Reading Questions 1

The Systems Approach

 

When reading this chapter, consider the following scenario:

 

Assume the University Hospital is going through a process of change, with the aim of improving many aspects of its operations and outputs through the use of information technology.  Suppose you are assigned to chair a team that is responsible for bringing all these changes about.  The team will also decide what information technology will be useful to the Hospital and how to integrate it.  Be guided and informed by the systems approach.  Your first task then is to decide about what is included in the system that represents the Hospital, and what is outside the system.

 

Based on Churchman’s definitions, please think about and take notes on the following issues:

 

·        What is the definition of a system for this situation?

 

·        How does one know whether something is a system?

 

·        Suggest the total Hospital objective and the performance measures of the whole Hospital.

 

·        Record a few examples of components in the Hospital’s environment.

 

·        Record a few examples of resources of the Hospital.

 

·        Record examples of a few components of the Hospital, their activities, goals and measures of performance.

 

Please think about concrete as well as abstract entities and issues. Bring your notes to class.

 

We will discuss these issues in class