Open System (systems theory)
Introduction
An open system in systems theory is a theoretical concept that refers to a system which continuously interacts with its environment or 'outside' entities. The interaction can take the form of information, energy, or material transfers into or out of the system boundary, depending on the discipline which defines the concept.
Overview
In contrast to closed systems that are held to be isolated from their environment, open systems are systems that allow interactions between their internal elements and the environment. An open system is defined as a “system in exchange of matter with its environment, presenting import and export, building-up and breaking-down of its material components.”[1]
History
The concept of an open system was first introduced by the biologist Ludwig von Bertalanffy in 1950 as part of his general systems theory, which was intended to provide a common framework for all scientific disciplines.[1] Bertalanffy's work was further developed by other scientists and thinkers, and has since been applied in a wide variety of disciplines, including biology, engineering, and social sciences.
Characteristics of Open Systems
Open systems have several key characteristics that distinguish them from closed systems. These include:
- Interaction with the environment: Open systems are characterized by their interaction with the environment. They can receive inputs from the environment, process these inputs, and deliver outputs back into the environment.
- Adaptability: Open systems have the ability to adapt to changes in the environment. This adaptability is a key feature of many biological and social systems.
- Non-equilibrium state: Unlike closed systems, which tend to move towards a state of equilibrium, open systems are often in a state of non-equilibrium due to the continuous flow of matter and energy through the system.
- Complexity: Open systems can be highly complex, with many interconnected parts and processes. This complexity can make open systems difficult to study and understand.
Applications of Open Systems Theory
Open systems theory has been applied in a wide range of fields, including:
- Biology: In biology, organisms are often viewed as open systems. They interact with their environment by taking in nutrients, expelling waste, and responding to environmental changes.
- Engineering: In engineering, open systems theory is used to understand and design complex systems, such as traffic networks, power grids, and communication systems.
- Social Sciences: In the social sciences, organizations and societies are often viewed as open systems. They interact with their environment by taking in information, making decisions, and implementing actions.
- Business: In business, companies are often viewed as open systems. They interact with their environment by taking in resources, producing goods or services, and interacting with customers and competitors.
Open Systems in Biology
In biology, the concept of open systems is fundamental. Biological organisms are open systems as they exchange matter and energy with their environment. This is evident in the process of metabolism, where organisms take in nutrients and energy from their environment, convert them into usable forms, and expel waste products back into the environment.
Open Systems in Engineering
In engineering, the concept of open systems is used to understand and design complex systems. For example, a power grid is an open system that takes in electrical energy from power plants, distributes it to consumers, and interacts with other power grids. Similarly, a communication network is an open system that takes in information, processes it, and sends it to recipients.
Open Systems in Social Sciences
In the social sciences, the concept of open systems is used to understand how organizations and societies function. For example, a business organization is an open system that takes in resources from its environment, processes these resources to produce goods or services, and sends these outputs back into the environment. Similarly, a society is an open system that takes in information from its environment, processes this information to make decisions, and implements these decisions through actions.
Open Systems in Business
In business, the concept of open systems is used to understand how companies operate. A company is an open system that interacts with its environment in several ways. It takes in resources such as raw materials, labor, and capital, processes these resources to produce goods or services, and sends these outputs back into the environment. It also interacts with other entities in its environment, such as customers, competitors, and regulators.