Chapter 2 Technology as a System Technological systems

Chapter 2 Technology as a System

§ Technological systems include the following 5 components. § Goals, Inputs, Processes, Outputs, Feedback and Control § Goals – Humans develop technology to meet certain human needs. This is basically anything we have today. § Radar for example.

§ Inputs – are the resources that go into the system and are used by the system. These items are consumed by the system. § There are 7 components that make up inputs § People – Most important input. § § § They provide know-how, management, labor and policies. Materials – are the substances from which artifacts (human made objects) are made. Tools and Machines – tools are the artifacts we use to expand what we are able to do. Ex. Hammers and screwdrivers. Machines amplify the speed, amount, or direction of a force. Energy – the ability to do work. It can be human muscle, nuclear power or heat energy to sound energy. Information – essential for operating all technology systems. It is organized data made up from facts and figures Finances – money and credit necessary for the economic system to operate. § Time

§ Processes – A series of identifiable tasks that need to be completed. § There are 3 types…. . § 1. Problem Solving – This requires creative action § § § Identify the Problem Develop Solutions Isolating, refining and detailing best solutions Modeling and evaluating the solution Communicate the final solution § 2. Production Processes – actions that are completed to perform the function of the technological system.

§ 3. Management Processes – Actions people use to ensure that the production processes operate efficiently and appropriately. § The following activities need to take place in the Management Process…. . § Planning – Setting goals and developing courses of action to reach the goal. § Organizing – Divide the tasks into major segments and assigns resources to each task. § Actuating – Starting the system to operate by assigning and supervising work § Controlling – Comparing system output to the goal.

§ Outputs – Produced products or Manufactured products. This is the desired outcome of the process.

§ Feedback and Control – Use if information about the outputs of a process or system to regulate the system. § Example……. § What is DATA, INFORMATION and KNOWLEDGE? § Data – is facts and figures § Information – is organized data § Knowledge - is the use of information to understand, interpret, or describe a specific situation or series of events. § Test your knowledge page 41. Write the question and answer on a separate sheet for you to use on the quiz. § Plus the crossword puzzle.