What is the Systems Approach?

The term “Systems Approach” has appeared frequently in management and systems literature recently. In spite of its popular use, its meaning is seldom clearly defined. Even when and where a definition is given, there is little agreement as to exactly what it means. The confusion seems to stem from the fact that a “system” often means different things to different people. To an engineer it may mean a physical object. To an economist it may be a mode of operation such as the free enterprise system or an inventory system. To a computer scientist it may mean either the hardware system of the computer or the software programs or information systems. Thus, the term has become so generic that it is almost meaningless. The purpose of this paper is to develop a concept and definition of the systems approach as a methodology for solving problems.