Hard systems explained

Hard systems is a problem-solving approach in systems science. It is opposing soft systems. Although soft systems thinking treats all problems as ill-defined or not easily quantified, hard systems approaches (systems analysis (structured methods), operations research and so on) assume that the problems associated with such systems are well-defined, they have a single, optimum solution, a scientific approach to problem-solving will work well, and that technical factors will tend to predominate.^{[1] [2]}

Developments in hard systems thinking

Hard systems began to emerge as a distinct philosophy in the 1950s.

See also

• Systems engineering
• Systems analysis
• Systems dynamics

Notes and References

1. Michael C. Jackson (1991). Systems methodology for the management sciences. New York, NY: Plenum Press.
2. Michael C. Jackson (2003). Systems thinking: Creative holism for managers. Chichester, UK: John Wiley & Sons Ltd.