause-and-effect analysis and problem-solving approaches to understand and address complex problems.

The following table illustrates the definitions and characteristics of systems science, systems engineering, and systems thinking.

To give an example, let's consider the example of software development company. A systems science approach might involve modeling and analyzing the various departments of the company (e.g., development, the support, the engineers) to understand how they all work together to develop a product. Systems engineering approach might involve designing and managing the development process to optimize its performance and efficiency. A system thinking approach might involve analyzing the relationships between different parts of the company (e.g., the impact of resources availability for specific technology(ies) and the product release) to understand and address problems in the system.

In summary, systems science is concerned with understanding and analyzing complex systems, systems engineering is focused on designing and managing complex systems, and systems thinking is a way of thinking that focuses on the relationships and connections within complex systems. Systems science, systems engineering and systems thinking overlapped in considering the whole context around the problem being solved by looking at the big picture. Therefore, we should look at the problem in a holistic view to anticipate risks that could occur during the development cycle. Understanding the differences between these three fields can help individuals and organizations better approach and solve complex problems. By combining the insights and approaches of these fields, we can gain a more comprehensive understanding of complex systems and develop more effective solutions to the challenges they present.

References:

-???INCOSE Systems engineering handbook

-??4.3.2 Integrating Systems Science, Systems Thinking, and Systems Engineering: understanding the differences and exploiting the synergies, July 2012, by (Mr) Hillary Sillitto Thales UK (ResearchGate.net )

-?Systems Engineering Principles and Practice (Wiley Series in Systems Engineering and Management) 3rd Edition Amazon.com: Systems Engineering Principles and Practice (Wiley Series in Systems Engineering and Management): 9781119516668: Kossiakoff, Alexander, Biemer, Steven M., Seymour, Samuel J., Flanigan, David A.: Books

-?Wikipedia Systems science - Wikipedia