Description

This talk explores three concepts of system in engineering: systems theory, systems approach,
and systems engineering. They are exemplified in three dimensions of engineering: science,
design, and management. Unifying the three system concepts is the idea of function: functional
abstraction in theory, functional analysis in design, and functional requirements in management.
Signifying what a system is for, function is a purposive notion absent in physical science, which
aims to understand nature. It is prominent in engineering, which aims to transform nature for
serving the wants and needs of people.