Systems analysis

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Systems analysis is a scientific method characterized by an interdisciplinary approach to solving complex problems. The object of systems analysis is practical problems related to the creation of new systems and the modernization of existing ones. These include organizational, economic, technical, informational, military, and other systems.[1]

Systems analysis is used to identify the causes of existing difficulties, set goals, and develop methods and options for resolving problems[2][3][4]. It acts as an organizer and coordinator[5]. It relies on an interdisciplinary approach, which effectively unites 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 specific approaches. However, it is generally noted that the understanding of the term is vague, ranging from a narrow definition (analysis of goals) to a broad one (a general direction of systems research).

Systems analysis

Systems analysis is used to identify the causes of existing difficulties, set goals, and develop methods and options for resolving problems. It acts as an organizer and coordinator. It relies on an interdisciplinary approach, which effectively unites 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 specific approaches.

Systems analysis was created as a method for supporting strategic decision-making. It allowed for the well-founded selection of the best strategies in complex situations. Today, systems analysis has evolved from a method that recommends an optimal course of action to a manager into an applied scientific approach that implements the systems approach to research.

Modern systems analysis:

  • establishes the cause-and-effect relationships that contributed to the emergence of the problem;
  • analyzes alternatives for resolving systemic problems, taking into account constraints, risks, and uncertain conditions of the environment;
  • organizes interdisciplinary scientific and applied research;
  • provides well-founded recommendations for an optimal choice or a rational course of action in complex management situations;
  • uses modeling methods to study problems;

Origin of the term "systems analysis"

The term was first used in the work of the RAND Corporation (USA) in the 1940s-1950s.[6] The initial application of the term was related to the analysis of complex military, scientific, and industrial projects, as well as the identification and ranking of goals, strategic directions, tasks, and programs. In 1965, S. L. Optner published the book "Systems Analysis for Business and Industrial Problem Solving," in which systems analysis is presented as a means of solving complex problems.

Various authors of significant works on systems analysis note:

  • D. Cleland and W. King — systems analysis as a systems approach to planning.[7]
  • R. Ackoff — associates it with goal formation and interactive planning.
  • E. S. Quade — equates systems analysis with analysis of systems.
  • S. Young — interprets it as systemic management of organizations.
  • Yu. I. Chernyak — systems analysis as a means of overcoming complexity.

Subject of Systems Analysis

The subject of systems analysis includes:

  • 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

The distinctive features of systems analysis are:

  • it uses concepts from systems theory to describe the objects of study;[8]
  • it studies the processes of goal setting;
  • it develops tools for working with target indicators;
  • it is applied to solve specific problems;[9]
  • it takes into account the specifics of problem situations;
  • it is used when a problem cannot be immediately solved using formal methods;
  • it pays attention to problem description and task formulation;[10]
  • it combines methods of quantitative and qualitative analysis;
  • it utilizes the knowledge of experts in various fields;
  • it organizes collective decision-making;
  • it uses methodologies that define the sequence and content of the analysis stages;
  • it uses systemic methods of decomposing large problems into separate tasks;[11]

Interconnections of Systems Analysis

Systems analysis is closely related to the following disciplines and scientific fields:

Literature

  • Optner S. — Systems Analysis for Business and Industrial Problem Solving. M.: Soviet Radio, 1969.
  • Cleland D., King W. — Systems Analysis and Project Management. M.: Soviet Radio, 1974.
  • Quade, E. S. — Analysis of Complex Systems. M.: Soviet Radio, 1969.
  • Chernyak, Yu. I. — Systems Analysis in Economic Management: M.: Ekonomika, 1975
  • Peregudov F.I., Tarasenko F.P. — Introduction to Systems Analysis: M. Vysshaya Shkola, 1989
  • Volkova V.N., Kozlov V.N. — Systems Analysis and Decision Making. Dictionary-Reference. M: Vysshaya Shkola, 2004
  • Volkova V. N., Denisov A. A. — Systems Theory and Systems Analysis: a textbook for universities. M: Yurait Publishing, 2025
  • Volkova V.N. — Origins and Prospects for the Development of Systems Sciences. St. Petersburg. Polytech-Press, 2022
  • Systems Research. Yearbook. M. Nauka Publishing, 1969-88

Notes:

  1. ↑ “Modern systems analysis is an applied science aimed at clarifying the causes of real difficulties faced by the ‘problem owner’ and at developing options for their elimination.” — F. I. Peregudov, F. P. Tarasenko, Introduction to Systems Analysis, 1989, p. 275.
  2. ↑ “Systems analysis is an approach to or a way of looking at complex problems of choice under conditions of uncertainty.” — E. S. Quade, Analysis for Public Decisions. p. 49.
  3. ↑ “Systems analysis is a methodology for solving major problems, based on the concept of systems.” — S. L. Optner, Systems Analysis for Business and Industrial Problem Solving. p. 3.
  4. ↑ “Systems analysis is a special decision-making process in which various alternatives are evaluated in terms of their contribution to achieving goals.” — D. Cleland, W. King, Systems Analysis and Project Management. p. 9.
  5. ↑ “The application of systems analysis requires the joint work of specialists from different fields: engineers, economists, military personnel.” — E. S. Quade, Analysis for Public Decisions. p. 55.
  6. ↑ Operations Research and the RAND Corporation. Gene Fisher, Warren Walker. Expert Insights Published 1994. RAND Corporation, P-7857
  7. ↑ Cleland D., King W. — Systems Analysis and Project Management. M.: Soviet Radio, 1974.
  8. ↑ “Systems analysis is an applied branch of systems theory...” — V. N. Volkova, A. A. Denisov. Systems Theory and Systems Analysis: a textbook for universities. M: Yurait Publishing, 2025
  9. ↑ “Modern systems analysis is an applied science aimed at clarifying the causes of real difficulties...” — F. I. Peregudov, F. P. Tarasenko.
  10. ↑ “The most important element of systems analysis is problem formulation.” — E. S. Quade, Analysis for Public Decisions. p. 60.
  11. ↑ “The strength of the systems method... lies in the fact that it allows... breaking down an overly complex... problem into its components... and on the other hand, holding them together...” — Yu. I. Chernyak. — Systems Analysis in Economic Management: M.: Ekonomika,

See also


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