Expanding Triadic Systems Analysis
In this post the idea was introduced that any system, and any system element, can be analysed using three primary logical constructs:
- Logic: The internal system / component logic.
- Energy: The internal system / component energy source.
- Control: Governing controls that regulate system functioning to within allowable limits.
This triadic analysis is useful in the context of a qualitative programming due to:
- Its universality, which means it can be applied to any domain.
- Its recursive nature, which means that the same type of analysis can be applied recursively to achieve greater and greater system resolution until the desired level of granularity has been reached.
In order to embed triadic systems analysis into the structure of a qualitative programming language, we would need to implement triadic analysis in the program’s data types, functions and operators.
Representing Dynamic State
In addition to triadic structural systems analysis, we can also identify three basic aspects of any system / element that describe its dynamic existence: input, state and output.
- Input: The input aspect pertains to all external factors or resources that a system / entity receives. These inputs serve as the primary materials or conditions required for the subsequent processes that the system / entity undertakes.
- State: The state represents the current condition or “snapshot” of the system, influenced by its history of inputs and the internal processes it has undergone.
- Output: The output aspect of a system / entity refers to the resultant products, changes, or effects it brings about in response to its inputs and influenced by its internal state.
For example, for a tree:
- Input: A tree absorbs sunlight, carbon dioxide, water, and nutrients from the soil.
- State: The internal state of a tree at any given moment is represented by its overall health or vitality, its growth phase, the robustness of its roots, its hydration level and its photosynthesis level.
- Output: Outputs of a tree include released oxygen, the sugars transported through its sap, fruits borne, and the shedding of leaves in autumn.
We can combine triadic systems analysis together with the basic notions of input, state and output to produce the following matrix.
| Input | State | Output | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Energy | Refers to the external resources or raw materials required by the system. For a tree, this would be sunlight, water, and nutrients from the soil. | Represents the current level of stored or potential energy within the system. In a tree, it could be its stored nutrients and hydration level. | The utilisation or release of energy. For a tree, this could be the sugar used in growth or fruits. |
| Logic | Pertains to external directives or triggers for the system’s decision-making processes. In a tree, it might be the seasonal cues that determine growth patterns. | Reflects the current decision-making framework or “thinking” mode of the system. For a tree, it might be its current growth strategy based on environmental conditions. | The decisions or actions taken as a result of processing inputs. For a tree, it could be branching out roots towards a water source. |
| Control | Involves the external regulatory factors or conditions that might modify or direct the system’s activities. For a tree, it might be the presence of certain hormones or chemicals. | Represents the current regulatory and balancing mechanisms active within the system. In a tree, it might be internal feedback loops managing growth. | The corrective actions or regulatory processes initiated by the system. For a tree, it could be shedding leaves in response to reduced water availability. |
Or, for an economy:
| Input | State | Output | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Energy | Refers to the primary resources or inputs that fuel economic activities. This includes raw materials, human capital, financial capital, and technology. | Represents the accumulated wealth, stored value, or potential economic activity. It could be in the form of capital reserves, investments, infrastructure, and human skill sets. | The tangible and intangible products and services produced by the economy. This includes GDP, technological innovations, consumer products, and services. |
| Logic | Pertains to external or internal triggers that influence economic decisions. This might be consumer demands, geopolitical events, trade policies, or global market trends. | Reflects the decision-making processes or strategies that guide economic actions. This might include fiscal policies, monetary policies, trade strategies, or market dynamics. | The decisions or actions taken based on the analysis of inputs. This could involve opening or closing markets, adjusting interest rates, or making large-scale public investments. |
| Control | Involves the regulatory and oversight mechanisms that aim to ensure the economy functions within desired parameters. This includes laws, regulations, and oversight bodies. | Represents the current set of active regulatory mechanisms and checks and balances. It could be anti-monopoly regulations, banking oversight mechanisms, or fiscal watchdogs. | The enforcement actions, modifications, or guidance provided to steer the economy in the desired direction. This might involve adjusting tax rates, implementing stimulus packages, or imposing trade tariffs. |
Or, for a business process:
| Input | State | Output | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Energy | Refers to the resources needed to initiate and maintain the process. This includes manpower, raw materials, data, technology, and financial resources. | Represents the current capacity, potential, and readiness of the process. This might involve stock inventory, technology readiness, and workforce availability and morale. | The tangible or intangible products or results from the process. This can range from manufactured goods, processed data, rendered services, or any value-addition. |
| Logic | Pertains to the triggers or directives that initiate or modify the process. This could be customer orders, market demand, business strategy, or feedback loops. | Reflects the current procedural flow, decision points, and prioritizations within the process. This encompasses the set patterns, sequences, conditions, and thresholds that dictate process flow. | The decisions made or actions taken at each step of the process, leading to the final outcome. This could involve task assignments, quality checks, approval/rejection decisions, or any procedural step completion. |
| Control | Involves the standards, benchmarks, regulations, or guidelines that oversee the process. This includes quality standards, regulatory compliance, safety protocols, and organizational SOPs (Standard Operating Procedures). | Represents the monitoring, audit, or supervision mechanisms currently in place. This can be process checkpoints, quality control measures, and real-time monitoring tools. | The corrective actions, feedback, or adjustments made to ensure the process is on track and meeting its goals. This might involve recalibrating machinery, retraining personnel, or rerouting resources. |
Conclusion
By adding Input, State and Control aspects to triadic analysis within the structure of a qualitative programming language, we provide the potential to easily perform dynamic state modelling based on the initial structural analysis.