Systems Analysis is a scientific method distinguished by its interdisciplinary approach to solving complex problems. The object of systems analysis is practical problems associated with the creation of new and the modernization of existing systems — organizational, economic, technical, informational, military, and others.
Systems analysis is used to identify the causes of existing difficulties, to set goals, and to develop methods and options for eliminating problems. It serves as an organizer and coordinator, relying on an interdisciplinary approach that effectively combines and focuses the efforts of a group of specialists on solving a specific problem. The systemic integration of achievements from various fields of knowledge makes it possible to solve problems that cannot be resolved within the framework of individual disciplines and specialized approaches.
Systems analysis was created as a method for supporting strategic decision-making. It enabled the well-founded selection of optimal strategies in complex situations. Today, systems analysis has evolved from a method that recommended to managers the choice of an optimal course of action into an applied scientific approach that implements the systems approach to research.
Modern systems analysis:
- establishes cause-and-effect relationships that contributed to the emergence of the problem;
- analyzes options for resolving systemic problems, taking into account constraints, risks, and uncertain environmental conditions;
- organizes interdisciplinary scientific and applied research;
- provides well-founded recommendations for optimal choice or a rational course of action in complex management situations;
- uses modeling methods to study problems;
The subject matter of systems analysis:
- methods for diagnosing and solving complex problems using the systems approach;
- ways of organizing interdisciplinary research aimed at solving problems;
- methods and models for the comprehensive study and design of complex systems.
Distinctive features of systems analysis:
- uses concepts from systems theory to describe the objects of investigation;
- investigates the processes of goal setting;
- develops tools for working with target indicators;
- is applied to solving specific problems;
- takes into account the specifics of problem situations;
- is employed when a problem cannot be immediately solved by formal methods;
- devotes attention to the description of problems and the formulation of tasks;
- combines methods of quantitative and qualitative analysis;
- utilizes the knowledge of experts in various fields;
- organizes collective decision-making;
- uses methodologies that define the sequence and content of the stages of analysis;
- uses systemic methods of decomposing large problems into individual tasks;
Systems analysis is closely related to the following disciplines and scientific fields:
- general systems theory and the systems approach;
- operations research and optimization;
- decision theory;
- control theory and management;
- systems engineering;
- mathematical modeling;
- data analysis and statistics;
- computer science and artificial intelligence;
- philosophy and methodology of science.