Ch. 1 - The Components of Information Systems

Tonight we learned about systems and cybernetic systems. The technical definition of a system is: a set of interrelated components with a clearly defined boundary, working together to achieve a common set of objectives by accepting inputs and producing outputs in an organized transformation process. A cybernetic system is a bit more advanced because it has five elements: input, processing, and output (similar to a system), but it also has elements of feedback and control.

Professor Tuggle used the example of how a palm tree is a system. A palm tree has three components: the root, trunk, and leaves, and these components work together to keep the tree alive and allow the tree to reproduce. The palm tree accepts inputs in the form of nutrients, water, and sunlight, and produces outputs in the form of sap. This example was really interesting to me, because when I think of a "system," I just naturally think of something technological or a database information system, for example. I never realized how things like palm trees are systems as well.

I started thinking about this example of how a palm tree is a system, and I decided to try to figure out another example of a system that I wouldn't have thought of before tonight. I was wondering if something like a lightbulb could also be considered a system. A lightbulb is made up of three components: the tungsten filament, glass, and screw cap, and these components work together to produce light. The lightbulb accepts inputs in the form of energy, electrons and electrical currents to produce outputs in the form of light!