The Magic Ring: Systems Thinking Approach to Control Systems

This book provides a new understanding of control systems and explains how to recognize, simulate, and improve them in all fields of activity. It introduces the control process, the anatomy of the simplest "magic ring," and a general typology of control systems. It also explores control systems regulating the biological environment and organizations, with an in-depth study of quality, productivity, production, stocks, and costs. Finally, it concludes by dealing with the learning process, problem-solving, and designing the logical structure of control systems.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 848 pages
Publication date: 02 April 2022
Publisher: Springer Nature Switzerland AG

This comprehensive book offers a fresh perspective on the functioning of control systems, providing insights into recognizing, simulating, and enhancing control systems across various domains. It unveils the pervasive and indispensable role of control processes in our daily lives, emphasizing the importance of cultivating a "control-oriented thinking" rooted in simplified but effective models derived from systems thinking. Spanning thirteen chapters, Piero Mella demonstrates that simple control systems can effectively manage complexity without relying on more advanced control systems.

The book begins by reviewing the fundamental language of systems thinking and the models it enables users to construct. It then delves into the control process, presenting the theoretical framework of three simple control systems that we can observe to gain fundamental knowledge about the basic structure of a control system. This is followed by an introduction to a general typology of control systems and a broader view of control systems by investigating multi-lever control systems and multi-objective systems.

The book unfolds the concepts through diverse environments, gradually expanding in scope to suggest to readers how to recognize control systems manifestations in everyday life and natural phenomena. In the updated second edition, new chapters explore control systems regulating the biological environment and organizations, with an in-depth study of quality, productivity, production, stocks, and costs. Finally, the book concludes by addressing the learning process, problem-solving, and the development of a "control-oriented mindset."

By embracing this book, readers will gain a deeper understanding of control systems and their applications, enabling them to optimize performance, improve efficiency, and make informed decisions in a wide range of fields.

Weight: 1329g
Dimension: 235 x 155 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9783030641962
Edition number: 2nd ed. 2021