Emergent properties

Properties of the system as a whole rather than properties that can be derived from the properties of components of a system
Emergent properties are a consequence of the relationships between system components
They can therefore only be assessed and measured once the components have been integrated into a system

Socio-technical system characteristics

Emergent properties
•Properties of the system as a whole that depend on the system components and their relationships.
Non-deterministic
•They do not always produce the same output when presented with the same input because the systems’s behaviour is partially dependent on human operators.
Complex relationships with organisational objectives
•The extent to which the system supports organisational objectives does not just depend on the system itself.

System categories

Technical computer-based systems
•Systems that include hardware and software but where the operators and operational processes are not normally considered to be part of the system. The system is not self-aware. (TV, Mobile phones)
Socio-technical systems
•Systems that include technical systems but also operational processes and people who use and interact with the technical system. Socio-technical systems are governed by organisational policies and rules. (Publishing system)

What is a system?

A purposeful collection of inter-related components working together to achieve some common objective.
A system may include software, mechanical, electrical and electronic hardware and be operated by people.
System components are dependent on other system components
The properties and behaviour of system components are inextricably inter-mingled

Socio-technical Systems

To explain what a socio-technical system is and the distinction between this and a computer-based system
To introduce the concept of emergent system properties such as reliability and security
To explain system engineering and system procurement processes
To explain why the organisational context of a system affects its design and use
To discuss legacy systems and why these are critical to many businesses