How to do systems analysis [[electronic resource] /] / John E. Gibson, William T. Scherer, William F. Gibson

• Record Nr.: UNINA9910143680703321
• Autore: Gibson John E
• Pubbl/distr/stampa: Hoboken, N.J., : Wiley-Interscience, c2007
• ISBN: 1-280-90112-8; 9786610901128; 0-470-13059-8; 0-470-13058-X
• Descrizione fisica: 1 online resource (364 p.)
• Collana: Wiley series in systems engineering and management
• Altri autori (Persone): SchererWilliam T; GibsonWilliam F
• Disciplina: 004.21; 658.4032
• Soggetti: System analysis; Electronic books.
• Lingua di pubblicazione: Inglese
• Formato: Materiale a stampa
• Livello bibliografico: Monografia
• Note generali: Description based upon print version of record.
• Nota di bibliografia: Includes bibliographical references and index.
• Nota di contenuto: HOW TO DO SYSTEMS ANALYSIS; Contents; Preface; A Personal Note from William T. Scherer; A Personal Note from William F. Gibson; A Personal Note from Scott F. Ferber; Original Preface from Jack Gibson; Acknowledgments; 1 Introduction; 1.1 What Is a System?; 1.2 Terminology Confusion; 1.3 Systems Analysis Equals Operations Research Plus Policy Analysis; 1.4 Attributes of Large-Scale Systems; 1.5 Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS): An Example of a Large-Scale System; 1.6 Systems Integration; 1.7 What Makes a "Systems Analysis" Different?; 1.8 Distant Roots of Systems Analysis; 1.9 Immediate Precursors to Systems Analysis1.10 Development of Systems Analysis As a Distinct Discipline: The Influence of RAND; Historical Case Study: IIASA (A); Exercises; Case Study: Fun at Six Flags?; Historical Case Study: IIASA (B); 2 Six Major Phases of Systems Analysis; 2.1 The Systems Analysis Method: Six Major Phases; 2.2 The Goal-centered or Top-Down Approach; 2.3 The Index of Performance Concept; 2.4 Developing Alternative Scenarios; 2.5 Ranking Alternatives; 2.6 Iteration and the "Error-embracing" Approach; 2.7 The ; Action Phase: The Life Cycle of a System; Exercises; Case Study: Methodologies or Chaos? Part ACase Study: Methodologies or Chaos? Part B; Case Study: Wal-Mart Crisis!; 3 Goal Development; 3.1 Seven Steps in Goal Development; 3.2 On Generalizing the Question; 3.3 The Descriptive Scenario; 3.4 The Normative Scenario; 3.5 The Axiological Component; 3.6 Developing an Objectives Tree; 3.7 Fitch's Goals for an Urbanizing America: An Example of Objectives Tree Construction; 3.8 Content Analysis of Fitch's Goals; 3.9 Validate; 3.10 Iterate; Case Study: Distance Learning in the Future?; Historical Case Study: Goals of 4C, Inc.; 4 The Index of Performance4.1 Introduction; 4.2 Desirable Characteristics for an Index of Performance; 4.3 Economic Criteria; 4.4 Compound Interest; 4.5 Four Common Criteria of Economic Efficiency; 4.6 Is There a Problem with Multiple Criteria?; 4.7 What Is Wrong with the B-C Ratio?; 4.8 Can IRR Be Fixed?; 4.9 Expected Monetary Value; 4.10 Nonmonetary Performance Indices; Exercises; Case Study: Sky High Airlines; Case Study: Bridges-Where to Spend the Security Dollars?; Case Study: Measuring the Process and Outcomes of Regional Transportation Collaboration; Case Study: Baseball Free Agent Draft5 Develop Alternative Candidate Solutions; 5.1 Introduction; 5.2 The Classical Approach to Creativity; 5.3 Concepts in Creativity; 5.4 Brainstorming; 5.5 Brainwriting; 5.6 Dynamic Confrontation; 5.7 Zwicky's Morphological Box; 5.8 The Options Field/Options Profile Approach; 5.9 Computer Creativity; 5.10 Computer Simulation: a Tool in Option Development; 5.11 Why a Dynamic Simulation for Creating Options?; 5.12 Context-Free Simulation Models?; 5.13 Bottom-Up Simulation or Top-Down?; 5.14 Lessons from the Susquehanna River Basin Model; 5.15 The Forrester Urban Model (FUM) and Societal Values
• Sommario/riassunto: This book focuses on systems analysis, broadly defined to also include problem formulation and interpretation of proposed alternatives in terms of the value systems of stakeholders. Therefore, the book is a complement, not a substitute to other books when teaching systems engineering and systems analysis. The nature of problem solving discussed in this book is appropriate to a wide range of systems analyses. Thus the book can be used as a stand-alone book for teaching the analysis of systems. Also unique is the inclusion of broad case studies to stress problem solving issues, making How to