58
2.6.3 Principles of a System of Systems
Studying an integrated “system of systems” utilizes the similar principles of system
science described above in Sect. 1.4 and of the emerging field of sustainability
science. The attributes of a system of systems include:
2.6.3.1 A Question (or Problem) as a Macroscope Which Defines
Boundaries and Scales
If we are integrating three components, what is the unifying identity (or macroscope) by which we perceive the system of systems? In practical situations, the
unifying identity is the question (or problem) that is being addressed: “how do we
manage a system in a certain context in which food, energy, and water are critical
components to achieve desirable outcomes?”
The keyword and phrase in such a question are “context” and “desirable outcomes.” The question will also define issues of spatial and temporal scale (defining
its boundaries and external factors) metrics, data, modeling, and computing.
The issue of defining or framing the question will be addressed in Chap. 12; its
relationship to metrics, data, modeling, and computing will be explored in Chaps.
13–16; and the application of science to practical questions addressed in Chap. 17.
2.6.3.2 Heterogeneous Parts Which Have Mutual Relationships
While in FEW systems, the parts include food, energy, and water elements; there are
usually other parts like population, economics, infrastructure, ecosystem services,
and biodiversity to include.
Interactions are both direct and indirect and usually operating in both directions,
so that we can think of elements of an integrated system having complex interactions embodied in mutual relationships. Further, when one element changes, the
interactions with other parts of the system result in additional interactions on the
first element, that is, reciprocal relationships usually include feedback interactions.
Direct, or first-order, interactions are the influence on a system by another system; for example, the demands on water by the energy system and on energy by the
water system. Many examples of this type of interaction were given above in our
consideration of water, food and energy systems separately.
Indirect interactions include the impacts of one element on another to which it is
not in direct contact. Rather the impact is mediated through other intermediate parts
of the system or factors external to the system. Here are three examples where there
is one step mediating the indirect interaction:
• Energy use of crops for biofuels makes demands on water because of the irrigation needs of those crops.
P. Saundry and B. L. Ruddell
2.6.3 Principles of a System of Systems
Studying an integrated “system of systems” utilizes the similar principles of system
science described above in Sect. 1.4 and of the emerging field of sustainability
science. The attributes of a system of systems include:
2.6.3.1 A Question (or Problem) as a Macroscope Which Defines
Boundaries and Scales
If we are integrating three components, what is the unifying identity (or macroscope) by which we perceive the system of systems? In practical situations, the
unifying identity is the question (or problem) that is being addressed: “how do we
manage a system in a certain context in which food, energy, and water are critical
components to achieve desirable outcomes?”
The keyword and phrase in such a question are “context” and “desirable outcomes.” The question will also define issues of spatial and temporal scale (defining
its boundaries and external factors) metrics, data, modeling, and computing.
The issue of defining or framing the question will be addressed in Chap. 12; its
relationship to metrics, data, modeling, and computing will be explored in Chaps.
13–16; and the application of science to practical questions addressed in Chap. 17.
2.6.3.2 Heterogeneous Parts Which Have Mutual Relationships
While in FEW systems, the parts include food, energy, and water elements; there are
usually other parts like population, economics, infrastructure, ecosystem services,
and biodiversity to include.
Interactions are both direct and indirect and usually operating in both directions,
so that we can think of elements of an integrated system having complex interactions embodied in mutual relationships. Further, when one element changes, the
interactions with other parts of the system result in additional interactions on the
first element, that is, reciprocal relationships usually include feedback interactions.
Direct, or first-order, interactions are the influence on a system by another system; for example, the demands on water by the energy system and on energy by the
water system. Many examples of this type of interaction were given above in our
consideration of water, food and energy systems separately.
Indirect interactions include the impacts of one element on another to which it is
not in direct contact. Rather the impact is mediated through other intermediate parts
of the system or factors external to the system. Here are three examples where there
is one step mediating the indirect interaction:
• Energy use of crops for biofuels makes demands on water because of the irrigation needs of those crops.
P. Saundry and B. L. Ruddell