Algorithm for qualitative analysis of a system's dependencies

Abstract

Purpose

Based on knowledge of the variables of a link system and their interrelation, the purpose of this paper is to show how it is possible to specify all the objects relating to dependency chains of a discrete system which are essential in systemic analysis of any system.

Design/methodology/approach

An algorithm is designed based on previously developed theoretical concepts which enables the discovery of the aforementioned objects.

Findings

A tool has been developed which is able to analyse any system with given variables and dependencies in a fast and economical manner.

Practical implications

These results can be applied to a number of cases. For example, in the case of an ecosystem, the structural function associated with each species of the ecosystem can be determined, it could be ascertained whether a group of species covered another group of species, whether there is an invariant group of species can be determined, and the orbit of each species analysed.

Originality/value

The algorithm presented in this paper is innovative in that it is a direct transfer of the theoretical results presented in recent publications, and therefore presupposes a different treatment of the qualitative analysis of the system.

Citation

Lloret‐Climent, M., Esteve‐Calvo, P.F. and Almenara‐Carmona, E. (2009), "Algorithm for qualitative analysis of a system's dependencies", Kybernetes, Vol. 38 No. 9, pp. 1556-1565. https://doi.org/10.1108/03684920910991531