System

A grouping of parts or functions that operate together for a common purpose. An automobile is a system of components that work together to provide transportation. Systems function within boundaries. They usually receive inputs from outside and, as a result of their operations, generate outputs. Systems can contain systems. There are different schools of systems analysts. Some emphasize relatively informal and descriptive approaches while others emphasize formal, mathematical and dynamic approaches. Organizations, business processes and software applications are examples of systems.