Constructing abstract (theoretical) models of actual (material) systems

Abstract

The world around us is a global system, therefore, it can be said that all its elements are interconnected. The strength of the connections between the system’s elements and their groups is not uniform. In some cases, we can observe the links very clearly, in other cases, we assume that they exist, while, sometimes, we are not even aware of their existence. The existence of the connections of various strength shows that the particular elements are of different nature and possess some specific features and capacity allowing them to interact with others and form the particular structures when the same goal is pursued. These structures differ from others and make the systems of a particular level. Therefore, the elements relevant for the considered problem should be identified (or formed if an artificial system is considered). In other words, we should identify or form a system for solving an arising problem. Another important aspect of investigating an existing or specially formed system is associated with its reflection. To change or to manage a social economic system, for example, the state of an enterprise should be measured. This may be achieved only if all major aspects of its performance are described by the particular criteria. The values of the criteria allow us to plan the measures to be taken for improving enterprise performance. The analysis of the literature shows that we can hardly find a generally accepted concept and definition of the word ‘system’. However, a lot of various definitions are suggested. This may be explained by the fact that either various features of the system are emphasized, or not all relevant features are considered. In some cases, a definition includes too many features, often duplicating each other. Some researchers base themselves on a very wide ‘system’s’ definition, while others prefer a short one, embracing its essential features.