System Classifications

System Classification Framework

A System Classification Framework provides a way to position a system-of-interest in a wider context of systems. This System Classification Framework is used to:

• Identify types of systems.

• Identify stakeholders with an interest in a system-of-interest

• Promote reuse across a set of systems and system types

• Ensure alignment of similar types of systems and reduce duplicate definitions.

The System Classification Framework provides the following benefits:

• A top level set of system types that can be used identify any type of system-of-interest.

• A way to reuse aspects of systems using generalizations that allow inheritance of the key elements of a system.

• A way to integrate across systems based upon consistent references to defined systems using a single abstract system class..

• A way to reuse AD Elements across the full set of defined systems (e.g. viewpoints, views, view components, other system descriptions, etc).

The top level System Classification Framework is based upon Peter Checkland's system classification model in Chapter 4 of his book Systems Thinking, Systems Practice. Chapter 4 highlights the need:

• To identify a "Basic language of systems ideas" which is "meta-disciplinary".

• To achieve a consensus over time of such a General System Model

• To provide a way to establish a description of the world.

• To identify a set of coherently organized systems and their structure based upon holism rather than reductionism..

Peter Checkland's approach has been derived from Kenneth Boulding's original classification framework. The following model shows the top level set of systems in this classification scheme:

The top level System Classification Framework is described in the book from page 102 to page 122. Figure 4, page 112 highlights the 5 system classes. These classes are used as a top level classification for system types.

The Top Level System Classes are the following:

• Natural System
• Human Activity System
• Designed Physical System
• Designed Abstract System
• Transcendental System

Link to the Top System Classifications PDF

Russell Ackoff's System Classification

Russell Ackoff's System Classifications were also considered. The following types of systems comes from Re-Creating the Corporation

• Deterministic System
• Animated System
• Social System
• Ecological System.

These classifications were considered; however, they use a "Purposeful System" as a differentiator between system types and was considered too narrow for this System Classification Framework.

Current Systems in the System Classification Framework

. The current systems that have been identified using the top level classification types are shown in the diagram below:

Note: that all of the types of systems are based upon a single definition and model of an abstract system. Each system inherits the single definition of system. This provides a consistent way to describe each type of system using a System Description based upon the SysDesc ADF.

See the Evolutionary Change in Development part of the system description where the Tyler Volk's models of combogenesis in the book Quarks to Culture fit nicely with the classification system.

System Classification Category

The diagram below highlights the use of a System Classification (SysClass) Category using Category Theory that has been applied to the definition of the System Classification Model.