FIRST CONGRESS ON THE INFORMATION SYSTEM SCIENCES. SESSION 17. THE FLEXIBILITY OF AUTOMATED INFORMATION SYSTEMS.

Abstract

The common characteristics of all types of information systems are detailed, with systems defined as having procedural restrictions and orderliness. The discrete parameter types of simple man-made systems are compared with biological systems to show the flexibility of the apparently continuous parameter aspect of the latter. Hierarchic arrangements are explained and their uses in formal systems described. The flexibility as well as the inefficiency and limitations of informal systems are shown, and the possible reduction in flexibility when formal systems take over is discussed. The goals and requirements of systems design activity are covered, taking into account the use of automation and mechanization to attain the goals. Advantages and disadvantages of thinking machines are discussed, and their use for military command and control purposes is examined in relation to operational effectiveness. The need for flexible military systems is described, but these systems must be balanced by standardized procedures to maintain full control. (Author)

Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Oct 01, 1963
Accession Number
AD0422457

Entities

Organizations

  • MITRE Corporation

Tags

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Automation
  • Command And Control
  • Congress
  • Engineering
  • Information Systems
  • Interdisciplinary Science
  • Mechanization
  • Operational Effectiveness
  • Resilience
  • Systems Biology
  • Systems Engineering
  • Systems Science
  • Thinking

Readers

  • Robotics and Automation.
  • Systems Analysis and Design
  • Theoretical Analysis.

Technology Areas

  • Fully Networked C3
  • Fully Networked C3 - Command and Control