Product Description

This book focuses on systems analysis, broadly defined to also include problem formulation and interpretation of proposed alternatives in terms of the value systems of stakeholders. Therefore, the book is a complement, not a substitute to other books when teaching systems engineering and systems analysis. The nature of problem solving discussed in this book is appropriate to a wide range of systems analyses. Thus the book can be used as a stand-alone book for teaching the analysis of systems. Also unique is the inclusion of broad case studies to stress problem solving issues, making How to Do Systems Analysis a complement to the many fine works in systems engineering available today.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #508596 in Books
• Published on: 2007-05-18
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Hardcover
• 360 pages

Review
"[The] book is solidly grounded in the application of theory … .A very comprehensive book that junior or student systems analysts would find helpful for fundamental concepts." (The Computer Journal, January 2009)

"…a real-world view of systems and how best to analyze them…recommended." (CHOICE, December 2007)

From the Back Cover
Many systems engineering books describe the systematic process of developing, designing, and deploying large-scale complex systems, yet fail to present the fundamental systemic thinking needed to conceive complex systems and solve complex socio-technical problems. Rather than delve into the formal processes of systems engineering, this unique book emphasizes the underlying systems analysis component and associated though processes. Systems analysis focuses on problem definition and offers a unique book emphasizes the underlying systems analysis component and associated though processes. Systems analysis focuses on problem defining and offers a unique perspective on problem solving in all type so f domains. How to Do systems Analysis describes an approach that is appropriate for large-scale, complex systems in diverse disciplines. More specifically, How to Do Systems Analysis:

• Covers the six major phases of systems analysis, including goal development, the index of performance, and alternative candidate solutions, as well as the management of the systems team, project management, and more
• presents the core concepts of a general systems analysis methodology
• Includes examples that illustrate systems analysis concepts, along with case studies of systems analysis and systems engineering in the real world
• Features exercises at the end of many chapters to challenge readers to practice systems analysis thinking and skills

An eye-opening, thought-provoking reference for professionals in field that need input from systems engineering, such as telecommunications, transportation,m business consulting, and health care, this book is also a stimulating text for senior undergraduate and graduate students in systems engineering and systems analysis courses.

About the Author
John E. Gibson, PhD, was the Commonwealth Distinguished Professor of Systems Management at the School of  Engineering and Applied Science, University of Virginia, Charlottesville. He was the past dean of engineering at two universities: The University of Virginia and Oakland University. His research was in manufactruring strategy and management and in total quality leadership.  Dr. Gibson received his PhD from Yale University.

William T. Scherer, PhD, is Professor in the Department of Systems and Information Engineering at the University of Virginia where he teaches courses on systems engineering.  He has authored and co-authored numerous publications on intelligent decision support systems, combinatorial optimization, and stochastic control. He is an associate editor for International Abstracts in Operations Research and reviewer for Operations Research, Annals of Operations Research, and IEEE Trans-actions on Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS).  He has held the Lucien Carr III Professorship of Engineering, recognition of his excellence in undergraduate education.

Customer Reviews

A new way of thinking!
"How to do System Analysis" distills a lifetime of experience in addressing large scale complex systems problems into a common sense approach that focuses as much on systemic thinking as on analytical tools. This book views systems analysis as a combination of operations research (with its analytical tools and methodologies) and policy analysis (with its ambiguities, perspectives, and competing values). While acknowledging the importance of solid analytical skills, Gibson, Scherer, and Gibson emphasize the importance of understanding context, identifying stakeholders, specifying the problem, establishing objectives, establishing criteria, developing indices of performance, formulating and evaluating alternatives, and iterating progressively toward a solution that acknowledges the competing interests and trade-offs inherent in any system of moderate size and complexity. Unlike many engineering text, this book looks at analysis in the context of the problem - encouraging the analysts to "embrace error" early in the process, expending time and effort to the extent necessary to rule out dominated alternatives so that more serious trade studies and precise analysis is limited to more promising alternatives.

The chapter on goal development is particularly good in its recognition of the importance of the "axiological component" - the underlying values that define what is important to the client or customer. The authors walk the reader through a seven step process of goal development that includes describing the current situation (the "descriptive scenario"), defining the desired situation (the "normative scenario"), and developing an objectives tree with indices of performance that reflect client or customer values.

The book is loaded with realistic examples and case studies that can be used to provoke discussion and convey concepts. Many of the examples are drawn directly from the experience of the authors; others are drawn from current events involving difficult or controversial public policy decisions. This book is a great companion text for an advanced undergraduate or graduate course in systems analysis as well as an excellent reference book for practicing systems engineers and analysts.