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[ Alexander Backlund ](/insight/search?q=Alexander Backlund) (Department of Computer Science, University of Skövde, Skövde, Sweden)

Kybernetes

ISSN:0368-492X

Article publication date: 1 June 2000

Abstract

Among the several definitions of system that exist, there are some that appear more commonly than others, although in slightly different shapes. It is argued that these definitions are not exclusive enough, i.e. things which are not systems could be regarded as systems, according to these definitions. At the same time, there are definitions which are more specific but according to which some kinds of systems would not be systems. Using the underlying assumptions of many authors, a general, more exact definition of system is proposed. Central to the definition is to ensure that parts of the system should not be isolated from other parts. This definition is used to define some central systems theory concepts.

Keywords

Citation

[Backlund, A.](/insight/search?q=Alexander Backlund "Alexander Backlund") (2000), "The definition of system", Kybernetes, Vol. 29 No. 4, pp. 444-451. https://doi.org/10.1108/03684920010322055

Publisher

MCB UP Ltd