ABSTRACT
This chapter introduces the key terms with regard to systems and provides an overview of the two main perspectives on systems thinking. It shows that a system has both an internal and an external environment, and interactions between them define whether the system is closed or open. A production system can be most easily defined by initially separating ‘production’ and ‘system’. An ideal system has to be capable of turning out a product of acceptable quality, sufficient value for money and within a relevant duration whilst being able to demonstrate an ethical approach to resource utilisation. Typical adjustments relate to the need for trade-offs which ensure that all elements are sufficiently compatible to form a coordinated system. Modern production systems make considerable use of machines to either generate or facilitate output. As far as systems for the production of construction artefacts are concerned, it can be argued that their internal environment is effectively the process of conversion taking place within them.
