ABSTRACT
This chapter utilizes the various key components from Kast and Rosenzweig’s systems model as an outline to evaluate the history of equipment management. In addition to examining the technical aspects of equipment management, the human factors and organizational structures are also analyzed in detail to develop a holistic systems viewpoint of the new equipment management approach. The main theme of the environmental suprasystem in the systems model is examining the environmental changes that lead to the changes in equipment management objectives. The goals and values subsystem in the systems model provides a framework for examining the changes of goals and values under the environmental changes in the field of equipment management. The structural subsystem is about how an organization is set up to manage equipment. It includes the defined responsibilities of each group associated with equipment acquisitions, maintenance, and operations. Analyzing the psychosocial subsystem means taking a close look at the working environment and morale of the equipment management personnel.
