Systems Theory   [Archived Catalog]
2011-2012 Academic Catalog and Student Handbook with Addendum
   

PB 468 - Systems Theory


Organizations are living systems. To work and improve organizations, we need to understand them as systems. This course focuses on the investigation and applications of Open Systems Theory. The importance of the input->throughput->output flow will be assessed within the scope of boundaries and the environment as well as feedback and interdependencies. Specific attention will be given to the different functions for internal operations that are necessary for maintenance and equilibrium. Organizations and teams will be the main focus but the obvious connections to any group or family will be addressed. (3 credits)