A system is an organisation of things that interact.

Some systems are created with the purpose of producing a specific outcome. Other systems have developed over time in an evolutionary fashion.

System interacts with other systems. Intersystem relationship may be collaborative or competitive and may be critical to the success of the system.

Systems are often influenced by, and influence, the environment in which they exist. That environment can also be considered as a system.

An information system is a system that collects, processes, and disseminates information.

It may utilise various technologies to facilitate the collection, processing, and dissemination of information.

To improve a situation.

Systems often grow and develop organically. A system may be initially designed but, people come and go, processes are changed, new controls implemented, old controls removed, and purposes change. Many systems develop informally as people work together, relying on skilled individuals, short communication chains, and easy access to empowered decision makers.

Systems can become extremely complex and be perceived very differently by people who operate within and interact with them; in respect of both the purpose and operation of the system.

Systems not serving their intended purpose can have a range of consequences; increased costs, reduced competitiveness, inability to respond to change. The impact may be minor but, can be catastrophic.

Systems analysis provides an assessment of whether a system is aligned to its purpose and directs attention to where change is required to facilitate improvement.

Systems analysis examines the system, its constituent parts and perceptions of it, to build a common understanding of the system.

• What is the systems purpose?
• Does the system serve that purpose?
• How can the system better server its purpose?

As systems exist within an environment that influences them this also needs to be considered.

• How is the system influenced by its environment?
• Can the system respond to influence from its environment?
• How does the system influence its environment?