Universal systems model
The Universal Systems Model is a conceptual framework used to illustrate how different components interact within any system to achieve a specific goal. It simplifies complex processes into four essential elements: input, process, output, and feedback. Inputs refer to the resources needed to achieve the desired outcome, such as materials, energy, and human involvement. The process encompasses the actions taken to transform these inputs into the intended output, which can be a tangible product or an intangible result.
Feedback plays a crucial role in this model, providing insights on the effectiveness of the inputs and processes by evaluating the output. Positive feedback indicates success, while negative feedback highlights areas for improvement. This model is versatile and can be applied to various systems, from manufacturing processes to personal projects, making it a valuable tool for understanding and optimizing performance across diverse contexts. Overall, the Universal Systems Model offers a structured approach to analyzing how different components work together to achieve objectives efficiently.
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Universal systems model
A universal systems model is a graphic depiction of an external process designed to accomplish a goal. This model is often used to simplify complex processes. A universal systems model shows the combination of elements that work together to complete a task.
The universal systems model has four components: input, process, output, and feedback. This model is called “universal” because it can be used to describe the function of any system. For example, the universal system model can be used to describe the function of a blender, which is usually to create a smooth mixture, as follows:
- Input - put in the ingredients
- Process – blend ingredients
- Output - the smooth, blended ingredients
- Feedback – the taste or appearance of the blended ingredients
Overview
The universal systems model has four basic components: input, process, output, and feedback. The input deals with all the resources necessary to accomplish the output (goal) of the system. For example, the inputs involved in making a loaf of bread include flour, eggs, salt, sugar, milk, and so on. These materials contribute to the output, or goal, which is the baked bread. All systems are generally understood to have a combination of the following inputs: people, information, tools and machines, materials, energy, time, and capital.
The processes of a systems model are the actions required to complete a task. Processes transform the inputs into the desired output. Processes differ, depending on the goal being pursued. For example, the processes involved in making cement are different from the processes involved in making cell phones. The processes involved in making a loaf of bread would be mixing, kneading, and baking the ingredients, or inputs.
The output of a system is the goal that the inputs and processes work to accomplish. Outputs can range from concrete end results, such as products and services, to intangible objectives like new knowledge and social impacts. Outputs can produce both expected and unexpected results as well as desirable and undesirable results. For example, the output of the inputs and processes involved in making a loaf of bread is the bread itself. The expected and desirable output is a light, soft loaf of bread. If the bread is instead hard and crunchy, the output is unexpected and undesirable.
The final element of the universal systems model is feedback. Feedback tells how well the inputs and processes worked and is useful for evaluating the system. If the feedback is positive, the system is a success. If feedback is negative, this information can be used to make corrections within the system so the output becomes desirable. For example, the taste of baked bread is considered feedback. If the baked bread tastes delicious, the feedback is favorable to the system. If the bread tastes bad, this feedback can be used to alter the inputs (ingredients) and processes (mixing, kneading, baking) to produce a better output.
Bibliography
Dallastown Area School District. "Universal Systems Model." Dallastown Area School District. Dallastown Area School District. Web. 13 Aug. 2014. <http://www.dallastown.net/Page/1760>
Hansen, Dr. John W. "Universal Systems Model." University of Houston. University of Houston. Web. 13 Aug. 2014. <http://www.uh.edu/~jhansen/Chapter%201/UniversalSystemsModel.htm>
"Objective 3.0: Explain the Universal Systems Model." Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Schools. Schoolwires, Inc. Web. 13 Aug.2014. <http://www.wsfcs.k12.nc.us/cms/lib/NC01001395/Centricity/Domain/1555/3.03‗Universal‗Systems‗Model.pdf>