8.4.1 Implications of Sociological System Theory on Systems Engineering and Product Development

Abstract

Abstract. Systems engineering can be regarded as a part of system theory, which seems to be most up to date in sociology trying to understand complex social systems. This contribution gives an overview on the development and appearances of system theory, compares systems engineering and the modern sociological system theory and shows how to improve the design and development of technical systems by the use of those sociological insights. This regard covers a new understanding of complexity, of systems themselves, of communication being any coordination of activities, as well as respective media. The considerations finally lead to a dynamic organisation as well as to measures how to approach complex social systems.

2.4.2 Principled systems engineering for the planet

“…There has been a paradigm shift in modern science. Pulm (2005) summarizes it succinctly, "… from Newton to Bergson, i.e., from mechanistic universe to intuition and creativity, from atomistic to holistic, from observation to participation, from one best solution to many good solutions, from prognoses to scenarios, from representations to constructivism, or from destructive to creative chaos. "…”