1. Has a purpose which reflects a transforming
function of one thing (or event) to another.
2. Has measures of performance which reflect the
extent of transformation achieved.
3. Has a mechanism of regulation (a process of
decision making and resource allocation) which reflects the purpose, responds
to information and governs the performance.
4. Has components which exhibit all the properties of
a system, labelled subsystems.
5. Has components which interact and permit effects
and actions to flow through the system.
6. Exists within an environment with which it
interacts.
7. Has a boundary which separates it from the
environment.
8. Exists within wider systems, labelled suprasystems.
9. Has both physical and abstract resources at
its disposal.
10. Has some guarantee of continuity or stabiltiy
of returning to a stable steady state when disturbed.
Problem Classification Table
| PROBLEM FOCUS | MNEMONIC | CLASSIFICATION | METHODOLOGIES | OUTCOMES | APPLICATIONS | EXAMPLE |
| 1. Given this complex problem situation, how can I improve the situation? | Paradox | Soft Systems | Actiion Systems Research | Client (Learner) Satisfaction | Strategic Management | How do we reduce the incidence of AIDS? |
| 2. Given this system, how can I optimize its performance? | Performance | Hard Systems | Systems Research | Performance Optimization | Allocative Management | What is the most efficient system to distribute an AIDS anti-viral drug? |
| 3. Given this component, how can I improve its effectiveness? | Problem | Reductionist Technology | Technological Research | Problem Resolution | Operational Management/
Applied Research |
What anti-viral drug works best on the AIDS retrovirus? |
| 4. Given this phenomenon, why is it so? | Puzzle | Reductionist Science | Experimental Research | Puzzle Resolution | Scientific Research | How does the AIDS retrovirus reproduce? |